George Boyle
A pannier is a type of underskirt or petticoat that can be worn under a wedding dress. It is a hoop skirt that extends the width of the skirt at the sides, leaving the front and back flat. This provides a panel where decorative elements can be displayed. A pannier can be used to give structure to a wedding dress, creating a full-skirted look, and is especially useful for dresses with many layers, helping them to settle back into shape as the wearer moves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | A pannier is a type of undergarment or underskirt worn under a wedding dress. |
| Style | A pannier is a wide, domed hoop skirt that extends the width of the skirt at the sides, leaving the front and back relatively flat. |
| History | Panniers originated in the 17th and 18th centuries, first appearing in Spanish court dress and later spreading to France and the rest of Europe. |
| Purpose | Panniers provide structure and shape to the wedding dress, creating a full and fluffy silhouette. They also display intricate woven patterns, decorations, and embroidery. |
| Fabric | Panniers can be made from materials such as linen, lace, silk organza, and tulle netting. |
| Color | Panniers are typically white or ivory cream in color to match the wedding dress. |
| Features | Some panniers have wire hoops to create a full shape and can be adjusted for a perfect fit. |
| Care | Panniers made from linen may require special care, including separate washing to avoid color transfer and pilling. |
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What You'll Learn
Panniers are women's undergarments
Panniers, also known as side hoops, are women's undergarments that were commonly worn in the 17th and 18th centuries. They served the purpose of extending the width of skirts at the sides, while the front and back remained relatively flat. This unique structure provided a panel where intricate woven patterns, elaborate decorations, and rich embroidery could be displayed and admired.
The style of panniers is believed to have originated in the Spanish court dress of the 17th century, as seen in portraits by Velázquez. From there, it spread to France and the rest of Europe in the early 18th century. Some also suggest that the pannier style may have originated in Germany or England, with evidence of its presence in England as early as 1710.
Panniers were designed to be wide and domed in circumference, creating a distinctive silhouette. They were particularly prominent in court dresses, such as the one worn by Marie Antoinette in 1779, which featured extremely wide panniers.
Today, panniers are still used in wedding dresses and are often referred to as underskirts or petticoats. They are typically made of lightweight materials such as linen or silk organza and are designed to be comfortable and elegant. These modern panniers are often adjustable and can be found in various lengths, such as knee-length or floor-length, to accommodate different dress styles.
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They extend the width of skirts at the side
A pannier is a type of undergarment that was commonly worn in the 17th and 18th centuries to extend the width of skirts at the side, leaving the front and back relatively flat. This unique silhouette provided an ideal panel for displaying intricate woven patterns, elaborate decorations, and rich embroidery. The style is believed to have originated in the Spanish court dress of the 17th century, as depicted in portraits by Velázquez. From there, it spread to France and the rest of Europe, including Germany and England, where it underwent slight variations.
Panniers, also known as side hoops, were designed to be worn under skirts to create a distinctive, extended shape. This was achieved by using strong wire hoops that provided structure and volume to the skirt. The result was a wide and domed circumference that accentuated the sides of the skirt. Today, panniers are still used in wedding dresses, adding a touch of vintage glamour and a unique silhouette to the bridal ensemble.
One example of a wedding dress that incorporates panniers is the wafu Linen Wedding Dress. This dress is made from 100% pure linen and is designed to be modest yet elegant. The pannier, also crafted from Belgian linen, complements the dress by extending the width of the skirt at the sides, creating a graceful and distinctive silhouette. The linen fabric becomes softer and more comfortable with each wash, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience.
Additionally, the 1950s Lace and Organza Pannier Wedding Dress is another vintage-inspired creation featuring pannier panels. This knee-length dress combines cotton lace with a silk organza skirt and tulle netting underneath, capturing the charm of a bygone era. The pannier panels enhance the shape of the skirt, providing a unique and romantic look for the bride.
Panniers continue to be a source of inspiration for modern wedding dress designs, adding volume and structure to skirts. They offer a creative way to showcase intricate embroidery and decorative details, just as they did in the courts of Europe centuries ago. Whether it's a vintage-style wedding dress or a modern interpretation, panniers contribute to the overall elegance and uniqueness of the bridal ensemble.
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They originated in the 17th century
Panniers, also known as side hoops, are women's undergarments worn underneath dresses. They were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries to extend the width of skirts at the sides, leaving the front and back relatively flat. This originated in the 17th century with Spanish court dress, as seen in portraits by Velázquez. The fashion then spread to France and later to the rest of Europe. Some sources suggest that panniers may have originated in Germany or England, with evidence of their presence in England as early as 1710.
Panniers provided a unique opportunity to showcase intricate woven patterns, elaborate decorations, and rich embroidery on the side panels of skirts. They were constructed with hinges, allowing the lateral extensions to collapse when passing through doorways or entering a vehicle. The spring of the pannier, made from whale bone or caning, could be adjusted to the desired width using pairs of tapes on the inside of the garment. This adjustability ensured that the wearer could customise the shape and size of the pannier to their preference.
The use of panniers under court dresses is well documented, with examples dating back to the 18th century. For instance, the Robe à la Française, a style from the 1770s, is known for incorporating panniers. The durability of the pannier trend is evident, as it was worn not only under court dresses but also with later 18th-century styles. Marie Antoinette, for instance, wore extremely wide panniers under her court dress in 1779.
