February 16, 2016

Ten fantastic online sources for vintage style crinolines


Over the years one of the vintage fashion related topics that I've received quite a few questions about via email and Facebook PMs has been in regards to where where I source my crinolines from.
 
Crinolines are also known as petticoats or pettiskirts, though, historically speaking in North American parlance at least, both of those (usually) differed from the tulle/netting/otherwise poufy garment that we call a crinoline today.

In the 21st century, the three are often used fairly interchangeably (and the terminology will often vary from country to country). However, for the sake of simplicity in this post, I will refer to this type of garment as a crinoline, which was certainly one of their most common names during the 1950s - the decade that, above all others, saw an epic vogue for this flouncy undergarment.



{Though nowadays they’re often associated largely with the youth culture of the 1950s, back in the late 1940s (where they got a serious boost from Dior's New Look) through to the early 1960s, this skirt volume boosting garment was sported by ladies from all ages and walks of life, and many ads featured adults in their 20s and 30s modeling the crinolines on offer. Vintage crinoline ad image source.}


Believe it or not, prior to the age of 25 (as discussed in this 2010 post), I had never owned a crinoline. Nope, not a one - despite adoring them something fierce. Well, I've definitely made up for lost time in the years since then and now own quite a few, including this rainbow stunner.
 
I don't wear them on a daily basis, but it's rare for more than a few weeks to pass at any point in the year without one coming out to play as part of a 1950s ensemble. I tend to prefer a small to medium amount of poof to my crinolines (and thus rarely double, triple, etc mine up - a handy technique that can land you tons upon tons of crinoline fullness), but do own some - including the aforementioned rainbow beauty - that have a square dance worthy amount of fullness to them.
 
As more traditional vintage styles and pinup looks alike have continued to explode in popularity in recent years, the array of online sources that we have at our disposal to source crinolines from has also grown in leaps and bounds.
 
Naturally, many sites that stock a range of vintage reproduction, rockabilly and/or pinup looks sell the same brands of crinolines and it wouldn't make a great deal of sense to list too many of those here in today's post.
 
You'll find some such options, but I've purposely tried to wrangle up an array of sites that sell their own exclusive brands/designs of crinolines, to help give the pettiskirt connoisseur ample shopping options on this front.
 
So without further ado, let's jump right in and explore ten wonderful sources for 1950s style crinolines.




1. Pettiskirt Style: One of my absolute go-tos for fabulous, well made crinolines in a huge range of colours (including the dusty rose chiffon beauty above that I would absolutely love to add to my closet!), plus various lengths, numbers of tiers, materials, and degrees of fullness. In addition to stocking women's crinolines, Pettiskirt Style also has a fabulous selection of children's styles, too.




2. The House of Foxy: From the UK comes The House of Foxy's wonderful array of classic (typically 26 inch) length and style chiffon crinolines in a bevy of seriously covetable colours, such as the St. Patrick's Day perfect Kelly Green example shown here.




3. Blue Velvet Vintage: This beloved US seller of vintage, vintage reproduction and vintage style garments delivers a lovely assortment of modern, 1950s style crinoline offerings. I own a light blue crini that is very similar to Sky Blue one highlighted here and am constantly delighted by just how many colours this sweet, classical hue partners splendidly with.




4. Unique Vintage: Classic colours, elegant lengths, and high quality crinolines like this chic, endlessly wearable 1950s Style Black Tea Length Ruffled Chiffon Petticoat Crinoline are always available from US seller Unique Vintage and make for a perfect pairing with tons of the 1950s style skirts and dresses this powerhouse of an online vintage style clothing shop carries.




5. Malco Modes: Presented in a modest sized array of different vintage and modern lengths (their Melonie crinoline, pictured here, is the longest version that they presently offer), Malco Modes crinoline offerings are reasonably priced, available in a broad spectrum of hues, and a well known go-so source for many in the dance and costuming world who use crinolines as part of their attire.




6. Pinup Girl Clothing: For those who are acquainted with this site's stellar array of vintage and pinup style offerings - which include scores of beautiful skirts and dresses - it will likely come as little surprise that Pinup Girl Clothing also sells a slew of crinolines in a lovely assorted of lengths and colours (including this dark red number that I'm swooning up a storm over!).




7. Retro Glam: To all of my fellow Canadian vintage adoring gals out there (and my international sisters who want to take advantage of the weak Canadian dollar these days), I happily present Retro Glam's delightful crinoline selection, which includes styles from brands such as Banned Apparel and Hell Bunny (such as the stunning navy blue version above that has been on my wardrobe wishlist for about a year and a half now).




