The hoop was also a double edged sword when it came to the issue of morality. A large hoop would prevent a gentleman from getting too close when courting. On the other hand, the hoop could reveal too much of a temptation to the male population. When a lady walked it tipped and swayed, providing the male onlooker with exciting glimpses of her ankles and underwear. (Buxton. 39) In the July 18, 1865 issue of Austin's Reese River Reveille, there was a rather serious conversation regarding socially acceptable behavior.

STREET MANNERS-- There is also a peculiar habit of some of the sterner sex, called men, which is refreshing to notice, as an exhibition of remarkably fine taste and decorum. That is, when a lady passes who is compelled to hold up her skirts to avoid the filth or wet on the pavement to stop, turn around and examine with deliberation, not to say anxiety, her lower extremities--make a minute examination of her ankles, and whatever a tilting hoop may chance to display. Tilting hoops to be sure, often display charms to which the most cold-blooded may not always be insensible, and when one sees white hose filled with the daintiest proportions and moving with elastic and graceful step, just a few yards ahead, one is not perhaps called up on to cover his eyes with his hands; but to deliberately stop and turn round upon a passing of woman for the purpose of inspecting such a phenomenon, is not in the very best taste.

Reese River Reveille, 7/18/1865