WHAT IS A PETTICOAT?

“Hop aboard the Hooterville Cannonball and visit with the folks at the Shady Rest Hotel in Petticoat Junction” was the introductory song to a 1960’s TV show about four buxom beauties in a fictional town who all wore flouncey square dance type skirts.

This sign would not have been necessary at the Shady Rest Hotel. Fortunately; the proprietor of this store on W 37th street in the Garment District realized that this make-believe town and garment had long ago faded into obscurity. If they wanted to market these outfits he needed to explain their use to a new generation.

My immediate reaction upon seeing the sign was, “Where else would you wear a petticoat?” But, given the couturiere creativity of the day, there must be several ways to wear petticoats, so this retailer felt complied to supply instructions. . Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence” would blush at the thought that some lady would follow today’s trends and display any underwear.

The dictionary explains that in both historical and modern contexts, petticoat refers to skirt-like undergarments worn for warmth or to give the skirt or dress the desired fashionable shape. I can only surmise that the owner of this store designed them for “fashionable shape” not “warmth”.