8. Doris Designs: Romantic, voluminous and available in the most enchantingly pretty colours (like the dreamy aquamarine blue version pictured here), UK based Doris Design's crinolines are made of softer materials than many other versions on the market today and have the added bonus of coming in three different lengths for many styles (the 26" inch would be the most 1950s appropriate length for the majority of wearers).




9. Atomic Cherry: Those stylish crinoline adoring ladies in the Australia will definitely want to check out Atomic Cherry's selection of 1950s style crinolines, which currently include options from both Chic Star and Hell Bunny (like the elegant dark purple petticoat shown here).




10. Lindy Bop: Wonderfully well priced (even for those outside of the UK), Lindy Bop's fabulous array of different coloured, fluffy crinolines - like this 28 inch mint green gem - are sure to have you hitting the "add to cart" button faster than you can say sockhop! :)



♥ ♥ ♥


In addition to modern sources for crinolines, one does of course have the option to buy the genuine 1950s (or occasionally older, and sometimes newer) deal as well.

Such crinolines are often priced, both online and off, fairly comparably to good quality 21st century options. They may be a touch more fragile/time worn, but many have held up surprisingly well and will naturally partner sublimely with genuine mid-century garments, particularly circle skirts and wide skirted dresses.

If you're on the hunt for such, try eBay, Etsy, The Best Vintage Clothing, various other independent vintage shops, local vintage, thrift, antique, and second hand shops, as well as costume and dance wear shops, some of (the latter of) which do occasionally stock vintage items on top of their modern inventory.

New (vintage style) crinolines can be found at a wide array of price points, from less than $20.00 USD on eBay to hundreds of dollars for custom made offerings.

Thankfully, most fall closer to the first number and a vast array of beautiful, stylish, good quality crinolines can be had for under $125.00 from a range of stockists around the world (with comparable prices in UK pounds and Euros, for those in Europe).

To date, I've not paid more than $100.00 USD for any of mine and have been genuinely pleased with the construction, fit, length and material of all of my modern crinolines.

Though there are exceptions to most every rule, remember that - as in most things in life - you usually get what you pay for. The jump in price between a $25 crinoline on eBay and a $50 one on a repro site might not seem that big, but it could mean the difference between a stiff, inflexible, cheaply made crinoline and a comfy, softer tulle version that lasts for years.

You certainly don't have to break the bank when shopping for crinolines and the fact that they do tend to hold up well means that you'll often get a very low cost per wear ratio out of your pettiskirts as time goes on.

I hope that the sites in today's post help give you some fun new sources for your own crinoline needs, whether you're shopping for your first, have twenty in the closet, or are on the hunt for a particular hue - and of course, if you have any favourite sources for new or vintage crinolines alike that weren't mentioned here, please don't hesitate to share them in the comments below.

These voluminous old school wardrobe styles are a blast to wear, channel the look of the 50s superbly, and even have the added bonus of provided some much needed warmth to the lower half of your body when sported during the colder months. If that isn't worth doing a twirl (in your favourite crini) over, I don't know what it is! :)












52 comments:

  1. Great tips - and no less than two brands I've never heard of before! You are an endless source of knowledge and great tips :) I agree that you get what you pay for - and if you want an itchy petticoat, all you have to do is get a cheap one... I still absolutely swear by my Pinup Girl canvas underskirt - it is the right length to go under almost anything and adds just enough poof for some things when you don't want too much. It's one of my most-worn items at the moment! xx

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    1. That's awesome to hear! If our poor, battered Canadian dollar ever improves, perhaps I'll follow your lead and give one a spin.

      Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment, my dear friend. I hope that your week is going great. Still computer-less on this and and it's raining cats and dogs, but I really can't complain - the fact that spring is little more than a month away is giving me a much needed surge of energy! :)

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. I love this. My petticoats are from mod cloth or Amazon. I'm short so I need the short length petticoats Rock

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    1. Great reminder about Amazon.com being a source for crinolines, Kate. Thank you! Amazon.ca only has a tiny fraction of what the US site offers (especially when it comes to things other than books), so my mind doesn't usually go there first and foremost on the repro/vintage style fashion front.

