Civil War Dress for Ladies: Petticoats

Ladies generally wore multiple petticoats both under and over their cage (hoop). A generic petticoat would have been washable white cotton. Cotton petticoats were usually starched.

The waistband would have been fitted and usually fastened with a simple button or two. White china buttons, followed by white shell buttons, are the most common found on original petticoats and drawers.

The skirt was gathered into the waistband using a technique called stroked gathers to make it lay evenly.

Embellishments such as tucks, ruffles, whitework and insertion lace could be used.

For extra warmth, quilted silk petticoats or wool petticoats were also common.