A stiffened or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman’s skirt, creating a bell-like shape, is the topic of this discussion. A notable example is the cage-like understructure popular in the mid-19th century. This framework allowed for voluminous skirts without the weight of multiple layers of fabric.
The importance of this garment lies in its impact on fashion history. It dramatically altered silhouettes, influencing dressmaking techniques and social perceptions of female attire. It represented both innovation in garment construction and a reflection of changing social norms surrounding women’s roles and appearances. Its rise and fall mirrored shifting tastes and technological advancements in textiles and manufacturing.