Panniers played a significant role in shaping the silhouette of the time, with skirts reaching extreme widths by the late 1720s. This trend had a lasting impact on fashion, influencing subsequent styles and continuing to be referenced in modern fashion design. For example, the Spring 2013 Alexander McQueen Ready-to-Wear collection featured dresses that incorporated panniers, showcasing the enduring appeal of this historical fashion element.
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They are also known as side hoops
Panniers, also known as side hoops, are a type of undergarment or accessory that is worn at the hips to create a wider, more dramatic silhouette. The name "pannier" comes from the French word for "basket," as the shape they create is similar to that of a basket hanging on each side of a horse. Side hoops were particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, during the Baroque and Rococo periods, when fashion favoured an exaggerated, curvaceous figure. While they were once a staple for women's attire, they have since fallen out of everyday use. However, they have found a niche in bridal fashion, where they are used to create unique and striking wedding dress silhouettes. When used in a wedding dress context, side hoops can add a touch of vintage glamour and a dramatic, eye-catching element to the overall bridal look. They are particularly effective for brides who want to accentuate their hips and create an hourglass figure. The use of side hoops in a wedding dress can be a beautiful way to pay homage to historical fashion while also adding a unique and modern twist.
Side hoops typically consist of a rigid structure that is worn at the hips, with a fabric covering that blends in with the dress. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, or plastic, and are designed to be discreetly hidden beneath the dress fabric. The structure of side hoops can vary, but they typically consist of a curved frame that extends outwards from the waist, creating a rounded, basket-like shape at the hips. This construction helps to hold up the wide skirts that are often seen in wedding dresses, creating a beautiful bell-like shape. While they are most commonly associated with historical costumes and period dramas, side hoops have been reimagined for modern bridalwear, offering a unique alternative to traditional wedding dress shapes.
For a wedding dress, side hoops can be integrated into the dress design in a number of ways. They can be built into the dress structure itself, creating a seamless and cohesive look. Alternatively, they can be detachable, allowing for more flexibility in the dress design and providing the option to remove them for the reception or after-party. Detachable side hoops can also be a more cost-effective option, as they can be rented or borrowed, and can transform the look of a simpler, more streamlined dress. Whether built-in or detachable, side hoops are a unique way to add structure and drama to a wedding dress, creating a memorable and romantic silhouette.
The use of side hoops in wedding dresses is often associated with vintage or historical-themed weddings, where they can help to create an authentic and dramatic look. However, they can also be adapted for more modern settings, adding an unexpected and unique twist to a contemporary wedding dress. Side hoops can be particularly effective for outdoor weddings, where the dramatic silhouette can be showcased against a natural backdrop, creating stunning visual contrast. Whether used for a themed wedding or a modern celebration, side hoops offer a unique way to enhance the bridal silhouette and create a lasting impression.
In conclusion, side hoops are a unique and beautiful way to enhance a wedding dress, adding structure and drama to the bridal silhouette. Their historical associations add a touch of vintage glamour, while their modern adaptations showcase their versatility and enduring appeal. For brides who want to make a statement and embrace a unique twist on traditional bridalwear, side hoops offer a wonderful option to consider. Whether built into the dress design or used as a detachable accessory, side hoops are a beautiful way to accentuate the hips and create a memorable wedding day look.
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They are used in wedding dresses for a full-skirted look
A pannier is a type of undergarment or underskirt worn to extend the width of skirts while keeping the front and back relatively flat, resulting in a full-skirted look. They are often associated with historical court dresses, such as those from the 17th and 18th centuries, and are sometimes known as side hoops or crinolines. In the context of wedding dresses, panniers can be used to create a similar full and fluffy silhouette, particularly for shorter, vintage-style gowns. They can also be used to provide structure and shape to A-line dresses, which are designed to flare gradually from the natural waist, creating a distinctive silhouette.
Panniers for wedding dresses are typically made from lightweight materials such as linen or silk organza and may feature tulle netting underneath. They can be adjusted to fit the wearer's waist and are often floor-length. Some modern panniers incorporate wire hoops to enhance the fullness of the skirt and create a more structured silhouette. These hoop skirts are commonly available from bridal retailers and can add volume to a range of dress styles, including A-line, ball gowns, and Cinderella-inspired costumes.
The use of panniers in wedding dresses allows for creative expression and a unique, dramatic look. By extending the width of the skirt, panniers provide a canvas for intricate details such as woven patterns, elaborate decorations, and rich embroidery, ensuring that these elements are fully appreciated. This aspect was particularly prominent in the historical use of panniers, where the side hoops displayed intricate designs and embellishments.
In summary, panniers are an essential component of certain wedding dress styles, providing shape, volume, and a full-skirted silhouette. They enhance the overall aesthetic of the gown, allowing the designer's vision to be fully realised and appreciated. By utilising panniers, brides can achieve a dramatic and distinctive look, paying homage to historical fashion while expressing their unique sense of style.
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Frequently asked questions
A pannier is an undergarment that is worn under a wedding dress to give it a full shape. It is also known as a hoop skirt or a petticoat.
A pannier typically consists of strong wire hoops that give the dress its shape. The part that goes around the waist is often made of velcro or ties.
A pannier is typically worn under A-line dresses, Cinderella dresses, ball gowns, and prom gowns to give them a full shape. They are also worn under shorter vintage-looking gowns to achieve a "full and fluffy retro look".
