Deborah Chan
Choosing the right petticoat for your wedding dress is essential to achieving the desired look and feeling comfortable on your big day. Petticoats come in various styles, from very full to barely-there slips, and can be made from different materials like organza, tulle, or polyester taffeta. The type of petticoat you choose will depend on the silhouette of your wedding dress, whether it's a slim A-line, ball gown, or fit-and-flare style. Some brides even choose to sew a petticoat into their dress for added fullness. In addition, the decision between a petticoat and a hoop skirt is an important consideration, as hoop skirts can create a dramatic bell shape but may require careful movement to avoid looking silly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add a full, elegant appearance to your wedding day look |
| Silhouette Types | A-Line, Ball Gown, Trumpet-Mermaid, Drop Waist |
| Materials | Tulle, Polyester Taffeta, Mesh, Organza |
| Length | Floor-Length, Court Train, Ankle Length, Sweep-Brush Train |
| Hoops | 0-4 hoops, depending on the desired fullness and silhouette |
| Circumference | 190-380 cm |
| Waist Type | Typically adjustable, ranging from 58-125 cm |
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What You'll Learn
Petticoat vs hoop skirt
When it comes to choosing the right undergarment for your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider. The right petticoat can add a full, elegant appearance to your wedding day look. Petticoats can be very full or barely more substantial than a slip, thus offering a range of volume and definition to your gown. They are typically used for slim A-line wedding dresses and gowns with drop waists.
On the other hand, hoop skirts are generally made of cotton and hold enclosed rings within their stitches. These are typically reserved for more dramatic A-line gowns, ball gowns, or fit-and-flare wedding dresses. Hoop skirts can give your dress a lot of volume, especially at the bottom, and keep the fabric away from your legs. However, some people dislike them because you have to take small steps in them to avoid looking silly and buoyant. Additionally, hoop skirts may not be comfortable for all-day wear and can be tricky to sit in.
If you want a very full look for your dress, you can wear multiple slips of petticoats. You can even have one full petticoat sewn into the dress and then wear another. This option gives you more flexibility and allows you to remove the second petticoat for the reception if desired.
Some things to keep in mind when making your decision include the style of your dress, the level of comfort you want, and the amount of volume you wish to add. It is recommended to try on a few different options to achieve your desired look and feel.
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Different materials for petticoats
When choosing a petticoat for your wedding dress, it's important to consider the style and shape of your dress, as well as your desired level of comfort and volume. The material of the petticoat plays a crucial role in achieving the desired look and feel. Here are some common materials for petticoats:
Tulle
Tulle is a lightweight and breathable fabric often used in petticoats. It adds volume and shape to the wedding dress, creating a gentle flare or a full-on princess ball gown silhouette. Tulle petticoats are ideal for preventing the dress from sticking to your legs, ensuring graceful movement. They are commonly used with satin princess gowns and tulle organza wedding dresses.
Crinoline
Crinoline is another fabric option for petticoats. It provides structure and volume to the wedding dress. Crinoline petticoats can range from creating a subtle flare to a more dramatic, full-volume effect.
Netting or Net
Netting, or net, is a versatile fabric used in petticoats. It is available in a variety of widths and weights, from lightweight to stiff net. Net petticoats add volume and shape to the wedding dress, enhancing its overall look.
Nylon
Nylon is typically used for naturally shaped petticoats, which are known for their lightweight and domed silhouette. This material is particularly suitable for tulle organza wedding dresses, as it provides the necessary support without adding excessive weight.
Hoop Skirts
Hoop skirts are made of cotton and feature enclosed rings within their stitches. They are commonly used for more dramatic silhouettes, such as A-line gowns, ballgowns, or fit-and-flare styles. The number of hoops in a petticoat can range from two to six, depending on the length and shape of the dress. However, hoop skirts are not recommended for satin gowns as they can make them appear more A-line.
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Length of the petticoat
The length of the petticoat you choose for your wedding dress will depend on the silhouette of your gown and the overall look you wish to achieve.
If you're going for a dramatic look, a full-length petticoat will add volume and definition to your gown. A floor-length petticoat with a medium fullness slip is ideal for creating an A-line silhouette. This style is perfect for accentuating the waist and creating a graceful, flowing outline.
