Victorian Petticoat (1840-1869) - 36 inches / Drawstring waist / Lace only

Be your own March sister in this high-quality, historically accurate Victorian petticoat. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of Louisa May Alcott's books, this petticoat will make you feel gorgeously feminine and help you achieve the proper mid-Victorian silhouette. Petticoats were a necessity under the full skirts of the mid-Victorian era - in the 1840s, layers of petticoats were used to achieve the bell-shape, and after the arrival of the crinoline, petticoats were worn on top of it (to smooth out the bones) and under it (for modesty) during the 1850s and 1860s. This petticoat is based on extant examples. When you purchase a made-to-order item, you get the petticoat of your dreams by choosing the details and measurements from the drop-down options. Please note that trims such as lace, braid, etc. will vary slightly depending on stock available. Contact us through the “Custom Orders” page if you would like to discuss additional fabric and customization options that are not available on this listing. As a custom piece, this item is professionally handmade at my Texas (USA) studio and order fulfillment takes 10-12 weeks. Please see the website header for a current estimate on the month your order will be shipped to you. Shipping within the U.S. is FREE for all orders over $50. ---------------------------------------------------- ALL THE DETAILS This petticoat is made-to-order and can be made with a drawstring waist or a waistband with a button. It will be hemmed to the measurement that you choose. (Please contact us if you need a measurement that is shorter or longer than the ones available, and we will be happy to accommodate!) The petticoat includes: 100% white cotton muslin fabric cotton twill tape drawstring in the waistband OR waistband with button closure a width of 130" your choice of: lace applied above the hem. tucks and a ruffle (additional cost), OR tucks, ruffle, and beading lace with ribbon insert (additional cost) ---------------------------------------------------- HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF A petticoat should be 2-3" shorter than the dress it will be worn under. Please refer to the measurement graphic in the listing and this video tutorial if you need assistance in understanding and taking your measurements. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to contact us. ---------------------------------------------------- CARE INSTRUCTIONS This petticoat can be machine washed and dried in cold water and pressed with a hot iron. Traditionally, petticoats were starched to give them the stiffness needed to hold out the skirts. This petticoat does NOT come already starched, so you will have to do that after receiving it. All items are prewashed and preshrunk. Seller is not responsible for any allergic reactions to the detergent used in prewashing. Items that have buttons on them come with an extra button sewn inside.