Petticoats & Pettipants

Best UK Petticoats & Pettipants: Where to Buy, How to Style, and What to Look For

Why Petticoats and Pettipants Are Making a Comeback

Remember the swoosh of a full skirt in old movies? Petticoats and pettipants bring that cinematic motion back into everyday wardrobes, and in the UK they're enjoying a stylish resurgence. Whether you're dressing for a vintage event, layering for warmth, or just adding shape under a dress, underskirts give outfits personality. They act like a secret stylist in your wardrobe, lifting and shaping while remaining unseen — a behind-the-scenes hero.

Understanding Petticoats vs Pettipants

What Is a Petticoat?

A petticoat is essentially an underskirt designed to add volume and structure to skirts and dresses. Typically made from layers of tulle, net, or stiffened cotton, a petticoat can be short and sassy at about 6 to 12 inches of ruffle depth or full-length to reach mid-calf or ankle depending on the look you’re aiming for. Think of it as the crinoline’s softer cousin — less cage, more cloud.

What Are Pettipants?

Pettipants are like bloomers with a vintage twist: loose, often mid-thigh to knee-length undergarments that prevent chafing and offer an extra modesty layer. They’re great under swing skirts or as comfortable lounge wear, usually made from cotton or lightweight blends. If a petticoat is the architecture of a dress, pettipants are the comfy furniture — practical, cozy, and sometimes cute.

Materials and Construction: Choosing Quality Underskirts

Materials make or break an underskirt. Tulle and net create volume without weight; cotton and muslin add comfort and breathability. Look for layered construction if you want shape: a single layer of net will barely lift a skirt, while two or three layers can give you that dramatic 1950s swing. Consider waistbands too — elastic is forgiving and comfortable, while adjustable ties offer a more tailored fit that sits at your natural waist.

Top UK Stores to Buy Petticoats and Pettipants

Lindex

Lindex is a Scandinavian-inspired retailer with a growing presence in the UK market, known for feminine basics and seasonal fashion. Their underskirts and slips tend to be well-made, with a focus on clean lines and practicality. If you want a reliable underskirt without breaking the bank, Lindex is worth checking out for simple petticoats that work under both casual and occasion dresses.

ASOS

ASOS is a one-stop shop for trend-led pieces and has a wide selection of underskirts spanning vintage-inspired volume to minimalist slips. The advantage of ASOS is variety — you can find structured crinoline-style petticoats for costume nights and lightweight pettipants for everyday wear. Plus, their customer reviews often help you understand fit in inches and details like waistband drop.

Marks & Spencer (M&S)

M&S may be best known for classics, but their lingerie and foundations lines often include practical underskirts and slip shorts. Expect a focus on comfort and durability — cotton blends, modest lengths, and simple styling. If you prefer understated quality over novelty, M&S delivers reliable pieces that last season after season.

New Look & H&M

High-street chains like New Look and H&M carry fast-fashion versions of petticoats and pettipants. These are great if you want to experiment with shape or colour without a big commitment. Quality can vary, so check the fabric content and read product details: a cheap net can tangle easily, while cotton blends will withstand more washes.

Vivien of Holloway & Collectif

For a strong vintage vibe, UK specialists such as Vivien of Holloway and Collectif focus on rockabilly and 1950s silhouettes. Their petticoats are often designed to pair with swing dresses and are available in multiple lengths and fullnesses. These are the kinds of pieces that promise the authentic skirt lift you see in classic pin-up photography — think dramatic, full, and picture-ready.

Etsy and Independent Sellers

If you want something unique, Etsy and independent UK makers provide custom options and hand-finished details. You can order a petticoat tailored to your preferred waist measurement in inches, choose the colour and length, or pick specialty trims. It’s a little like commissioning a portrait instead of buying a print — more personal, sometimes pricier, but often perfectly suited to your needs.

