What is a petticoat?
Q: What is a petticoat?
A: A petticoat is a woman's undergarment, shaped like a skirt or skirt+bodice.
Q: What is the purpose of a petticoat?
A: The purpose of a petticoat is possibly insulation, and certainly to make the skirt fly out in an attractive way.
Q: How can a petticoat support a wider skirt?
A: Petticoats which are starched, with ruffles, or made with stiff fabric can support a wider skirt.
Q: What is a crinoline?
A: A crinoline is a petticoat structure which includes hoops of whalebone.
Q: Are crinolines worn today?
A: No, crinolines are not worn today.
Q: What type of clothing might petticoats be worn with?
A: Petticoats are sometimes worn with ballgowns.
Q: How does a crinoline compare to a regular petticoat?
A: A crinoline is an extreme version of a petticoat, with hoops of whalebone, while regular petticoats are simpler and made from softer fabrics.
