Hoop
c. 1865
Cotton tape and wire
Gift of Elizabeth Haynes
Object number84.26.2
Prior to the development of the cage crinoline, or hoop skirt, women wore layers of petticoats that were often stiffened with horsehair in order to achieve voluminous skirt widths. The lightweight cage alleviated the burden and discomfort of numerous heavy petticoats.
DescriptionCage underskirt, with wire ribs connected by woven cotton tape; waist tape with metal hook closureCollections
Exhibitions