Petticoat History
Petticoats, also known as underskirts, were being worn by the end of the 16th century. Petticoats were worn by women who wanted to have the current fashionable shape created by their own clothing. A petticoat would hold the overskirt out in a domed shape. This gave the wearer of the petticoat the impression of a smaller waist and complemented the desired larger bust.
Elaborate petticoats were worn under open fronted gowns. Eighteenth century petticoats made from wool or silk were often quilted for warmth. These ankle-length petticoats remained a rural fashion and are part of Welsh national dress.
In the early nineteenth century, dresses became narrower but as the waltz became popular, full-skirted gowns were revived. Petticoats were worn over hoops, other underwear including a corset, a corset cover and drawers plus the gown. The use of multiple petticoats was popular until the 1870's when the bustle was introduced. Narrower skirts became the fashion going into the twentieth century.
Modern Petticoats
In the beginning of the twentieth century, multiple petticoats fell out of fashion but in the late 1920's, chiffon dresses with with several sheer petticoats became fashionable. With the Great Depression in the 1930's, narrow skirts came in and petticoats were out, but at the end of the decade, petticoats were revived for evening prom and wedding dresses. However, World War II bought an end to petticoats with rationing and shortages of materials.
Christian Dior revived the full-skirted look at the end of the 40's and stiffened petticoats were popular throughout the 1950's. The petticoats were made from nylon chiffon, taffeta and organdy, and were available in single layers until the manufacturers began making double and triple layer petticoats. Sometimes a slip was worn under the petticoat and they tended to be scratchy.
By the mid-twentieth century, full petticoats were rare although still being worn for proms and weddings. Ruffled white or unbleached cotton petticoats were a brief fashion under Prairie skirts in the 70's and remain a component of Western wear. By the end of the 80's, women wanting dresses with a full skirt for proms and parties bought dresses with attached crinoline petticoats.
Petticoats Today
Full, tiered petticoats have made a comeback in many different ways. The traditional purpose for petticoats is no longer the main reason for wear, but more for fashion. Petticoats are still very popular for weddings and special occasions, but are now also worn as everyday items for women wanting style and a classic look. The huge popularity of vintage clothing and the "Vintage-Look" has led to a rise in demand for petticoats. A beautiful petticoat is extremely versatile in today's fashionable world and a must-have for every women's wardrobe.