A petticoat is an underskirt worn to add volume and shape to the skirt above it. Collectif's petticoats come in net, chiffon and taffeta, in lengths and fullness levels to suit swing dresses, circle skirts and 1950s silhouettes.
12 products
-
Grace All-Day Petticoat NavyGrace All-Day Petticoat Navy- Regular price
-
£40.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£40.00
-
Grace All-Day Petticoat WhiteGrace All-Day Petticoat White- Regular price
-
£40.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£40.00
-
Doris Luxury Petticoat PinkDoris Luxury Petticoat Pink- Regular price
-
£50.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£50.00
-
Grace All-Day Petticoat BlueGrace All-Day Petticoat Blue- Regular price
-
£40.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£40.00
-
Grace All-Day Petticoat BlackGrace All-Day Petticoat Black- Regular price
-
£40.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£40.00
-
Doris Luxury Petticoat BlackDoris Luxury Petticoat Black- Regular price
-
£50.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£50.00
-
Grace All-Day Petticoat PinkGrace All-Day Petticoat Pink- Regular price
-
£40.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£40.00
-
Grace All-Day Petticoat RedGrace All-Day Petticoat Red- Regular price
-
£40.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£40.00
-
Doris Luxury Petticoat BlueDoris Luxury Petticoat Blue- Regular price
-
£50.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£50.00
-
Doris Luxury Petticoat NavyDoris Luxury Petticoat Navy- Regular price
-
£50.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£50.00
-
Doris Luxury Petticoat RedDoris Luxury Petticoat Red- Regular price
-
£50.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£50.00
-
Doris Luxury Petticoat WhiteDoris Luxury Petticoat White- Regular price
-
£50.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£50.00
Choosing a Petticoat
Fullness. A single-layer net petticoat gives a light lift under a day dress. A multi-layer petticoat creates the pronounced 1950s shape for occasion wear and dancing.
Length. The petticoat should sit about an inch shorter than the skirt so it does not show at the hem. Measure the dress you plan to wear it under before choosing.
Fabric. Net gives the most volume and holds its shape. Chiffon is softer and sits closer to the leg. Taffeta falls somewhere between the two and rustles less than net.
What to Wear a Petticoat With
Petticoats work under swing dresses, circle skirts and anything cut full from the waist. They are not worn under pencil dresses, which are designed to follow the body.
For a fuller breakdown of lengths and layers, read our petticoat guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage-Inspired Petticoats
What is a petticoat?
A petticoat is an underskirt worn beneath a dress or skirt. Historically it was a layer of warmth and modesty; today it is worn mainly to add volume, so a full skirt keeps its shape rather than hanging flat.
What is the difference between a petticoat and an underskirt?
The words are often used interchangeably. In practice, a petticoat is usually stiffened with net or layers to add volume, while a plain underskirt is a smooth slip worn for coverage or to stop a skirt clinging.
How do you stop a petticoat showing?
Choose one that sits roughly an inch shorter than the hem of the dress or skirt. If it still shows, the petticoat is too long or the skirt is not full enough to cover it.
Do I need a petticoat under a swing dress?
No, but it changes the silhouette. Without one, the skirt falls softly. With one, it stands away from the body in the fuller 1950s shape.
How do you wash a petticoat?
Follow the care label on your specific petticoat. Net layers generally keep their shape better when washed gently and left to dry naturally rather than tumble dried.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes. UK delivery is free on orders over £90, and we ship internationally. See our delivery information for details.