Amazon UK & Department Stores

Amazon UK aggregates styles from multiple brands, and department stores like John Lewis also carry a range of underskirts suited to different budgets. These retailers are handy when you want quick comparisons — you can filter by length in inches, fabric type, and price range to find the right piece fast.

Where to Find Vintage and Specialty Petticoats

Hunting for a truly authentic vintage petticoat is a bit like treasure hunting. Vintage shops, charity stores, and specialist boutiques around the UK often hide gems that have held up surprisingly well thanks to sturdy 20th-century construction. For carefully restored or reproduction pieces, look to retro labels and speciality retailers — these often use similar patterns and materials as the originals, but with modern touches like softer elastic and safer dyes.

How to Choose the Right Size and Fit

Getting the fit right is easier when you measure in inches and know where you want the garment to sit. Measure your waist where you normally wear your skirt — usually about 1 to 2 inches above your belly button for many women — and your hips at the fullest point. If a petticoat has an elastic waistband, allow about 1 to 2 inches less than your hip measurement for a snug fit that won’t slide. For length, decide whether you want the petticoat to peek out a bit or sit completely hidden: mini petticoats might add 6 to 8 inches of volume, while longer versions can add 12 to 30 inches of dramatic swing.

Styling Tips: How to Wear Petticoats and Pettipants

Styling a petticoat is like choosing the right spice for a dish — a little can transform the whole thing. For a subtle lift under A-line skirts, one layer of soft tulle or crinoline is enough. For a retro tea-length look, stack layers and opt for a petticoat that reaches mid-calf, so the skirt flares cleanly at the knee. Pettipants are brilliant under lightweight fabrics to prevent cling and can double as modesty shorts under light skirts. Pair underskirts with structured belts to accentuate the waist, or let them add volume under floaty tunics for a modern, layered silhouette.

Care and Maintenance of Petticoats and Pettipants

Taking care of these delicate items is straightforward if you treat them gently. Most tulle and net petticoats should be hand washed or placed in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle and hung to dry, ideally on a padded hanger to preserve shape. Cotton pettipants can usually handle a regular gentle wash but avoid high heat when drying — a hot dryer can shrink fabric and distort elastic. For stubborn creases, a low-heat steam will reshape layers without frying the fibres. Think of it like watering a plant: light, attentive care keeps it looking its best.

Budgeting: Price Ranges and Value

Where you shop will affect the price dramatically. High-street stores and mass retailers often offer simple petticoats from around £10 to £30, suitable for casual wear or experimenting with styles. Specialist vintage repro and handcrafted pieces from boutiques or independent makers often sit in the £40 to £120 range, reflecting quality fabrics and construction. If you’re investing in a show-stopping piece for special occasions, view the price as an investment in longevity and style — some of these pieces can last for years if cared for properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid choosing a petticoat only for its visual volume without testing movement; a skirt that looks perfect standing still may feel like a parachute when you walk. Another common error is ignoring the waistband: a too-tight elastic can pinch and create visible bulges under clothing, while a too-loose band fails to hold the skirt in place. Finally, don’t mix heavy outer fabrics with heavy underskirts unless you want an overly stiff silhouette — balance is everything.

Where to Try Before You Buy

If you prefer hands-on shopping, department stores and specialist vintage shops in larger UK cities often carry samples you can try on. That way you can test fullness, length in inches, and waistband comfort before committing. Many retailers also provide size guides in inches and customer photos that show how different lengths look on real people — a small digital try-on in your pocket.

Conclusion

Petticoats and pettipants are versatile, fun, and practical pieces that deserve a place in modern wardrobes. From the reliable basics at Lindex and high-street chains to the show-stopping vintage repro from Vivien of Holloway or indie makers on Etsy, there’s something for every budget and aesthetic. Measure in inches, think about your desired silhouette, and don’t be afraid to play with layers — a little lift can change an outfit from fine to fabulous. Whether you want subtle support or dramatic swing, the right underskirt will make your clothes feel tailored and intentional.