      Have a terrific second half of the week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Ooh, petticoats! I simply adore them! I have quite a collection, but I have to stick to the small amount of fullness, since my DH doesn't like the look of too much fullness. To me it is pure fifties, and it helps me keep warm during winter. My favourite petties are real fifties, but they always need a little TLC. The elastic is almost always dead and has to be replaced. Small tearings are always present, and the skirts are fragile due to age, but this just makes me love them even more. I've had a skirt from Doris Design and they are really lovely, soft and fluffy, but alas too much fullness. I had no problem selling it on Etsy though. I will check the two UK sites, I am still looking for a green skirt. Thank you for making this lovely list, dear. Have a great day. :)

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    1. They're so marvelous for helping to keep on warm during the winter months. I swear by mine for the same reason and could scarcely imagine facing fall through early spring now without them at the ready.

      It's awesome that you have a sizable crinoline collection! Is there one amongst the genuine 50s versions you have that really stands out as a particular favourite of yours? (If you're ever looking for a repro version in dark green, Hell Bunny makes one that is all kinds of dreamy - I have it myself and can't praise it highly enough.)

      My pleasure! Many thanks in turn for your terrific comment. I hope that you and your family are doing well this week, my dear friend.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. What a wonderful and impressive list of really interesting link, I've already visited three or four and have been tried by a lot of nice things! The tulle petticoat I really like, then I saw that my new teacher boogie wears to go to parties! I'll do it a little thought!

    kisses

    serena

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Serena. Tulle skirts and crinolines are marvelous. I don't, believe it or not, actually have a tulle skirt that is intended as outer wear, but adding one to my closet has been on my fashion wishlist for years now. If I ever get one, you just know it's landing here in an outfit post! :)

      Big hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I love Crinolines! I had a mint colored one to wear under my wedding dress, it may have very well been that same one from lindy bop!

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    1. That sounds so dreamy and gorgeous! Mint is high up on the list of crinoline colours I'd love to add to my closet (ditto for navy blue and brown, the latter of which is not overly common).

      Big hugs & many thanks for all of your wonderful recent blog comments,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Wow, how pretty is that white floral petticoat in the first picture. I currently own two crinolines, a black one and a white one. They take a bit of getting used to and its best not to make my mistake of sitting in a small cinema style seat, I practically had to fight with it to keep it from covering the people either side of me. I love that you featured the House of Foxy, it's such a great company and very true to life in their reproductions. Another fabulous post my dear, you really are a font of knowledge on so many things. Sending you all the happiness in the world, lovely girl xx

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    1. Very good point! I often find movie theaters to be a bit chilly for my taste, so if I know I'm headed that way, I'll often sport a crinoline, but to try aim for such to be on the less flouncy side of things. I'd imagine, though don't believe I've yet tried as much, that one would find that concern to ring even more true on a airplane (unless perhaps you were flying first class).

      The House of Foxy is such a marvelous brand. I had the pleasure of acquiring my first item (a beautiful red 50s style frock) from them right near the end of 2015 and can't praise the quality, workmanship, and elegance of their offerings highly enough.

      Thank you for your immensely nice comment and kind words alike, dear Emily. I appreciate them so much!

      Have a fabulous rest of the week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. I love these garments and own several of them. For me, they perform the magic of creating a feminine shape which lends itself to vintage and traditional styles. Like you, I didn't discover them until I immersed myself in fashion for a while but now they're my go-to for special outfits. Thanks for the interesting information.

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    1. How awesome that several crinolines hang in your closet as well, Ally. They're such a fun garment - rather akin (and not just in terms of appearance) to cotton candy for one's wardrobe. :)

      Many thanks for your great comment. Have a splendid Thursday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I grew up loving dresses with poofy skirts, so I'm loving these crinolines! I'm so tempted to buy one :)

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    1. Give in to those urges! :D They're super fun, cute as a button, and just plain enjoyable to sport, be it in the context of a vintage or more modern outfit. Be forewarned though - they're a bit like potato chips, it's rather hard to stop at just one! :)

      Many thanks for all of your wonderful comments this month. I really appreciate them!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Oooooh Lala PettiCoatstyle.com - Pettiskirtstyle is the BOMB That gorgeous 55 layer petticoat chiffon can be had for $69 USA

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    1. Their offerings are definitely awesome! I own several myself and hope to add more to my closet as time goes on. I especially like that they offer such a wide range of different and colours. That makes things so much easier for vintage folks who generally want crinolines that hit below the knee.

