July 3, 2016

You asked: You do I get that "crinoline peek" effect?


This past February's post, Ten Fantastic Online Sources for Vintage Style Crinolines, proved to be highly popular and garnered a number of follow-up questions regarding buying, sourcing, repairing and wearing crinolines.

Some of them have been answered here in other posts, but I received one query this spring from a lovely reader in Louisiana (which, as a s side note, is a state that I've always felt hugely towards and hope to visit someday) that I don't believe I'd really delved into here before.

Interestingly, I have been asked similar questions before over the years, so it seemed high time I shared my answers to it with all of you, in case others out there were wondering the very same thing.

As today is not only the first Sunday in July, but also July 4th Eve, this isn't going to be an epic sized post by any means. No, instead it's a quick answer to a fun question, which is...


“How do I get that crinoline peek effect?”


This is just how my reader phrased her question and I must say, I adore that term, which no doubt most crinoline (aka, petticoat, aka pettiskirt) wearers will understand the meaning of.

What she's asking is how to I have just a wee bit of my crinoline show in a way that looks complimentary to my outfit and is clearly intentional, not like I'm a new to wearing vintage and/or am going to a 50s themed costume party/fancy dress ball.

Interestingly, many folks are not a fan of this look, in part because it wasn't overly common to see the hem end of a crinoline jutting out from beneath a skirt of dress back in the 1950s, though some people did opt to do so on occasion, especially if the crinoline was lace or otherwise fancily trimmed at the bottom.

Allowing an inch or two of your crinoline to playfully peek out from under your skirt can be a fun look though for sure, and sometimes it seems to enhance an ensemble even more than if the crinoline was completely obscured.



{American movie star Debbie Remolds rocking a beautiful summertime halter dress and strappy Grecian style sandal outfit with just a hint of her voluminous crinoline peaking out - at least while sitting. This is the sort of subtle "visible crini edge" look that those who enjoy this styling trick tend to aim for. Vintage photo source.}


As a general rule, I personally prefer to have my crinolines remain hidden (and try to ensure their length compliments my skirt or dress so that the two fall in an even, flattering manner without creating that dreaded "too-long-hem" look where the last few inches of a skirt or dress just flop over where the crinoline ends).

However, if my crinoline is lace trimmed or if I'm trying to tie its hue into the overall colour palette of my ensemble, then I may let a wee bit peek out on purpose.

If you enjoy having a little bit of your crinoline appear at the bottom of your skirt or hem, be it once in a blue moon, on the daily, or anywhere in between, read on for some simple ways to achieve this fun effect:


-Should you happen to regularly wear dresses and/or skirts of roughly the same length - say 26 or 27 inches long - intentionally purchase crinolines that are 1 - 3 inches longer that (the US online shop Pettiskirt Style, for example, has a fabulous range of different length crinolines).

-Consider hemming some of your dresses and skirts a little to allow existing crinolines to show through at the bottom (I'd suggest just folding and hemming the excess fabric, in case you change your mind at some point and want to let the hem out to its original length again).

-In an absolute pinch, if you just needed to shorten your hem for a day or other brief period of time, you could use a small number of tiny, secure safety pins to temporarily hem it, though it's very likely that at least a little of the metal from such would show up on your skirt or dress if you did so, and it's also possible that the safety pins could damage the garment so proceed with caution there, if you do take that approach.

I'd also recommend ironing the hem flat, but not ironing over the pins themselves, as doing so could also create damage and/or rust if there's steam, water or starch involved, to your garment itself.

-Or conversely, you may wish to add (sew, fabric glue, or even attach with snaps for a removable option) some pretty trim, lace, additional tulle, etc to the bottom of an existing crinoline to length it a touch.

-If the waistband of a skirt allows, roll (fold) it over once or twice to shorten the over all length of the garment.

-And in the same vein, wear your skirts a bit higher up (perhaps with a belt to help the lines of the outfit still flow smoothly, if need be) and thus the crinoline should naturally show at the bottom, if the two were similar in length to begin with.



{If your crinoline - or, for that matter, lace or tulle trimmed slip, another popular mid-century undergarment - is as pretty as these stunning 1950s examples, you may not want to keep its hems hidden in the slightest, especially if the colour(s) or your crini help to tie your outfit together all the more. Vintage image source.}



♥ ♥ ♥



Those are my approaches to creating a a spot of "crinoline peek", of which, in the long run, the easiest may to simply try to buy crinolines that are a little longer than some of your favourite skirts and dresses, or alternatively, garments that are a touch shorter than your current crinolines.

