History of the Petticoat

Petticoats have been around for centuries, and the arrival of the modern garment can be dated to the 16th century. During the Renaissance, particular importance revolved around the shape of a woman’s figure, and petticoats allowed for dresses to put forth the appearance of having a thin waistline (given the contrast with the full bodied petticoat.)

Not only were the pieces a key undergarment, but women often displayed elaborate designs that complemented their dresses: open gowns and over skirts were designed to show off intricate petticoats as a symbol of status. With a strong following in both the United Kingdom and France, women throughout the countryside were fond of knitting petticoats from wool, while urban women preferred silk designs. The dress style gained a strong following in Wales, where women would create multi-layered designs.

To get a full bodied effect, women often built extended frames for the petticoats, which became a staple of operatic costume. The fashion soon spread from Europe to the Americas in the 19th century, where formal dances, such as the waltz, gave women an opportunity to show off their attire, as demonstrated in many southern novels, such as Gone with the Wind. Carrying an air of Victorian elegance, the designs would evolve to become less full over the course of the 20th century.

Early in the century, the flapper movement gave women a license to be more more provocative, leading to more slender attire and smaller petticoats. The styles gained favor again in the post-war era, although their application became limited to formal attire along with niche fashion trends such as petticoats. Today, the petticoat is a core part of formal and bridal attire.