Pettipants are a type of
lingerie
Lingerie (, , ) is a category of primarily women's clothing including undergarments (mainly brassieres), sleepwear, and lightweight robes. The choice of the word is often motivated by an intention to imply that the garments are alluring, fashio ...
worn by women. The name is a portmanteau of ''petticoat'' (ultimately from French ''petit'', "small") and ''pants''. Pettipants are similar to long shorts, though they may be made from material such as cotton and lace, and usually have ruffles down each leg. They are available in different lengths up to knee length. In the sixties, they were available in many styles and colors. Nylon and polyester fabrics were used rather than cotton. Lace trim was used. Pettipants are a replacement for a slip, and can be regarded as a half-slip with an extra portion that goes underneath the groin.
[Patent Application Titled "Body Shaping Garment" Published Online (USPTO 20180242652). ''Journal of Engineering'' p. 1861 (17 September 2018)]
When pettipants were fashionable (they were worn widely in the US during the 1960s) they were usually worn under skirts, dresses, culottes, or walking shorts for modesty or comfort. They are not considered a modern or popular style; currently they are most likely to be worn by
square dance
A square dance is a dance for four couples, or eight dancers in total, arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, facing the middle of the square. Square dances are part of a broad spectrum of dances known by various names: country dan ...
rs
[Lola Butcher (15 January 1990). Dorothy has a sartorial secret: look good stomping hardwood. ''The Kansas City Business Journal'' 8 (18): 1] or people involved in
historical reenactment
Historical reenactment (or re-enactment) is an educational entertainment, educational or entertainment activity in which mainly amateur hobbyists and history enthusiasts dress in historical uniforms and follow a plan to recreate aspects of a histor ...
.
Unlike other types of underwear, pettipants will not ride up
and eliminate hot-weather chafing.
See also
*
Bloomers
Bloomers, also called the bloomer, the Turkish dress, the American dress, or simply Victorian dress reform, reform dress, are divided women's garments for the lower body. They were developed in the 19th century as a healthful and comfortable a ...
References
Lingerie
Trousers and shorts
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Women's clothing