Petticoat

Under Cover

This petticoat or underskirt, made in about 1858, is a good example of the type of 19th century petticoat worn to distend the skirt into a fashionable full shape. It has seven bands of cording, two made of wire and another four made of twisted fibre. Petticoats like this were an integral component of colonial dress, although during the 1850s and 60s the cage crinoline was highly fashionable.

During the 19th century often several layers of petticoats were worn to create fullness.The outermost petticoat which might inadvertently be seen was often decorated with lace or embroidery, but the layers underneath were made from plain flannel or cotton. Petticoats also provided warmth. This undecorated cotton example probably would have been an inner layer or worn for everyday use.

This particular petticoat is also significant in that it has the previous owners name and a date written in ink on it, 'Kate Jones 1858'. Although we don't know who Kate Jones was, its relevance and intrigue is all the more heightened.