_Queries on Costume._--In Wilson's _Life of De Foe_ there is an anecdote of
Charles II. concealing himself, when a fugitive from Worcester, beneath a
lady's hoop, while his pursuers searched the house in which he had taken
refuge. Were hoops worn so early as the year 1651? In the _Book of Costume_
I find no mention of them before the beginning of the eighteenth century;
but I do not think this circumstance conclusive, as the "Lady of Rank" is
not always very accurate.
Writing in the reign of Anne, she says, "Fans were now very much used," but
omits to mention that they were in fashion long before, having been
indispensable to Catherine of Braganza and her ladies at home and abroad,
in the church and the theatre.
"Long gloves," says the Lady of Rank, "began to be worn by the ladies in
this reign." (Queen Anne's).
"Twelve dozen Martial,[2] whole and half," says Evelyn:--were not _whole_
Martial gloves, long?