What is a crinoline and how is it cared for? A crinoline, also called a fishnet slip or petticoat, is a woman’s underwear intended to fluff up a skirt and give it more of a bell shape. It can be made of fabric or fishnet ruffles and is closely associated with the popular full circle skirt style of the 1950s. Whether new or old, these crinolines require special help to keep their appearance lively and bright.
Here are some ideas on how to properly fluff and shape your fishnet crinoline, and how to remove wrinkles. The wrinkles will sometimes come out on their own if you hang the crinoline for a day or two. This is the first thing to do with a crinoline. It is especially helpful to fluff and separate the layers of the net and gently pull the net to shape it. Give him some smoothies too. Note: It’s okay to hang for a day or two just for shaping, but crinolines should be stored rolled up in a bag, or else they will lose their puff when pulled under their own weight. You can also steam stubborn wrinkles with the hand iron’s steamer setting. Do this by first laying your crinoline on the ironing board so that only one layer of net is exposed. Place an ironing cloth on the crinoline. Put the iron in the “delicate” position and press the crinoline onto the pressing cloth so that the net does not burn. Remaining wrinkles can be removed by hanging the crinoline and gently spraying it with steam from the steamer function of the iron. Just remember: the steam is very hot! Do not touch the iron with the crinoline, or it will burn the net. If you are lucky enough to have a real clothes steamer, hang up the crinoline and steam the crinoline from the inside out. The net will swell instantly. Don’t have access to an iron or steamer? Hang the crinoline in your bathroom. Turn on the hot water in the shower all the way. Close the bathroom door and let it smoke. Come in every few minutes and smooth the net. Or put it in the dryer on lint cycle and let it run for a few minutes, then hang it up and gently separate the layers, shaping the crinoline as you go.
Hanging crinolines in a closet is helpful, but it only serves as temporary storage. Store your rolled crinoline in a plastic or travel / canvas bag. Actual “crinoline bags” can also be purchased at boxy dance supply and costume stores. You can roll up your crinoline without creating new wrinkles like this: stand holding the crinoline in front of you with the waistband at chin level and the crinoline hanging down. Tuck the waistband under your chin and use your arms to gently fold the crinoline from the sides to the center so that you end up with a long, vertical tube. Gently push the air out while doing this. Now start rolling from the bottom up, again gently press the air. Once you have rolled to the top, you will have the waistband section to make a neat wrap around the net. When you need it again, you will have the waistband to hold you while you unroll the crinoline. Don’t let your pet find his way to your precious crinoline and make it his personal throne! Pets love to nest in crinolines, and not only will they have a hard time pulling their hair out, but they will flatten the crinoline as well.
Tired of the color? Crinolines can be dyed. Here’s how to lighten or change the color of a crinoline. Make sure to use a dye that works for nylon fabrics. A crinoline needs two packages. Most people use the “Rit” dye. Rit dye and general clothing dye can be found at your local arts and crafts store or chain of variety stores. Fill the washing machine with hot water, and then mix the dye according to the directions on the package. Just be sure to run the washing machine through an additional cycle after the crinoline is finished dyeing. This will ensure that no additional dye is left in your washing machine! Yellowish crinolines can be bleached. Just dip a cup of washing powder in enough hot water to cover the crinoline. Let it soak for 30 minutes, rinse and hang to dry. To easily “freshen up” your crinoline, simply put it in a dryer on the lint cycle for a few minutes before wearing.
Crinolines give bounce to your circular skirt. They are so much fun when you dance and can add a splash of color and cheekiness. A good one will last with proper care and storage to give it years of ruffled fashion.
Fun Fact: Did you know that in the 1950s they used to make their crinolines stiff by soaking them in a bath of sugar water? This is called “sugar starch.” This is how they used to do it. Mix a couple of cups of sugar in a large bucket of warm water. Once the sugar has dissolved, dip the crinoline in and let it soak for a couple of minutes. Take out the crinoline, let it drip, and then find a place to prop up the crinoline so that it dries in the right way. Some women placed wet crinolines on a large bush in the garden to make them full and fluffy.