Today, most repro and vintage inspired swing dresses and skirts don’t need petticoats but they help make poodle skirts and swing dresses look authentic to the 1950s. One thin crinoline slip will add enough volume to still be modern, while larger full petticoats will create a more dramatic 1950s rockabilly style. Naturally, it is fun to wear a 1950s crinoline skirt in a unique color under your dress as well as ruffled pettipants or bloomers. For wiggle or pencil dresses a full length slip is critical.
The crinoline skirt or 1950s petticoat length can vary from tea length’s mid shin, to at the knee (most common), to above the knee (seen in the ’60s). The softest repro 50s petticoats and crinolines brand is Malco Modes. Cheaper 50s petticoats may be itchy.
Read about the fascinating history of 1950s petticoats here.
1950s Crinoline Skirts and Slips
Swing Dresses | Swing Skirts | Poodle Skirts | Stockings
To get the fullness under your 1950s swing dress, you’ll need a crinoline petticoat with layers of ruffles and tulle. In the 1950s, women wore at least one tea length petticoat or crinoline slip to add some fullness. The fancier the occasion, the more crinoline skirts were worn. It wasn’t unusual to wear 3 or 4 layers of 50s petticoats!
While vintage 50s petticoats were made of a soft nylon, many new and cheaper petticoats will be stiff and scratchy. Do your research when shopping other brands. Wear a pair of pettipants, bike shorts, silky stockings, or a thin slip between your legs and the crinoline skirt for the most comfort.
We have handpicked these 1950s petticoats for their affordability, softness, and comfort. Many go to up 50” for plus sizes. Choose from any of these crinoline petticoats for the vintage ’50s look you desire.
1950s petticoats 1950s crinoline slip