It is amazing that some people are still unsure as to what a petticoat is, which are also called underskirts, Crinoline, or tulle. They are lightweight, fluffy skirts that are used to create specific shapes by layering them under dresses or skirts.
A petticoat or underskirt is an article of clothing, a type of undergarment worn under a skirt or a dress. Its precise meaning varies over centuries and between countries.Sometimes a petticoat may be called a waist slip or underskirt or half slip, with petticoat restricted to extremely full garments. A chemise hangs from the shoulders. Petticoat can also refer to a full-length slip in the UK, although this usage is somewhat old-fashioned.
Also, in modern usage, an underskirt worn by women. The petycote (probably derived from the Old French petite cote, “little coat”) appeared in literature in the 15th century in reference to a kind of padded waistcoat, or undercoat, worn for warmth over the shirt by men.Underskirts worn under non-Western clothing, such as the ghagra worn under a sari, are also often called petticoats. Sari petticoats usually match the color of the sari and are made of satin or cotton.
By the nineteenth century, petticoats had several functions. They were used as underlinen to provide warmth and protect outer clothing from an unclean body, to give a structure to the skirt depending on the fashionable silhouette of the time, and to disguise the shape of the legs to give a modest appearance to a woman.
This layer of petticoats is not just designed to create puff or flare; it can also be worn for different purposes. For example, they can add uniqueness to a look by making the skirts fuller, longer, and lifting dresses and tops.Here’s how women across the world style their petticoats:
- Pinup groups / Vintage looks
- Rockabilly look
- Square Dancing
- Wedding/bridesmaid dress
- Disney look
- Halloween costume
- Holiday looks
- Modern / Skirt look
For daily wear, cotton fabrics are the most comfortable choice for saree petticoats. For formal sarees, a silk or satin saree petticoat is preferred, especially if your saree is sheer. If you’re going for a slim-fit petticoat then a satin petticoat would be the best choice of fabric.
You shouldn’t need to wash your petticoat very often as it’s protected by the dress or skirt that’s on top so it shouldn’t get too dirty. When it is time to give it a wash, you can hand wash it in the bathtub or put it in the washing machine on a gentle/delicate cycle.
Now, get your own petticoats!!!