Some cosplayers love to create unique designs with historical fashion components, character themed ball gowns or just characters that require a hoop skirt. If you’re looking to do one of these things, it can help to know the hoop skirt types that you can incorporate into your costumes.
What is a Hoop Skirt
A hoop skirt is a type of undergarment that helps to hold a skirt or dress into a particular shaped silhouette. These typically have a series of hoops made from a variety of materials like steel, whalebone, nylon and more. These were mostly popular in the 18th and 19th century fashion trends. Hoop skirts aren’t the same as petticoats.
While they aren’t as popular in today’s standard fashion, they can be used for a variety of things. Most commonly they’re seen for historical reenactment, wedding dresses and of course, cosplays.
Types
These are some of the hoop skirt types you can incorporate into your cosplays.
- Farthingale – This form of hoop skirt originated from Spain. They were especially common in the 16th and 17th centuries. These helped create a desired shape that enlarge the lower half of the body.
- Round Cage Crinoline – These are probably the more popular hoop skirts. They reduce bulkiness of skirts and provide a bell-shaped silhouette to the gown.
- Elliptical Cage Crinoline – These skirts are similar to the round ones but just a modified shape. It focuses more on the back and provides a bustle shape.
- Crinolette – Another bustle shaped choice, these lack caging in the front unlike the elliptical hoop skirt.
- Panniers – Also referred to as side hoops, these were popular also in the 17th and 18th century. These focused on extending the width of the skirt but left the front and back flat. These are great for skirts with lots of embroidery to be displayed.
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