Dress on the cover by Julia Kontogruni
An indispensable complement to the most voluminous dresses, the petticoat – or underskirt – gives shape to the dress while providing greater comfort to the bride. To wear or not to wear a petticoat, that is the question!
The petticoat is a women’s undergarment made of a tulle skirt held in place by hoops. It’s worn beneath a wedding dress and has been a fashionable accessory since the early 1800s, with a few changes made to it between 1850 and 1860.
Even though petticoats were in use as early as the 14th century, they became popular during the Victorian era for adding fullness and form to the skirts that were worn on top. In the 1800s, women wore petticoats over hoops to keep themselves cooler in hot weather and avoid tripping on their multi-skirted dresses. In time, petticoats became a necessary fashion accessory. But petticoats have since become an item that anyone can wear. In the 1800s, women wore petticoats over hoops to keep themselves cooler in hot weather and avoid tripping on their multi-skirted dresses.
Their size and scale depended on the bride’s purchasing power and the size of her dress. Christian Dior’s “New Look” is evidence of this trend. It gained popularity in the 1950s and is distinguished by its cinched waist and flowing, circular skirts. This item has always been linked with grace, fragility, and femininity.
Dresses by Demetrios and Elysée
Even today, it is frequently chosen to complement a more formal ensemble. The petticoat is optional and some dress models allow for it to be worn or not, which influences the appearance of the dress.
You can create two distinct looks depending on whether or not you choose to wear it. It is important to consider the style of dress and the location and theme of the wedding, as some dresses may benefit from the added accessory while others do not require it. If your wedding has a more romantic theme and you opt for a traditional princess dress, you’ll probably need a petticoat to achieve the necessary skirt volume.
However, if you choose to get married on the beach or in the countryside, lighter and more fitted dresses will be a great alternative. Also, the large structure can be replaced by a simple petticoat or specific lingerie to avoid excessive transparencies.
The petticoat remains a versatile accessory that has stood the test of time and continues to be an essential garment for brides who want to give structure and grandeur to their wedding dress. Its use depends on the style of dress decided and the wedding venue, but it remains a timeless and elegant complement to any bridal ensemble.
Dresses by Isabel Sanchis and Joli Poli
