Petticoats

Petticoats are an article of clothing that is worn underneath a dress or a skirt. Unlike traditional underwear, a petticoat can be seen and is not necessarily to be hidden from view. Petticoats are frequently made of stiff fabric or warm fabric as their primary purpose through the years was to either add warmth to the wearer or to give shape and dimension to the outer garments being worn. Throughout history various styles have required the use of petticoats in order to create various levels of fullness and shape in the skirt, according to the whims of fashion. A full skirt was often very desired as it gave to the wearer, the illusion of a smaller waist. Often these full skirts were worn in conjunction with very tight corsets.

By 1585, the use of petticoats was in common practice amongst women. During the 18th century, very elaborate and lacy petticoats were worn, often even supported (or made to stick out) by whalebone frames. The Waltz, which became very popular around the year 1820, caused another resurgence of petticoat usage, as very full skirts became a popular fashion to coincide with the elegant dancing of the Waltz.

At times, petticoats were worn in so many layers and corsets were worn so tightly around the waist that women would be known to faint. It was not uncommon to have smelling salts on one’s person or nearby for such emergencies.

Nowadays, petticoats are rarely worn except by occasional use amongst subcultures such as Gothic’s. Brides who are wearing very grand bridal attire will occasionally wear them, too, but their most common use seems to be in period or costume attire.

We have many styles of petticoats to help you get the perfect flouncy skirt that your costume may require in order to look just ‘right’. We have many colors, styles and lengths to choose from to get just the right, layered look under your Halloween costume!