PETTICOATS, also known as underskirts, were first introduced at the end of the 16th century.

They were worn by women who wanted to have the current fashionable shape created by their own clothing.

A petticoat would hold the overskirt out in a domed shape thus giving the impression of a smaller waist and larger bust.

In the early nineteenth century, dresses became narrower but as the waltz became popular, full-skirted gowns were revived.

Petticoats were worn over hoops and the use of multiple petticoats was popular until the 1870s when the bustle was introduced. Narrower skirts became the fashion going into the 20th century.

Fast forward to the 40s and Christian Dior At the turn of the century, multiple petticoats fell out of fashion but by the late 1920s, chiffon dresses with several sheer petticoats became fashionable once more.

With the Great Depression of the 1930s and of course the Second World War in the 40s, narrow skirts were in and petticoats were out!

However, by end of the decade, petticoats were beginning to be revived once more for evening, prom and wedding dresses.

Christian Dior put the full-skirted look firmly on the map at the end of the 40s and large stiffened petticoats were popular throughout the 1950s.

The petticoats were made from nylon chiffon, taffeta and organza, and were available in single, double and triple layers.

Sometimes a slip was worn under the petticoat as they tended to be scratchy. To keep that firm starchy finish, women would dip their petticoats in hot sugared water and drip dry them to crisp up!

By the mid-twentieth century, full petticoats were rare although still being worn for proms and weddings.

Ruffled white or unbleached cotton petticoats were a brief fashion under Prairie skirts in the 70s and remain a component of Western wear.

By the end of the 80s, women wanting dresses with a full skirt for proms and parties bought dresses with attached crinoline petticoats.

Through the decades, petticoats were used for different occasions and wear, and now full, tiered petticoats have made a comeback in many different ways.

The traditional purpose for petticoats is no longer the main reason for wear, but more for fashion.

Petticoats are still very popular for weddings and special occasions, but are now also worn as everyday items for women wanting that vintage style and a classic look.

The huge popularity of vintage clothing and the vintage look has led to a rise in demand for petticoats.

A beautiful petticoat is extremely versatile in today’s fashionable world and a must-have for every women’s wardrobe.

I sell an array of vintage-style petticoats at My Vintage, in a rainbow of colours.

Perfect with swing dresses and circle skirts in lots of different colours and prints, they are the perfect way to complete the 1950s look.