Crinolines were the epitome of mid nineteenth century fashion, giving women the coveted bell shaped silhouette. Made of horsehair and steel, these cage like petticoats could span several feet in diameter, making them quite cumbersome. When A Frolic through Time: Period Costuming and the Occasional Side Trip: 1895 Outfit: Period Methods To Add Skirt Fullness: Part 2B: Petticoats Redux The older Boomer girls will remember wearing a Petticoat underneath the skirt or dress. They came in Nylon, Crinoline, my older sister had one made out of horsehair. White Cotton Petticoat Lacey Ruffle Midi Renaissance Skirt S White Cotton Petticoat Lacey Ruffle Midi Renaissance Skirt 2X