A petticoat is to a saree what foundation is to a building. A weak foundation and the building will collapse. Similarly, with the wrong petticoat, your saree look can get completely ruined. This is one basic piece that you need to choose wisely for your saree to stay in place all day long and for your entire silhouette to look absolutely effortless. Do it right, and you are halfway done. Let’s get into the basics of petticoats. In this guide, we will help you select the best petticoat for your saree.
Why is a Petticoat Important?
A petticoat is the foundation of a saree. It doesn’t just help it stay in place; there’s a lot more to it. It provides structure, shape, and support to your saree. A wrong petticoat and your drape can turn out to be a really messy affair. You might wonder, who notices a petticoat? But trust us, it never goes unnoticed.
The Role of a Petticoat
- Enhancing Shape: Petticoats define the silhouette of your saree, helping create a flattering fit.
- Supporting the Drape: They hold the saree in place, especially when pleated.
- Comfort: A good petticoat ensures ease of movement and all-day wearability.
Which is why you should always consider your underskirt.
Types of Petticoats
With a plethora of options available in the market, you might be confused about which one to go for. There are so many styles and fabrics to choose from. We’ve got you sorted! Let’s first understand the fabric game.
1. Cotton Petticoat
The most common yet classic piece, cotton petticoats are a summer must-have. Lightweight and oh-so-breathable, these underskirts are ideal for daily wear and casual sarees. But yes, they have a drawback—they are not very structured and hence not a good idea for heavier sarees.
2. Satin Petticoat
Satin petticoats add a touch of luxury. Because of their smooth texture, they glide under the saree. These are perfect for silk and chiffon sarees. However, they do create friction, causing the saree to slightly roll up. You’ll have to adjust the length accordingly so that the petticoat doesn’t show while walking.
3. Shapewear Petticoat
Modern saree shapewear is designed to enhance your silhouette. It hugs the body and provides a sleek, structured look. Avoid body-hugging ones, as they create a gap between the saree fabric and the underskirt, which will look odd underneath a sheer saree. Instead, look for ones that shape the hips but are slightly flared below the hips, so there is no visible gap between the saree fabric and the skirt.
4. Mermaid Petticoat
This style is perfect for sarees with a fishtail drape. The mermaid petticoat flares at the bottom, creating a dramatic effect. These can help you create fairytale looks. Planning a grand saree outfit? Go for these.
5. Can-Can Petticoat
These are not your everyday choice. Can-can skirts can be used as a saree underskirt to give extra flair. These are perfect for lehenga-style drapes. You’ll be amazed at how dreamy your saree can look with these petticoats.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric of your petticoat affects both comfort and appearance. Different fabrics work well with different sarees:
- Cotton: Great for comfort but not suitable for formal sarees.
- Satin: Adds elegance and pairs well with silk or georgette sarees.
- Lycra blend: Offers stretch and works for shapewear styles.
- Silk: Best for traditional sarees, providing a rich look.
- Net: Ideal for adding volume to lightweight sarees.
Since fabrics vary in texture and weight, choose one that matches your saree’s material.
Factors to Consider
- Length: The petticoat should be the same length as the saree. It should cover your legs but not show beneath the saree.
- Fit: A petticoat should fit snugly at the waist but not be too tight. Shapewear styles should hug your body without causing discomfort.
- Colour: Match the petticoat color with the saree. If the saree is sheer, the petticoat’s color will be visible. For printed sarees, choose a petticoat in a neutral or matching tone.
- Occasion: For casual wear, choose comfortable cotton or lycra blend petticoats. For weddings or parties, opt for mermaid or can-can styles.
Tips for Styling Petticoats
- Balance the Look: Ensure the petticoat doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
- Experiment with Shapewear: For a modern saree look, shapewear petticoats are a game-changer.
- Choose the Right Drawstring: Elastic waistbands are more comfortable than drawstrings. However, ensure they fit well without slipping.
Despite their hidden role, petticoats greatly impact your overall style.
Modern Edge to Petticoats
With advancements in time, the saree underskirt has seen a major evolution:
- Adjustable Waistlines: Petticoats with elastic or adjustable bands offer a better fit.
- Stretchable Fabrics: Cotton petticoats with lycra or spandex blends provide flexibility. Remember, your fabric shouldn’t be too stretchable.
- Dual-Tone Petticoats: Perfect for sarees with multiple colors.
To keep up with trends, invest in versatile and modern petticoats.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Fabric: Thick petticoats should be avoided, especially for heavy sarees. Viscose petticoats are a strict no-no!
- Wrong Colour Choice: Ensure the petticoat color matches or complements the saree. A mismatch can be embarrassing.
- Poor Fit: Avoid petticoats that are too tight or loose. A tight fit causes discomfort, while a loose one ruins your look.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure a flawless saree drape.
Thesareeblog Team Recommendation
Go for a petticoat that’s your size, lightweight, and breathable to avoid sweating and discomfort. Your petticoat should always hug the saree’s fabric—not your body—to give the perfect shape. Save satin and silk petticoats for winters, as they can make you sticky and itchy during summers and monsoons.
To Wrap Up
Remember, a strong building needs a really strong foundation. Same goes for your sarees. With so many styles and options to explore, keep trying until you find the one that works best for you. So ladies, get your bases right, and you’ll rock! No hassle, no worries—only stunning looks to flaunt.