      Have a great week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Thank you, dear Jessica, for your very thorough research! I've been following several of the sites you mentioned, but hadn't heard of some of the others. What wonderful resources!

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Melissa. I'm delighted to be able to introduce you to some new crinoline sources.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. I love petticoats and crinolines but I really can't wear them in summer here in Queensland, Au stralia. Only for blog photos etc, but in the winter their great to wear to add extra warmth under dresses and skirts! :)

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    1. I can fully imagine how sweltering things must get for you guys there in the summer. We live in one of the warmest parts of Canada and usually hit the high 30s - low 40s (Celsius) for a while each summer, during which time, I don't tend to reach for them that often myself either (lol, though I rarely part with gloves or hats then :)).

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment, sweet lady,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. that 50s add ist sooo fab!!
    because i do not like the elastic waist of store bought crinolines (in germany we call them petticoats - yes!) - this adds bulk to a section where i have already some ;-) i sewed a tailored top for mine. with a slit an hooks&eyes for closure.
    but i´m really tempted by the colored versions - hhmmm - a (kelly) green one!!!!
    thanx for collecting this!!!
    hugs! xxxxxxx

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    1. Brilliant workaround for the sometimes rather uncomfortable elastic waists that many crinolines/pettiskirts have. If you've not already done a blog post on that cool styling hack, it might be work penning one, as I know a lot of folks would be interested in it (myself included :)).

      Isn't the kelly green one sensational! So fun, fresh and pretty - not to mention perfect for springtime.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Thursday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. as most of my readers are not much interested in crinolines - would you like this as a guest post if i make some pics and write a explaining text???
      lisbeth and i are well - we had some snow yesterday which is still there, but it will warm up a bit for the weekend..... the snowdrops are out already :-)
      xxxxxxx

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    3. Hi sweet Beate, that is a marvelous idea. Thank you very much for your super kind offer to guest post on the subject. I'd be honoured to have such a post appear here from you. Please zip me an email about this idea anytime and we can happily take things from there.

      Tons of hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. My, the petticoats in the advert! Aren't they beautiful! Why don't you see repro ones like that? Maybe a good thing as I can't store the two I have! xxx

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    1. Absolute works of art! That's a very good point, Melanie. Repro brands should try to emulate the look of these authentic 1950s crinoline styles more often. I'm 100% certain that there would be an eager market for them amongst us vintage/rockabilly/pinup fashion wearing folks.

      Many hugs coming your way!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. I have a couple of petticoats, but I've hardly worn them in the past year! One is too full to be practical, and the other is super scratchy. I really should sell those on and get one that would work a bit better for me. Thank you for the recommendations, these are all fantastic.

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    1. My pleasure, sweet gal. On the softness front, original vintage often nails it there, and I've had a lot of luck with Pettiskirt Style's offerings, too, particularly their lace trimmed versions.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. I looove crinolines or pettiskirts :) and I never knew about the description like triple, etc... and also, you said that till 25 you never had one, well, I don't have one now :( I tried to buy one for 2 years, but I didn't find one that I really loved, so now I see the links and I have to confess I loved the first picture with a triple one, floral pattern! You always share so handy things, dear Jessica, thank you for that! Hugs and kisses!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady - and you in turn always shower me with the kindest of compliments. I'm sure that your perfect crinoline is out there waiting for you and really hope it comes your way soon. They're such fun garments - rather like sporting a cupcake or ball of cotton candy. :)

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Gosh, I would like all of the crinolines in the vintage advert! How lovely! I had no idea that there were so many places to buy them. I love the deep green one - gorgeous!

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    1. Same here! The ones in that ad are truly gorgeous! Melanie mentioned above that repro brands should make versions that look similar to those original fifties styles and I couldn't agree more. You just know there'd be an eager market for them amongst us old school fashion fans.

      I hope that your week is going well, dear Kate. Sending tons of hugs your way!

      ♥ Jessica

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  17. What a great post...I've been meaning to get one of these poufy delights and now, you've given me quite a few delicious sites to check out. OMG, that red one is to die for! as well as that green one.

