The History and Evolution of Petticoats

A petticoat is a type of skirt or underskirt that was traditionally worn by women in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was typically made of cotton, linen, or silk and was designed to provide an extra layer of fabric underneath a dress or gown. The purpose of the petticoat was to add volume and fullness to the skirt, as well as to provide modesty coverage.

Petticoats were usually worn with a corset and a hoop skirt to create a full, bell-shaped silhouette that was popular during the Victorian era. They could be made in a variety of styles, including gathered, pleated, or flat, and were often decorated with lace, ribbons, or other embellishments.

Today, petticoats are still worn for historical reenactment or as part of traditional costumes, but they have largely fallen out of fashion as everyday wear. However, the term "petticoat" is still used to describe a type of skirt or underskirt, and it has also been adopted as a slang term for a woman's underwear.