Let's begin in March 1985 with the article on the advantages of the newly patented Douglas and Sherwood's New Matinee Skirt in Godey's Lady's Book.

DIRECTIONS FOR USING--Every wearer of Skeleton Hoop Skirts has experience more or less inconvenience and danger from the hoops catching in everything that came in their way--entangling the feet in ascending stairs, the steps of an omnibus, etc.--and has only continued to patronize them, because it was so troublesome to remove and replace the hoops of the muslin skirts for the purpose of washing. The Matinee Skirt, made of fine muslin with eleven hoops and the Adjustable Bustle, combines all the advantage of the former muslin and skeleton skirts, with this great additional one, that by means of the Patent Detachable Hoop Fastening, the hoops can be removed and replaced instantly and easily. The muslin skirt will cost no more for washing than an ordinary over skirt, and the cut of the garment will insure its graceful set on the person. The band down the front is stitched on one side and hooked on the other, covering the Patent Detachable Fastening. (Godey's Lady's Book, v.LVIII, p.265)

The article goes on the describe, in detail the ease with which one could remove and replace the hoops, and the options for adjustment of the overall width. The reader is left with the final words of advice-- "For wet weather, however, it is a good plan to increase the size of the Bustle, the better to keep the skirts out of the mud." (Godey's Lady's Book, v.LVIII)