PettiSkirts: 2014

Choosing a petticoat for your Wedding Dress

A petticoat or a crinoline is worn under a dress or skirt to add shape, add volume and to create a feeling, or a time period. PettiSkirtStyle.com has every option and color you can think of

Choosing the right length - You will want your petticoat or crinoline to be a little longer than your skirt, or the skirt portion of your wedding dress so that it will show a little at the bottom. If it is too short, then the petticoat - crinoline slip can create a lampshade effect.

There are many different terms that refer to petticoat length, here are the basics:

Tutu: sometimes put in the petticoat category, but is usually worn alone, because it does not offer support to the fabric above it, nor is it comfortable to wear under a dress. It is not appropriate for a wedding dress at all particularly due to the puffiness in the waist. It is worn alone as the Dress in many cases. PettiSkirtStyle offers Tutus floor length with a satin liner slip. Perfect, elegant

Crinoline: This is a petticoat made of firm crisp fabrics, namely organza and fine netting. The crinoline creates an even/full silhouette. Our crinolines are different from most because they have a smooth inner lining of organza so that the legs are not irritated . Ours also has a gorgeous satin ribbon edge hem which is an elegant finish. Perfect for a wedding dress. Our Crinolines come in lengths of 16" to 44" . 16" is thigh area, and 40 to 44 is full / floor length. The colors are endless.

Chiffon, Nylon - This is a sheer smooth soft fabric that is delightful to wear. The chiffon has either lace at the bottom edge hem, OR alternatively full fluffy ruffles. The latter is a dense full look. The silhouette of chiffon is a floaty, soft, swishy look. It moves and it is also a silent fabric.

Short: means mid-thigh and is anywhere from 12-16" long. If your dress is that short, then a petticoat may look very costumey, and inappropriate for your wedding day? 19" long is acceptable, and very chic.

Mid Length: also called knee-length, ends at or near your knee. A petticoat or crinoline that measure 23" to 26" is Mid Length Having said that, if you are petite, then the 26" Length would be to your calf. aka Tea Length

Tea Length: Calf Length is a longer than mid length, ends mid-calf or lower calf (in the 1900's tea length was just above the ankle) A petticoat that measures from 27 to 30" Long is tea length

Long Floor Length goes all the way to the floor, usually worn for formals and bridal wear

Wedding Colors - Petticoats from PettiSkirtStyle.com come in all colors of the rainbow. If you are seeking a unique color, you will find it here. We have petticoats for baby girls, toddlers, girls, teens and adults. Petticoats in color that peek out from the bottom of your dress is an ever popular trend that is a lot of fun.

Choosing the right fullness - If you have a dress you just want to add a little bit of poof or oomph , with a little showing at the ends, then you will want a 2 layer petticoat in chiffon with ruffles or lace at the edge. If you are looking for a fuller silhouette and your dress needs more structure and fullness then a 3 layer Chiffon Petticoat or a 2 Layer Crinoline is perfect. If your dress is a southern bell style you will want a 2 or 3 hoop skirt slip. If your dress is a mermaid style, then you will want the trumpet or mermaid slip. It is a straight form fitting tighter slip with a flare at the bottom 10"

Sizing - We stay away from the cheaper way to make waists on petticoats called the drawstring. It is not glamorous, and if your drawstring comes untied...well then. Also a drawstring waist cuts into the waist in an unflattering way

Poodle skirt - this is the 50's style of a full circle skirt that goes over a petticoat, usually has a poodle applique.

How to wash a petticoat or wash a crinoline: This is a delicate process and you will want to be careful. If it is a crinoline you want to wash, remember that the Organza and Net have a starchy stiffener adhered to the fabric to keep it full. So don't use hot water or a washing machine. Use your tub or a deep sink.. Luke warm water and a gentle product like woolite or even liquid purpose soap will do the trick. Submerge the petticoat and swish it. Drain the water. Fill with clean luke warm water and rinse. Drain again. Let the crinoline drain and begin to dry. After 1 hours hang it or lay it out to dry completely.

How to wash a Chiffon Petticoat - Lace Slip - Follow the same instructions above.

Chiffon Petticoats in Shorter and Full / Floor Length