Given the vast number of repro, vintage style, rockabilly, gothabilly, and pinup girl style clothing companies that produce garments that hit at or around the knees on many people, the latter approach may be the easier of the two.

Sometimes, of course, you may find that crini + clothing combos you have already line up this way naturally, and thus little to further (garment) hem lengthening may be required. When I intentionally aim to have a little of my crinoline show, this is usually how and why it happens.

Thank you to my reader for this great question! Now two for all of you...Do you have any other tips for helping ensure an intentional bit of your crinoline hem shows, and in general are you a fan of this look or do you prefer to keep your crinis completely under wraps?



{Beautiful vintage Independence Day Gil Elvgren pinup girl – naturally with a bit of slip showing. Image source.}



And last, but not least, I want to wish a truly happy, safe, fun filled and fabulous 4th of July to all of my awesome US readers and friends tomorrow. I hope that your celebration is as cheery and beautiful as the fireworks that will be capping off the evening from coast to shining coast!

42 comments:

  1. I generally prefer for mine to be covered but it can look so cute when done well, especially for short wedding dresses :) great tips Jessica xx

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    1. Agreed! That can be really, really charming. Thank you for raising that lovely use of intentional "crinoline peek", sweet CiCi.

      Big hugs & sunny July wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. So many great tips here Jessica! I'm like you and usually prefer for my petticoat to stay hidden but it's nice to hear these suggestions for when I want that little peek to come though! I hope you have a fabulous Canada Day and thank you for the lovely 4th of July wishes!

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal. Precisely! I think that, as a vintage blogger, one of the most important things I can do is to provide information for a broad range of fellow old school fashion fans, even if sometimes a certain look/style/way of wearing something/etc is one that I personally feel drawn to. We each have our own unique, fabulous ways of dressing and the world is a far richer place because of it.

      You're very welcome. I hope that you guys had a sunny, stellar celebration.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I love a little peek, but opt for coverage when spending time with a new, older group who may consistently and helpfully whisper that my "slip" is showing (not an issue with those who do know me). Summertime is an excellent opportunity to sport a higher hem with a little more peek.

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    1. Ooohh, so true! I really find that I become all the more conscious of how I style my vintage attire when I'm in the presence of those who are middle aged and older. That's an excellent point and a topic that might well be worth exploring in greater detail in a post unto itself one day.

      Many thanks for your lovely comment, my dear. I hope that you summer is off to a splendid start.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I know the peak isn't traditional but I love it too! The modern crinolines come in such a fun range of colors that its cute to let them peak. You always look fab in all of your crinolines.

    retro rover

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    1. Thank you sweetly, dear Kate. I love the ever larger array of crinolines that are are on the market these days, too, as well as the very good quality you find in what I consider to be the mid-price range ($40 - $100 USD).

      The next crinoline that I want to add to my wardrobe is a navy blue one. I wear quite a bit of navy (and colours that go nicely with it) and suspect that I'd get a ton of wear out of such. What colour(s) are you really daydreaming about at the moment?

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Honestly not a fan of the peek myself. It's letting your underwear show lol.

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    1. I get that for sure, my dear, and went into this post knowing that many would feel much the same way as you do. For those that do enjoy a little "peek" however, I hope that this entry proved helpful - plus, for everyone whose a fan, it's always nice to talk about crinolines, I find.

      Wishing you a fantastic summer!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. how cool!
    love this post! your tips are great and the pictures are fab - especially the actress in the tree!
    usually i wear my crinoline/petticoat completely hidden - but i like to play with my skirts while moving or sitting down so that a bit of the "under-construction" is showing here & there :-)
    huge hugs! xxxxxx

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    1. Ooohhh, I do that as well - especially if the crinoline that I'm wearing is lace trimmed. Yet again, we are two fashion loving peas in a pod. :)

