History of the Petticoat

Pettiskirts, often referred to as petticoats, have been used for hundreds of years. In the 16th Century women used pettiskirts to give the illusion that they had a smaller waist than they actually had because the underskirts would make their dress stand out fuller around their hips. Many women during this time also wore open-fronted dresses, so many pettiskirts needed to have beautiful designs on them as well.

Petticoats were popular during the Renaissance period as well. Many women wore multi-layered dress style designs as part of their ensemble. In the 1700s pettiskirts were usually made out of wool to add warmth.

Women during the 18th Century, both in Europe and America, often wore lacy petticoats. These elegant designs were worn by the wealthy class. Often these lacy pettiskirts were worn with corsets, and separate underwear. The weight of the clothing worn, the tight corsets, and the bulk of the underskirts were often a cause of women fainting.

In the 1800s pettiskirts began to be used for the Opera. Extended frames were built for Opera singers to fit large, full pettiskirts. This allowed the singers a wide, full bodied effect which quickly became recognizable.

Opera styled pettiskirts began to make a fashion trend in America with in a few decades. In the 19th Century, American women wore full framed petticoats to give their dress skirts a wide, full effect. Examples of this type of pettiskirt style can be found in such movies as Gone with the Wind, and The King and I.

During the 1920s the flapper movement started. Smaller pettiskirts were worn to work with more slender dresses and skirts. Sheer underskirts were popular during this time. With the Great Depression and the shortage of materials during World War II, pettiskirts fell out of favor again.

Petticoats were brought back to popularity during the 1950s. Multiple layers of pettiskirts were worn again to add movement to poodle skirts. Normally three single petticoats were worn underneath the poodle skirts, until double and triple layered pettiskirts were manufactured.

During the 1970s ruffled pettiskirts were worn with prairie skirts, and have remained a popular item of western wear. Although they are not popular in day to day usage, pettiskirts have made a comeback with bridal and formal wear. They also are used frequently in professional children photo shoots.

Hip Hop 50′s Shop specializes in Adult Poodle Skirts, crinoline slips, saddle oxford shoes and complete 50′s costumes. We are passionate about Sock Hops and the 1950′s, so our experts share tons of advice and tips on our blog. Come visit anytime.