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By 1855, the cage crinoline, or hoop, had swayed on to the scene. Skirts expanded to their maximum size. Women were delighted to wear the cage; it gave relief from the weight of numerous petticoats and from the plethora of undergarments that needed to be washed.

The hoop was popular almost universally and was worn by ladies, maids, the middle class, and shop girls. Women working in fields and those scrubbing floors were among the few exceptions.

Cloaks and mantlelets (short, loose sleeveless cloaks or shawls) remained fashionable for practical reasons—they were the only outerwear capable of covering the triangular silhouette. Shawls worked wonderfully spread out over the width of the hoop and were popular also for their ornamental possibilities.

Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild


1855 day dress Flounced á Disposition - Courtesy of vintagetextile.com

1855 day dress Flounced á Disposition

Courtesy of vintagetextile.com

1850s cotton dress with tucked skirt - Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com

1850s cotton dress with tucked skirt

Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com

1850s cotton print gown - Courtesy of antiquedress.com

1850s cotton print gown

Courtesy of antiquedress.com