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panniers

Paniers are types of hoop-like structures that sit on the hips and hold skirts outwards at the sides. Originally used in the 18th century, these paniers were named after the basket-like materials used to create undergarment supports (French paniers means basket). In England, this term was spelled as panniers, but the actual devices were often referred to simply as hoops. Today, paniers are commonly used in evening and wedding gowns to add volume and drama to the skirt. Despite their historical origins, the term panier has largely given way to hoop when referring to these types of structures.