For a more playful or unique look, you could opt for an ankle-length or knee-length petticoat. These shorter styles can add a fun and flirty element to your wedding dress, especially if you're having a summer or beach wedding. They can also be a great option if you want to show off your shoes!
If your heart is set on a ball gown or a princess-style dress, a petticoat with hoops will create the desired fullness and shape. Hoops will hold the fabric of your dress far out from your body, creating a "bell" shape. However, some brides find that hoops can be restrictive when walking, so it's essential to consider your comfort level.
The number of hoops on your petticoat will also impact the overall look. Two or three hoops are perfect for smaller A-line dresses, while a six-hoop petticoat will give you that fairytale ball gown silhouette.
Ultimately, the length and style of the petticoat you choose should complement your wedding dress and make you feel confident and comfortable on your big day.
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Fullness of the petticoat
The fullness of the petticoat is an important consideration when choosing the right one for your wedding dress. Petticoats can add volume and shape to your gown, enhancing its natural silhouette. They can range from being very full and voluminous to more slip-like, depending on the desired look.
If you're aiming for a super full effect, you can opt for multiple layers of petticoats. One option is to have one full petticoat sewn into the dress and then wear another petticoat underneath. This technique is often used to create a dramatic bell shape in skirts. However, keep in mind that adding too much fullness with hoops might require you to take smaller steps to avoid an awkward buoyant look.
Hooped petticoats, also known as crinolines, are another option to create fullness, especially at the bottom of the dress. The hoops provide structure and sturdiness, eliminating the need for multiple layers of fabric. However, they might not provide the same look and feel as other petticoat materials. For a softer feel against the skin, organza is recommended, while tulle offers more rigidity, allowing your dress to hold its shape.
The amount of volume you can add to your wedding dress with a petticoat also depends on the cut of the dress skirt. Wider skirt cuts allow for more volume, while narrower cuts may have limitations. Additionally, removing the petticoat during your wedding, as some brides choose to do, will significantly change the length of your dress, so it's important to plan for this if you intend to do so.
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Where to buy a petticoat
If you're looking for a petticoat to go with your wedding dress, there are several online retailers that offer a wide variety of options. Here are some places where you can buy a petticoat:
- JJ's House: This online store boasts an extensive collection of petticoats in various styles, including smooth and simple, tulle, tiered, and mermaid. They cater to all sizes, from petite to plus-size, and even offer custom sizing. JJ's House provides petticoats for different occasions, including weddings, proms, and ball gowns.
- COCOMELODY: They offer a range of petticoats in different materials, lengths, and silhouette types. You can find tulle, polyester taffeta, and mesh petticoats in floor-length, ankle-length, and court train shapes. COCOMELODY caters to different silhouette types, including A-line, ball gown, and mermaid styles.
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of petticoats, including plus-size options. You can find various styles, such as tulle, A-line, full length, adjustable, and more. With Amazon, you can also take advantage of free shipping on eligible orders.
- Blossoms Bridal & Formal Dress Store: While there are limited details about their petticoat offerings, Blossoms Bridal provides a range of accessories for brides, including petticoats. They also offer appointment-only services and alterations, ensuring you can find the right petticoat for your wedding dress.
Depending on your location, you may also be able to find petticoats at local bridal boutiques or specialty stores. It's always a good idea to explore your local options and try on petticoats in person to ensure the perfect fit and style for your wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
A crinoline is a type of petticoat. Adding layers of crinoline will make your skirt puff out.
No, it does not need to be hooped to be full. However, a hooped petticoat will make your skirt look very full, especially at the bottom.
Petticoats can be made of a variety of materials, including mesh, polyester taffeta, and tulle.
You can buy petticoats from online retailers such as Etsy, Amazon, and COCOMELODY, or from specialist bridal shops such as Blossoms Bridal & Formal Dress Store.
The type of petticoat you choose will depend on the style of your wedding dress. If you want a very poofy dress, you may want to choose a hooped petticoat or add layers of crinoline. If you are wearing a slim A-line dress or a gown with a drop waist, a regular petticoat may be a better option.
