Petticoat vs. Underskirt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Petticoat refers to a historical garment worn under dresses to give shape, while an underskirt is a modern undergarment used for modesty or to prevent chafing.
Difference Between Petticoat and Underskirt
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Key Differences
Petticoats were originally designed to support the structure of dresses, adding volume and shape, especially noticeable in historical and formal attire. Whereas underskirts serve a more practical function in contemporary fashion, primarily to ensure that outer garments hang smoothly and opaquely.
Petticoats are often made from stiffer materials like tulle or horsehair to maintain a specific silhouette, while underskirts are typically crafted from softer, lightweight fabrics such as silk or polyester for comfort.
Petticoats may feature multiple layers and elaborate detailing, aligning with their role in traditional and ceremonial outfits. On the other hand, underskirts are generally simpler and sleeker, focusing on functionality without unnecessary embellishments.
While petticoats are frequently associated with older or traditional fashion eras, underskirts remain a staple in modern wardrobe, useful in various settings from office wear to evening gowns.
In terms of cultural significance, petticoats often appear in discussions of historical fashion and costume design, whereas underskirts are considered a basic, everyday garment without much historical or cultural connotation.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To add volume and shape
To provide smoothness and cover
Material
Stiffer fabrics like tulle
Softer fabrics like silk
Layers
Multiple and elaborate
Fewer and simpler
Fashion Era
Historical and formal
Modern and practical
Cultural Significance
Historically significant
Less culturally significant
Compare with Definitions
Petticoat
Often layered and stiff, made from materials like horsehair.
Her petticoat rustled as she moved, its layers making a swishing sound.
Underskirt
Made from soft, comfortable materials like silk or polyester.
Her underskirt was a smooth polyester blend that felt gentle against her skin.
Petticoat
Worn as part of formal attire and costumes.
The actress wore an authentic petticoat to portray the historical figure accurately.
Underskirt
Focuses on practicality without embellishments.
The underskirt was plain, designed only to support the dress above it.
Petticoat
Historically, a garment used to shape the dresses of earlier centuries.
Petticoats were essential in 18th-century fashion to achieve the period silhouette.
Underskirt
Typically simpler and less layered than petticoats.
The simple underskirt provided just enough coverage.
Petticoat
A woman's undergarment worn beneath a skirt or dress to add fullness.
The Victorian dress was supported by a voluminous petticoat.
Underskirt
Used in everyday fashion across various settings.
For the business meeting, she chose a sleek underskirt to complement her pencil skirt.
Petticoat
May feature decorations such as lace or embroidery.
The petticoat was adorned with fine lace at the hem.
Underskirt
A lightweight skirt worn under outer clothes, usually for modesty.
She wore an underskirt to prevent the sheer fabric from revealing too much.
Petticoat
A petticoat or underskirt is an article of clothing, a type of undergarment worn under a skirt or a dress. Its precise meaning varies over centuries and between countries.
Underskirt
A skirt worn under another skirt; a petticoat.
Petticoat
A girl's or woman's undergarment, worn under a dress or skirt, that is often full and trimmed with ruffles or lace. Also called pettiskirt.
Underskirt
One skirt of a layered gown over which outer skirts are formed and draped.
Petticoat
Relating to or characteristic of women.
Underskirt
A skirt worn underneath another skirt; a petticoat.
Petticoat
(historical) A tight, usually padded undercoat worn by men over a shirt and under the doublet.
Underskirt
An under layer of a multi-layer gown over which outer skirts are draped.
Petticoat
(historical) A woman's undercoat, worn to be displayed beneath an open gown.
Underskirt
A petticoat; the foundation skirt of a draped dress.
Petticoat
(historical) A fisherman's loose canvas or oilcloth skirt.
Underskirt
Undergarment worn under a skirt
Petticoat
A type of ornamental skirt or underskirt, often displayed below a dress; chiefly in plural, designating a woman's skirts collectively.
Petticoat
A light woman's undergarment worn under a dress or skirt, and hanging either from the shoulders or (now especially) from the waist; a kind of slip, worn to make the skirt fuller, or for extra warmth.
Petticoat
(slang) A woman.
Petticoat
(historical) A bell-mouthed piece over the exhaust nozzles in the smokebox of a locomotive, strengthening and equalising the draught through the boiler-tubes.
Petticoat
(transitive) To dress in a petticoat.
Petticoat
(dated) Feminine; female; involving a woman.
Petticoat influence
A petticoat affair
Petticoat
A loose under-garment worn by women, and covering the body below the waist.
Petticoat
Undergarment worn under a skirt
Common Curiosities
How is an underskirt different from a petticoat in terms of material?
Underskirts are usually made from softer, more comfortable materials than the stiffer fabrics of petticoats.
Are underskirts visible when worn?
Underskirts are designed to be discreet and are usually not visible under outer garments.
What is the main purpose of a petticoat?
To add volume and shape to a dress or skirt.
Is an underskirt necessary for all types of dresses?
Not for all, but it is advisable for sheer or lighter fabrics to maintain modesty and improve drape.
Can petticoats be worn with casual wear?
Petticoats are typically reserved for more formal or historical outfits.
How do you choose the right petticoat for a dress?
Based on the desired volume and the style of the dress.
Are petticoats still relevant in today's fashion?
Yes, especially in bridal and historical reenactment contexts.
What era are petticoats most associated with?
Petticoats are closely associated with the fashion of the 18th and 19th centuries.
How do petticoats influence the overall appearance of a dress?
They can dramatically change the silhouette and volume of a dress.
Are there different types of petticoats?
Yes, including those designed for specific types of dresses like ball gowns or A-line skirts.
How do the functions of petticoats and underskirts differ in modern fashion?
Petticoats are used to create a specific silhouette or add drama, while underskirts smooth and protect against transparency.
What are common materials used in making underskirts?
Common materials include silk, polyester, and cotton blends.
Can underskirts be used for formal occasions?
Yes, they are often used under formal dresses to enhance comfort and appearance.
What should one consider when buying an underskirt?
Consider the length, material, and the type of outer garment it will be worn with.
Can an underskirt have decorative elements?
Typically, underskirts are plain, but some may have minimal decorative features like lace trims.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