      Scores of hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Being a fan of layers, I love the idea of a "crinie peek." I have several slips and camisoles where I've added wide bands of lace to the bottom so that they'll intentionally show at least an inch or so below my top garment. I'm also not going for a true vintage look, though - the style I prefer is more of a vintage-inspired sort of shabby chic/boho/light steampunk look. So layers, uneven hem lines, and lots of "peeking" is what I'm going for. Thanks for this post, because for some reason, even as I'm adding lace bands to my undergarments, it never occurred to me to hem my outer layers to make them shorter. :-P I learned something new! ;-)

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    1. How very lovely! Lace trimmed crinolines are probably my favourite type. I really like wearing lace in general and enjoy that these garments let me weave a bit more into any outfit. It's fantastic that you've added lace to the hems of some of yours. Your beautiful style sounds superbly suited to such. (If you're a big fan of layers, have you looked into the Mori Girl - and related, Dark Mori - style from Japan? Both utilize layers quite extensively.)

      You're very welcome, my sweet friend. I'm delighted to know that this post proved helpful for you.

      Many hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. These vintage photos are so cute, I need to get one for my dresses
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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    1. Crinolines are super fun! They're a bit like wearable cotton candy, if you ask me, and are every bit as enjoyable as such. A warning though - once you start wearing them, crinolines can be quite addictive and you may soon find yourself with a rainbow of them in your closet. :)

      Big hugs & happy early July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Ahh- I wish I had more opportunity to wear my crinoline!! I like mine with a bit of peek :)

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    1. It can be really fun, playful and cute for sure. All this talk of crinis has me in the market for a new one. Perhaps this will finally be the year I add a navy blue one (which I've been wanting for ages now) to my closet.

      Big hugs & happy start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Iloved the post! I like crinolines very much and I do what you said: sew some lace on the hem of some skirts, or even I have a special skirt for weaing under some skirts - not a crinoline, but I like it! One suggestion was what I saw once, and bought the item: a skirt with lining, and in the middle of it, not the hem, some tulle ruffled, creating volume to the skirt. It was such a nice idea! Hope you have a nice week, dear Jessica! Hugs and regards!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. That's really cool, Denise. It sounds like what you're wearing might be closer to a traditional petticoat. Such a pretty, traditional garment. Very fun idea regarding using tulle for a bit of extra volume. Love it! Thank you for sharing that, sweet lady.

      Many hugs & happy early July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. I definitely prefer my petticoats to be the same length as my skirt, although there are some positively devine ones out there, so I can understand why someone would wish to show them off. I have very short legs so the 26 inch ones are nearly calf length on me. I wouldn't fancy hemming a petticoat, I imagine it's quite a process with all that material, but I have rolled over the waistband before, it's a good way to shorten the skirt without it being permanent. I hope you have a lovely week my dear xx

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    1. Full fledged member of the waist rolling club right here, too. Ahh, the things us petite lasses do as part and parcel of our daily lives, eh? :)

      Thank you very much for your comment, sweet Emily. I hope that you have a splendid week as well. Aside from the continued rain (not everyday, thankfully) and sometimes colder than usual temps, things are going better this week than the past couple - even with the postal strike situation still up in the air - so I certainly can't complain.

      Big hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. I must admit I've never worn a crinoline/petticoat, but I'll certainly take your tips into account if I ever feel inclined to do so. Very informative post, as always. A big hug, Ann xxx

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    1. That's really lovely of you to say, Ann. Thank you very much. I think, as a passionate vintage fashionista, that you might really enjoy these fun, flouncy underpinnings.

      Oodles of hugs coming right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Crinolines are so pretty! I need to get one :)

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    1. Definitely - on both counts! :) Don't hesitate to drop me a line if you have any crini shopping related questions that I might be able to help you with.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Great tips here! When I wear a petticoat, I don't usually let the hem show, as I think it creates a more modern, rockabilly look- which is super fun- but not really my style. I don't wear petticoats very often, as they tend to get in my way a lot for everyday wear. But I LOVE to wear petticoats for special occasions as they add such oomph to an outfit :)
    Another way you could get the look of a crinoline peek, is to attach ruffled lace to the inside of a hem to create a fake edge. Like a fake lining if that makes sense? That way you could wear a shorter petticoat, but still get the "peek" look. I've seen that technique on garments before, especially for lined skirts.
    The Artyologist

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    1. That's a really, really fantastic idea. I completely get what you mean and think it's flat out ingenuous. Thank you very much for the creative, completely cool share, sweet dear.