    Regina / Head Glam Girl at Margarita Bloom
    Margarita Bloom | Retro Vintage Skincare & Beauty
    http://www.margarita-bloom.com/
    Blog: http://www.cherrylipsblondecurls.com
    Twitter: @mbglamourville @margaritabloom
    Instagram: @margaritabloom

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    1. Aren't they stunning! I want that dark red one soooo much, too! I do have a red crinoline already (from Pettiskirt Style), but it's a much gentler red - much like a pale tomato shade. I wear so much red all year round that I think I could justify having two different shades of red in my crinoline wardrobe. :)

      Thank you very much for your comment. Have a splendid rest of the week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. What a fantastic resource blog post Jessica! I did not realize there were so many companies selling crinolines, but now I do. I currently own only one, but the elastic has gone in the waist and so I think it's time to purchase a new one (Maybe at VIVA this year).

    Thanks for this post!

    Have a great weekend.

    Liz :)

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    1. It's wonderful how many online sources that carry crinolines have sprung up in recent years. Who knows, at this rate, I might have to do a "part 2" of this post in a few more years. :)

      That would be a fabulous place to pick up a new one and I hope that a great crini comes your way at Viva, my dear friend.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. I love my one crinoline, I love what it does for some of my swing dresses. It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to wear it though :(

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    1. I always find that holidays are an ideal time for such, especially during the non-summer months (if one lives in a climate, as I do, where the temps routinely hit the high 30s - to 40s then). Perhaps you could sport yours this year for Easter, May Day or Victoria Day - or even Canada Day, if it isn't too hot then.

      Many hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. You've put together a wonderful resource for finding crinolines! I have two crinolines in my closet a white Hell Bunny chiffon one and a black one from Amazon which I got for less than $10 which turned out to actually be really decent. I'm like you and like my crinolines to be less poofy which lead me to finding the cheap one on amazon. I love the look of them but they are something I really need to get used to wearing... I've only taken out the one crinoline out once!

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    1. I get that for sure. They're a powerfully old school style garment (especially those in more traditional below-the-knee lengths) and one that, like vintage hats and gloves, are rarely seen (outside of our circle) these days. I adore sporting crinolines during the various holidays and for birthday parties, as such events tend to call for fancier/more glamorous attire. Maybe you could bust yours out then to help you become more accustomed to wearing them throughout the rest of the year.

      Oodles of hugs, sweet gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Oh,I love this dress with rose's print. Best :)

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear lady. I hope that your month is going well and that this weekend is off to a splendid start for you.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. I never knew there were so many different sources for buying crinolines, super handy info to have. Thanks so much!

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    1. Aww, you are completely welcome, my dear. Thank you very much for your lovely comment. If more and more brands continue to produce and sell them online, I might just have to do a "part II" of this post in a few years from now. :)

      Many thanks again & have a marvelous week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Keeping this in my go to files...thank you!

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    1. You're super welcome, sweet Ruby. Delighted to know that you enjoyed this fun crinoline resource post.

      I hope that things are well on your end as February wraps up. I'm still computer-less here, but the new one is slated to arrive in a matter of days, so hopefully I can embrace March from the vantage point of my new laptop. :)

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Thanks, I have to check those labels out ... all of my Petticoats are so worn out, that i can just wear them with safety pins with out loosing them. ;)

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    1. I hear you there, my dear friend. I'm sure I wear all of mine to that point as well. How can one not? Crinolines become like old friends to us after so many wearings, year after stylish year. :)

      Thank you very much for your great blog comments this week. I sincerely appreciate them and hope that all is well on your end as we bop along through the end of February.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. What an amazing write up and source list. I don't wear them often either, but I do prefer the net soft ones (not as poofy)as I find them less itchy. Even with a slip, when sitting, I find the really #3 itchy. How about you? Any advice? Thanks for this awesome list of resources!

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    1. Hi Tam, thank you very much for your lovely comment and question. I'm sorry to hear that itchiness is an issue you encounter frequently with crinolines. It's not something I've dealt with often myself (most of my crinolines are either vintage or from the brands Hell Bunny and Pettiskirt Style), but your question made me stop and wonder if perhaps that because I almost always wear stockings, nylons or tights, regardless of the season, when sporting skirts and dresses (there is the occasional exception there, but such is quite rare and all the more so when I'm rocking a crinoline). It's possible that my hosiery is helping to protect my legs. Do you wear such with your crinolines?

      If you're doing so and a nylon slip isn't helping much, perhaps a cotton one (more of, actually, a traditional cotton petticoat itself) sported between your legs and the crinoline would help. If you got one in black and one in white or cream, you could probably wear them with just about any colour garments and crinolines.

      Hope those thoughts help you on this front and certainly welcome any other crini related queries you may have.

      Many hugs & happy summertime wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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