The 5 Best Petticoats for Women

A petticoat may seem like an old school, outdated dress accessory but it can still be relevant today. The flouncy underpinning is actually pretty amazing for quite a few occasions. And not just if you want to dress up for Halloween or a costume party. The petticoat can be the perfect finishing touch for a wedding dress, gown or mini skirt. You just might want to give it a try.

Dresstells Vintage Rockabilly Petticoat

Sockhop ready

The layers and length make this petticoat a vintage dream.

Best Overall

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The length and layers of tulle make this petticoat a great option if you’re going for a vintage 1950s style. The waist lays flat and then starts to flare about six inches from the elastic band. Wear this under your favorite knee length skirt for a truly vintage vibe. Also, the colorful layers of organza would look great peaking from underneath a frock.

Pros:

Available in a range of sizes
Interior lining keeps the tulle from being itchy against skin

Cons:

Must be carefully hand washed

Grace Karin Ankle Length Petticoat

Pure elegance

For a truly elegant affair? Try this petticoat on for size.

Best Ankle Length

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For a longer, more elegant feel, this ankle grazing petticoat from Grace Karin will look amazing under any long dress or skirt. The double layer of tulle is wearable under a wedding dress, elegant bridesmaid dress or for a gala. The movement this petticoat provides is enough to make any woman feel like she’s the belle of the ball. It’s just the right amount of movement and volume without being too puffy or costume-like.

Pros:

Comfortable elastic waistband
Soft material

Cons:

The ankle length might be short for taller women
Runs small

Folobe Tulle Underskirt Petticoat

Showstopping flare

The unique shape this petticoat provides is sure to turn heads everywhere you go.

Best Flare

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While some petticoats don’t have extreme flare, this one from Folobe gives pure drama. But not drama in a bad way. Just the major flare that you might want under a 50s vintage dress or for a costume party. The layers of fabric make this ideal for movement, whether that’s on the dance floor or if you’re treating the sidewalk like it’s your runway.

Pros:

Creates a unique bell effect
Great for a range of body types

Cons:

Runs small
A bit more expensive than similar options

Make You Perfect Hoop Skirt Petticoat

Round and round

Bring the drama in this petticoat with a 47 inch wide diameter.

Best Ball Gown

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For those days or nights when you want to go all out, this is the petticoat for you. This petticoat has six, yes six, layers, for a true hoop style. The stainless steel hoops in the dress work will with a ball gown style dress, as it measures almost 50 inches around. Drape your favorite dress over this and waltz in any room. You’ll be the center of attention in no time.

Pros:

Drawstring waist works for a range of sizes
Comes with a storage bag
Steel hoops are flexible

Cons:

The hoop opening isn’t as big as pictured

Obbue Short Ballet Petticoat

For all budgets

If you rarely plan to wear a petticoat, this budget option is a great pick.

Best Budget

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Save your coins without sacrificing your style with this petticoat option from Obbue. At an extremely wallet-friendly price, the tulle skirt falls right at or above the knees to give any skirt or dress volume. While petticoats normally aren’t meant for being seen, this one comes in a range of fun colors and would look great as an accent hue.

Pros:

Great quality for such an affordable price

Cons:

The length might be too short for taller women
The material needs to be hanged for many hours after being removed from the package

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a petticoat do?

Petticoats were initially designed to provide warmth and keep skirts and dresses from clinging to the legs. Today, petticoats are used to add volume to garments. That can range from vintage-inspired dresses to ball gowns to the perfect compliment for a costume.

Do you need to wear a petticoat under a wedding dress?

You don’t have to wear a petticoat under a wedding dress, but based on the style of the dress, you might want to. A petticoat can provide major movement and fullness for a dress that flares from the waist to hem.