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Have you ever wondered why petticoats and pettipants keep reappearing in fashion cycles? These humble undergarments do more than hide seams; they shape silhouettes, add drama to skirts, and bring everyday comfort to the front line of your wardrobe. Whether you're chasing vintage flair or just want smoother lines under modern dresses, a good underskirt or pair of pettipants can completely transform how an outfit looks and sits on the body.
Lindex, a Scandinavian retailer known for clean lines and practical design, often stocks understated underskirts and slip-style petticoats that favour comfort and ease. If you like simple shapes and soft fabrics that play nicely under a variety of skirts, Lindex is a great starting point. Their pieces are usually lightweight and cut for everyday wear rather than theatrical volume.
Expect breathable fabrics like cotton blends and lightweight synthetics that glide under clothing without adding bulk. Lindex tends to favour neutral colours and classic lengths — think knee to midi coverage — which makes their underskirts easy to pair with casual dresses and office skirts. If you prefer practicality with a hint of Scandinavian minimalism, Lindex will feel familiar and friendly.
If you’re shopping in the UK, there’s a lively mix of high-street and specialist options. From mainstream department stores to fast-fashion names and lingerie specialists, each retailer brings something different to the table — be it volume, price, or fabric quality. Here’s a practical guide to where to look and what you’ll likely find.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is a reliable place to find well-made pettipants and underskirts that prioritise fit and comfort. Their lingerie departments often include slip shorts and light underskirts with soft waistbands and modest finishes. If you want classic colours, solid construction, and sizing that runs predictably, M&S is a safe bet for everyday pieces.
John Lewis combines higher-end labels with affordable lines, making it a great one-stop shop when you want choice and quality. Look here for brands that offer longer, fuller petticoats for special occasions as well as smoother slips for formal tailoring. John Lewis is a good place to test different profiles and brands in person if you prefer trying before buying.
ASOS is the hunter’s dream for variety. From retro-inspired crinolines to modern half-slips and pettipants in stretch fabrics, ASOS stocks items for every style and budget. The advantage here is the breadth: you can find bold, fashion-forward pieces and tasteful basics alike, often with customer reviews to help judge size and drape.
Next blends contemporary styling with value, often offering underskirts and pettipants that match current dress and skirt trends. They frequently carry both slim slips for a clean line and fuller underskirts that add subtle volume. If your wardrobe leans toward modern officewear and casual dresses, Next is a practical place to look.
Want low-cost options for experimenting with shapes and styles? Primark is the fast-fashion answer. You’ll find inexpensive petticoats and pettipants that are great for one-off outfits, costume needs, or testing how different volumes suit you before investing in a premium piece. Keep in mind the fabric and finish won’t be as durable as higher-priced alternatives, but the value can’t be beaten.
H&M offers both minimal slips and trend-led underskirts that appeal to younger shoppers and those seeking contemporary silhouettes. Their pettipants often feature soft elastic waists and lightweight materials that breathe well in everyday settings. H&M is also a good spot to look for environmentally focused lines that use recycled fibres.
If you’re searching for more intimate or lingerie-inspired underskirts and slip shorts, Ann Summers sometimes stocks playful, sensual pieces that double as nightwear or statement underlayers. Their pettipants lean toward body-conscious cuts and lace detailing for a glamorous touch beneath skirts or dresses.
Picking the perfect petticoat is like choosing the right foundation — it underpins everything. Think about the dress or skirt you plan to wear most, the silhouette you want, and how often you’ll use the piece. The wrong underskirt can flatten a look or add unwanted bulk, while the right one will lift, smooth, and enhance.
Fabrics matter: cotton and cotton blends breathe and are comfortable for daily wear, nylon and polyester tulle create volume and hold shape, and silk slips offer a friction-free layer for fine fabrics. For pettipants, look for soft stretch cotton or modal blends that move with you and reduce chafing. If you prefer structure, stiff tulle or nylon crinoline will give dramatic fullness; if you prefer subtle shape, opt for soft netting or a lined slip.
