hmm, I just found this thread and you've ordered already, but I wanted to say that I had a 3 hoop and it was perfect. I wanted max pouf under my full organza ballgown, but didn't want to spend $100 on the largest crinoline my bridal shop had. I got the 3 hoop from Angels Bridal on eBay like the rest of you. I had read somewhere (can't remember if it was here) that sitting in a hoop skirt is actually EASIER than in a regular crinoline. You lift the hoop closest to your butt slightly and then sit on it. That action flattens the front of your dress. I could have gotten a 4 hoop, but that might have been excessive...

My skirt was POUFY POUFY POUFY and I loved it! It was also very cool because all that dress was off my legs. I was worried about it being itchy, but there was a satin lining on the inside of the skirt.