Crinoline
Description
Originally, the stiff, horsehair fabric that was used to make structured petticoats in the mid-19th century. Later, the term was used for the petticoat itself, that was often augmented with hoopskirts made with whalebone, wood, or steel. Expanding on the definition of crinoline as a coarse Horsehair fabric, the open weave with stiff or corded fibers was also made of Linen or Cotton. Crinoline fabric was used to line and stiffen book bindings, hats, and garments. In the 21st century, the term crin is still used to describe a type of woven Nylon flat braid, available in various widths and used for stiffening and providing bulk-free body to hemlines. Crin tape/trim is typically transparent, though it also comes in black, white, and cream colors.
Synonyms and Related Terms
crinolina (Esp.); crinoline (hoepelrok, petticoat); crinoline (stof) (weefsel van garen en paardenhaar) (Ned); crinoline tape; crin tape;
Resources and Citations
- Bill Bryson, ‘At Home: A Short History of Private Life’ Doubleday Publishers, London 2010.
- Wikipedia: Crinoline (Accessed October 2020 and March 2025)