Cotton Petticoats, Slips and Pettipants

There are many reasons to love a cotton slip or petticoat! Perhaps the main reason women give for loving them is the fact that they are so comfortable and cool in hot weather. Unlike nylon, cotton breathes and absorbs perspiration, making it a cool choice when hot weather rolls around.

When I was young, my friends and I loved wearing cotton petticoats and slips under our skirts and dresses. We would layer them under our skirts to make a full flounce. Then we would often find a way to leave a few buttons undone at the bottom, or even pin up part of the hem, to let the pretty lace and ruffles show. It was a very feminine style and so much fun to wear!

Girls today are reviving a similar fashion with country dresses that reveal a bit of pretty lace, as often worn by such celebrities as Taylor Swift. You can take this style and make it your own with a collection of cotton slips and petticoats in a variety of lengths.

Unfortunately, this is a garment that can be hard to find. Manufacturers have just about stopped making them; but, they will respond to the demands of the market. When we show them we want to wear natural fibers, they will start producing them again!

Here are the ones I have been able to find so far!

Image credit:

1960s Boudoir...

Petticoats are also popular with Lolita enthusiasts, as shown here.

Photo by Ari Helminen at Flickr.com used under a creative commons license.

These garments can be so hard to find in stores now, but you can still get them on eBay! Here are a few samples on items that are available today!

It has become hard to find cotton slips and petticoats anymore. Here is what I have found for everyday wear.

A full slip provides comfortable coverage under a dress any time of year, but it is especially nice in the summer. I also like to wear some of these styles as a cool nightgown in hot weather.

eBay can be a good source of hard-to-find fashions like these. Here are some of the items the sellers are offering today!

A cross between a half slip and pants, these pettipants are similar to culottes, but designed to wear under your clothes. Perfect to put on under your summer dress, this garment serves as both panties and a slip.

Not only do they serve well under your dress when you are out in public, many women like to wear them as pajamas and loungewear in hot weather!

Wear these petticoats under your long skirts and dresses. They are perfect for special occasions and historic costumes.

If you like to sew, or know someone who does, consider making your petticoat or slip from one of these patterns!