      Oodles of hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. I am the same as you - I really prefer my petti to remain hidden. Though I have a range of colors, I prefer those colors to only be seen as I move about or if I give a good twirl haha I don't mind if it peaks out a little but I am such a perfectionist - if it isn't perfectly lined up - and let's face it, one bit always seems to hang lower than the rest - I am going to get irritated!

    OH THE DREADED OVER HANG! I hate that so much too! We can't win, can we? We don't want the petti to show but can't stand the length difference when the petti is shorter than the skirt. AHHH!!

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    1. The dreaded overhang, oh my word, yes - it is real, and it isn't fun at all. Honestly, between the two, I'd rather have a wee bit of crinoline poking out than to have the last couple - few inches of my garment hanging there like a limp lettuce leaf. I'm sure, especially in my early days of sporting vintage, that I had it happen a few times, but I do really, really try to avoid it and will often go crini-less over sporting that undesirable overhang effect.

      You really do have a fabulous crinoline collection and I always adore seeing what you share with us on that front.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Ha, I'm always so afraid that my petticoat shows! I might try on up to three different skirts to make sure nothing is dripping. And sometimes I think about the lovely colours I have my skirts in, but no one sees them. But it's the same with lingerie, just knowing you are well-dressed on the inside makes you fell good. I thought about making two (or even three) elastic waistbands in your skirt, then you could pull it up or down and tighten the chosen waistband of the skirt. Just an idea. Have a lovely day, dear. :)

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    1. That's a very creative and appealing idea - to the point where it's one of those that you read/hear about and wonder how on earth it isn't "a thing", to use some modern parlance, already. Thank you very much for suggesting it. I'm sure that many a seamstress here will have a light bulb moment when they read it.

      Big hugs & sincere thanks coming your way, my talented friend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I feel like I'm the lone vintage-adjacent blogger who doesn't love crinolines haha. But that's awesome that you're a wealth of info as I know there are so many questions when one first attempts this kind of clothing! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    www.prefertobedemure.com

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    1. Don't worry for a moment, dear Lauren. It's awesome to have your own fashion tastes and there's certainly no rule that says vintage/retro fans need to own or wear crinolines in the slightest.

      Big hugs & happy early July wishes coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. How beautiful is the first picture!

    I'm tall, so most things are a little shorter on me, which means I sometimes have a petticoat a wee bit longer than my dress (so far, never a skirt touch wood) so I roll the petticoat waistband once, but a peekaboo petticoat doesn't bother me, I love the frivolity of it. Of course I now have two new ones and they're an inch shorter, so no peeking there as they're the exact length of most of my Lindy Bop dresses.

    I wish they would do fancy ones, not just block coloured ones though xxx

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    1. So very beautiful, I agree. That's such a lovely way of putting things. There is a delightful frivolity involved with seeing just a hint of petticoat, especially if its lace or otherwise prettily trimmed. What a great way to look at this fun fashion occurrence.

      Many hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Same here!!! I think they'd fly off the shelves like hotcakes!

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  19. That seven layer petticoat in the ad is magnificent! Wish they made them now. You gave some great tips here.

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    1. Isn't that one jaw dropping? It almost seems to pretty to cover up at all - but I guess that just gave one all the more excuse to twirl and dance up a storm, so as to show those gorgeous layers all off.

      Thank you sweetly, darling gal. I hope that you're having a sunny week and a stellar b-day countdown!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  20. I have yet to really explore the world of crinolines, but I do plan to soon. I wouldn't mind a nice fancy one like in the ad, as many people have commented. But can we also draw attention to the "Fringe Trim Bikini Briefs"!! Oh my.

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    1. Yes, let's! They're super fun and have a definite burlesque performer quality about them, but appear to have been aimed more at the everyday consumer. One can just imagine how enjoyable they must have been to sport under swishy 50s garb.

      Big hugs & happy mid-July wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. I absolutely adore the rainbow criolines! And I'm with you - I rarely let mine poke out and when I do, I like to let it just peek :)

    xo Miss Betty Doll

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    1. They're so incredible! Crinoline manufacturers these days should really take it upon themselves to study mid-century ads and examples like those shown here and produce more styles that are directly inspired (if not flat out copied) from such. I'm sure many of us in the vintage/pinup/rockabilly world would flock to purchase them, if they did (especially if they were reasonably priced).

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

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