About Corded Petticoats: In the "Era of the Hoop", not all women wore cage or covered crinolines at all times, for both economic and practical reasons. When doing farm or household chores, evidence suggests that some women opted simply to wear a few layers of petticoats or revert to the pre-crinoline era corded petticoat to support their skirts. For a poorer woman, regular petticoats or a homemade corded petticoat might be the only option within her economic reach. For these reasons, many women reenactors are choosing corded petticoats for their working impressions. As well as the obvious advantages of mobility, corded petticoats are also considerably safer when cooking over campfires.

Corded Petticoats by Lynne Gaither

Lynne has researched Civil War corded petticoats, clothing, and undergarments for the last 15 years.  She has given numerous presentations on Civil War clothing and hair over the years and has worked as a clothing advisor on a number of movies about the Civil War.  These petticoats are worn by the staff at Greenfield Village—Henry Ford Museum and by re-enactors in the United States and Europe and have received praise from The Watchdog—A Quarterly Review for Re-enactors. It was thoroughly researched and drafted from original petticoats owned by Lynne and various collections both private and in museums and is made from the same quality materials as the originals—hemp and muslin—and will provide many years of use for its owner.  Custom made sizes for larger clients' measurements are available. The waistbands are made of polished cotton with china button closures. For most sizes, the circumference around the bottom is 72 inches.

Photo Collection of Petticoats:

     Collection Photo's

Measurements:
To measure for a corded petticoat, please supply Lynne with your corseted waist measurement and waist to floor measurement with the shoes you will be wearing with the petticoat.

Washing and Starching Instructions:

         Washing

         Starching

Contacting Lynne With Questions:

At Reenacting Events:
Lynne attends a number of events as a sutler, primarily on the east coast. Look for her in the tent of Cindy Hopes of "Heirloom Emporium".

By Mail or Phone:
J. Lynne Gaither
434 Pumping Station Rd
Hanover, PA 17331

By Phone:
Office: (717) 633-6061
Cell:     (717) 451-0062

By E-Mail: cordedpetticoats@yahoo.com