How to Know What Length to Choose Before Buying a Hoop Skirt
- 1). Measure the length of the garment you will be wearing with the hoop skirt (if you already have a specific garment). Generally, the hoop skirt will be approximately the same length or a small amount shorter than the dress. It is important that the hoop skirt not show under the dress, including when you are sitting down, and it should not drag on the floor or cause you to trip.
- 2). Measure the length of your waist down to the length of the outfit (or where you think it will be if you have not yet purchased it). If you just want a hoop skirt to use for various outfits of a general length, then consider how long you want it to be by thinking about the types of dresses with which you will pair it. Many wedding dresses and reenactment costumes are floor length, thus you will want to measure to the floor, leaving a little room so that you can walk.
- 3). Wear your shoes that you will be wearing with the dress, especially if they are heels. They may add several inches to the length of the hoop skirt.
- 4). Choose a standard size if you do not know what dress you will pair with the hoop skirt. For instance, many hoop skirts for full length wedding dresses come in a standard 39- to 40-inch length. You may also need to choose a standard size based on your budget and availability.
- 5). Try on the hoop skirt with the dress if you have it or without it otherwise. This will be the best way to decide what length hoop skirt to get. You may prefer a hoop skirt that slightly shorter than the dress to create a soft drape on the bottom and give less risk of the skirt showing.
- 6). Purchase a longer hoop skirt if you cannot get the exact size you want. It is easier to have a hoop skirt altered to make it shorter than to make it longer.
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