petticoat
Skirt beneath skirt
A petticoat is an undergarment worn beneath a skirt or dress, typically to add fullness or prevent the outer fabric from clinging.
The word evokes earlier eras when women's undergarments were more elaborate: Victorian petticoats with layers of lace.
Petticoat sometimes appears figuratively to mean feminine influence or women collectively, often dismissively: petticoat government.
Minor error or misstep
- underskirtGarment worn beneath outer layer
- crinolineStructural petticoat for volume
- hoopskirtStiffened underskirt framework
- farthingaleHooped petticoat framework
bustle · pannier · shift · chemise · kirtle · frock · gown · dress
Fine net fabric
- crinolineStructural petticoat for volume
- organzaSheer, crisp dress fabric
- chiffonDelicate transparent textile
- muslinPlain-woven cotton cloth
batiste · taffeta · cotton · linen · silk · netting · lace · eyelet
Minor error or misstep
- chemiseLoose sleeveless undergarment
- camisoleStrappy sleeveless undergarment
- bloomersBaggy women's underpants
- drawersSliding furniture compartments
pantalets · corset · stays · bodice · girdle · shift · knickers · foundation
Pleated fabric edging
- frillSuperfluous adornment
- flounceOrnamental gathered fabric strip
- tierHorizontal structural layer
- gatherBring or come together
lace trim · ribbon · hem · waistband · elastic · drawstring · eyelet · tuck
Of a prim era
- EdwardianOf early twentieth-century Britain
- RegencyProxy rule period
- colonialOf occupied territories
- antebellumBefore a war's start
baroque · rococo · Georgian · vintage · antique · heirloom · period · old-fashioned
Amount of space filled
- fullnessState of being complete
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- shapeExternal outline of something
- bellHollow resonating instrument
A-line · support · drape · swish · rustle · swing · sway · billow
Extent of inclusion
- proprietyCorrectness of conduct
- decencyMoral appropriateness in behavior
- decorumFitting social conduct
- demurenessModest, reserved quality
discretion · layering · opacity · lining · concealment · reserve · respectability
slip
Minor error or misstep
- underskirtGarment worn beneath outer layer
- crinolineStructural petticoat for volume
- hoopskirtStiffened underskirt framework
farthingale · bustle · pannier · shift · chemise · kirtle · frock · gown · dress · skirt
tulle
Fine net fabric
- crinolineStructural petticoat for volume
- organzaSheer, crisp dress fabric
- chiffonDelicate transparent textile
muslin · batiste · taffeta · cotton · linen · silk · netting · lace · eyelet · lawn
slip
Minor error or misstep
- chemiseLoose sleeveless undergarment
- camisoleStrappy sleeveless undergarment
- bloomersBaggy women's underpants
drawers · pantalets · corset · stays · bodice · girdle · shift · knickers · foundation · shapewear
ruffle
Pleated fabric edging
gather · lace trim · ribbon · hem · waistband · elastic · drawstring · eyelet · tuck · pleat
Victorian
Of a prim era
antebellum · baroque · rococo · Georgian · vintage · antique · heirloom · period · old-fashioned · bygone
volume
Amount of space filled
- fullnessState of being complete
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
- shapeExternal outline of something
bell · A-line · support · drape · swish · rustle · swing · sway · billow · poof
coverage
Extent of inclusion
- proprietyCorrectness of conduct
- decencyMoral appropriateness in behavior
- decorumFitting social conduct
demureness · discretion · layering · opacity · lining · concealment · reserve · respectability
behind-the-scenes
Hidden from public view
- Colonial AmericaGeorge Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, Declaration of Independence
- Edwardian erahobble skirt, shirtwaist, picture hat, feathered hat, pompadour
- modestyhijab, head covering, head coverings, niqab, burqa
- petticoatsunderskirt, crinoline, hoop skirt, hoopskirt, farthingale
- clothingdress, apparel, attire, jeans, garment
- Victorian eraparlour, Victorian etiquette, etiquette, parlor games, courtship