The petticoat, an iconic fashion piece from the past, is making a comeback in today’s world, where comfort and practicality are prioritized. Originating during the Tudor era, petticoats were worn for enhancing hips and providing volume and comfort (Müller). This garment has undergone various transformations throughout history, representing feminine beauty, freedom, and individual expression.
During the Elizabethan period, petticoats were large, bell-shaped skirts made of heavy fabrics like wool or silk, worn with farthingales to support the fullness (Brown). They were often adorned with intricate embroidery, beads, and lace, symbolizing wealth and status.
The popularity of petticoats continued into the Georgian and Victorian eras when they became an essential component of women’s clothing. However, instead of being worn as standalone garments, they were now used as undergarments to create the desired hourglass figure with the help of corsets and other restrictive clothing (Schlesinger).
Representing female autonomy, petticoats offered more freedom than these restrictive garments. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in this voluminous garment as part of the trend towards emphasizing individuality and creativity through clothing (Schmidt). Today’s petticoats are worn underneath dresses, adding fullness to the hips, and can now be found in various materials, colors, and styles to reflect personal expression.
FAQs:
- What is a petticoat? – A voluminous hip garment that adds fullness to a skirt or dress when worn underneath.
- How is it worn? – Typically, a petticoat is worn underneath a dress, adding volume and fullness to the hemline. It can also be worn as a standalone garment for a vintage look.
- In which era was it popular? – From the Tudor period to pre-war times, with notable popularity during the Elizabethan, Georgian, and Victorian eras.
- How can I express my style with a petticoat? – Through color, material, and style choices, such as choosing a pastel-colored silk petticoat for a vintage look or a denim one for a modern twist.