Petticoat

Petticoat is a type of underskirt that is worn over other underskirts and under an overdress (Robe or Gown).
Petticoat comes from the Cotehardie (eng. Kirtle), which is a separate post. Cotehardie is an underdress that was worn over a chemise, the hem of the skirt was often visible from under the overdress. The sleeves of the Cotehardie became cut off in the 15th century, and in the 16th century the dress itself gradually divided into the Bodice (or Corsage) and the skirt – the Petticoat.
Petticoat was different from other skirts in that it was conceived as a visible part of the costume. Petticoat was more decorated, almost always colored, unlike underskirts and chemises. Often the Petticoat had the same print as the overdress. Poor women wore a petticoat as the only skirt – there was only a chemise underneath. In paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries, you can find tradeswomen, townswomen, peasant women, and servants in a bodice and petticoat on the street. Noble or wealthy ladies always wore an overdress outside the home. If we look at a picture of a costume and do not see a petticoat, it means that the skirt is hidden from our eyes, but it is always there. No one wore an overdress over a chemise, pannier, or crinoline. There was always a petticoat between the layers.
Petticoats were made from different materials. Taffeta and silk were often used. The trim was lace, pleats, jewelry, embroidery, and ribbons. In the cold season, the petticoat was quilted for warmth.
During the Empire fashion (1800s – 1810s), the petticoat was not used. In the 1820s, the petticoat returned to fashion, but it was now hidden under the overdress and only occasionally could the hem be seen. In the 1830s to 1850s, many underskirts and petticoats created a fashionable, full silhouette. When the crinoline appeared, it was worn either with only a petticoat, or perhaps with another underskirt. In the 1870s to 1880s, the visible petticoat returned to fashion. In the 20th century, a petticoat was a petticoat that added volume.

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