The crinoline fashion trend that killed thousands of women (1860s). A crinoline is a stiff or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman's skirt, popular at various times since the mid 19th Asvsua White Petticoat Skirt For Women Under Dress,Crinoline Underskirt For Women,Knee Length Petticoat at Amazon Women's Clothing store White Petticoat Skirt for Princess Dress Costumes and Bridal Wear Bridal Port 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 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.