Length decisions are often best made in inches. Knee-length petticoats are typically about 20 to 22 inches and are perfect under shorter skirts, while midi lengths run roughly 26 to 30 inches and suit mid-calf dresses. Full-length or floor-length underskirts can be 45 inches or longer and are reserved for formal gowns. Volume is determined by the number of layers and the stiffness of the material — a single-layer soft slip adds 1 to 2 inches of visual thickness, while layered crinolines can add 6 to 12 inches of skirt spread depending on how many tiers you use.
Petticoats aren’t just for vintage dresses — they can be your secret weapon for modern styling. Want a 1950s-inspired swing dress one day and a smooth, streamlined pencil skirt the next? The underskirt you choose will make both looks possible. Let’s look at practical ways to style them.
When you want volume: pick a petticoat with stiffer tulle or several netted tiers. These create a lively, bouncy swing under A-line and full-circle skirts. For smooth lines: use a silk or polyester slip that lightly skims the body and prevents cling. Think of petticoats as a sculptor’s tool — they either push fabric out like clay or smooth it over like a fine glaze.
Layering is about balance. For a fitted top and full skirt combo, add a mid-weight petticoat to keep the skirt’s shape without overpowering the waist. If your skirt is made of lightweight fabric, try a half-slip or lightweight underskirt to avoid transparency while maintaining natural movement. And remember: hemlines should align — a visible underskirt edge can be a deliberate style choice, but mismatched lengths can look messy.
Pettipants, sometimes called slip shorts or bloomers, solve a bunch of real-world problems: rubbing thighs, static cling, and accidental transparency. They’re the understated hero you’ll wear on long days when comfort is as important as how your clothes look.
Pettipants provide coverage and reduce chafing, especially when wearing skirts in warm weather or while walking long distances. They create a smooth line under tight dresses and can substitute for wearing tights in milder conditions. Think of them as the wardrobe equivalent of comfortable shoes — quietly making everything better without drawing attention.
Many UK retailers offer functional, well-fitting pettipants. Marks & Spencer and John Lewis provide reliable, well-constructed options that suit everyday use. ASOS and H&M often stock modern, body-conscious versions with stretch fabrics that hug without digging in. If you want something with a sensual edge, look to lingerie specialists like Ann Summers for lace or satin styles.
Good care will keep your petticoats and pettipants looking fresh and performing well. Since many underskirts use delicate fabrics, a little attention goes a long way in preserving shape and finish.
Wash delicate underskirts by hand or use a gentle cycle in a mesh bag with cool water. Use mild detergent and avoid heavy bleach or fabric softeners that can break down elastic and stiffen tulle. For pettipants, washing on a gentle cycle and air-drying will keep elastic waistbands from losing stretch. Treat tulle and netted layers gently — they can snag and pull if washed roughly.
Store petticoats flat or hung on padded hangers to avoid creasing. For heavily structured crinolines, consider hanging them inside a garment bag to keep dust off and maintain the shape. Foldable slips and pettipants can sit neatly in drawers, ideally separated with tissue paper if you want to prevent colour transfer and maintain soft fabrics.
Not every underskirt needs to be an investment piece. Knowing where to allocate your budget will help you build a functional and stylish collection without overspending.
Invest in a premium petticoat if you need it for special occasions where structure matters — for example, wedding gowns, formal balls, or theatrical costumes. High-quality materials and construction will keep shape and look better under intense wear. Splurging here is like buying a good pair of shoes for a long walk — it pays off in comfort and durability.
Save on trend-led or occasional-use pieces. Fast-fashion petticoats from Primark or budget lines at ASOS are perfect if you’re experimenting with a silhouette or only need the piece for one event. Pettipants for everyday comfort can also be cost-effective without sacrificing function — look for well-reviewed mid-price options from M&S or H&M to balance cost and quality.
Petticoats and pettipants are versatile wardrobe tools that deserve more attention than they usually get. From the practical underskirts at Lindex to the wide-ranging options at ASOS, John Lewis, and Marks & Spencer, UK shoppers have plenty of choices for every budget and style. Think about fabric, length in inches, and the silhouette you want to create, and don’t be afraid to mix high-street finds with investment pieces to build a functional, stylish undergarment collection that elevates every outfit.
| Petticoats & Pettipants | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Underskirt | £ 14,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 14,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 14,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 14,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 14,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 14,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 19,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 19,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 19,99 | |
| Underskirt | £ 19,99 |
