What Is a Petticoat Jacket? Meaning, Petticoat vs. Peacoat & How to Wear It

Updated October 2026 by the MsDressly editorial team.

What "petticoat jacket" actually means

Search the phrase "petticoat jacket" and you'll find results split between skirts and coats — that's because the term blends two completely different garments. A petticoat is a skirt-like undergarment, historically worn to add volume or warmth beneath a dress. A peacoat is a short, double-breasted wool jacket with a nautical history. When someone types "petticoat jacket," they usually want one of these two pieces and aren't sure which word is which.

This guide covers both, so you can figure out which one you actually need — and style it well.

The petticoat: what it looks like

A petticoat is a lightweight, skirt-shaped garment worn under a dress or skirt. Modern versions are typically made of tulle, chiffon, cotton, or satin, and fall anywhere from hip to ankle length. Classic identifiers:

• A flared or A-line shape that adds volume beneath an outer skirt
• Elastic or smocked waistbands for easy layering
• Soft, sheer fabrics like mesh or chiffon that disappear under clothing

If you're looking to make a dress or skirt fuller — or add a smooth layer under a sheer style — the petticoat is what you want. Explore our skirts and petticoat collection to see how these pieces work together.

The peacoat: what it looks like

If what you actually need is a jacket, the peacoat is the piece behind the confusion. It's a hip-length, double-breasted coat with a wide collar (often notched or oversized), usually made from heavy wool or wool-blend fabric. Hallmarks include:

• Two columns of large buttons down the front
• A broad, structured collar that can be flipped up against the wind
• A tailored, slightly boxy silhouette that works over everything from sweaters to dresses

Peacoats read polished but practical — equally at home over work outfits and weekend denim.

Where the confusion comes from

The two words overlap in sound, not meaning. "Petticoat" comes from petty coat — literally a "small coat" — because early petticoats were quilted underskirts worn for warmth. "Peacoat" derives from the Dutch word pijjakker, a coarse wool coat worn by sailors. Both words historically described warm layers, which is likely why they've tangled together in modern search language. Retailers and shoppers alike now use "petticoat jacket" loosely, so knowing both terms puts you ahead of the results page.

Petticoat vs. peacoat: a quick comparison

• Worn on: a petticoat goes under clothing; a peacoat goes over it
• Function: a petticoat shapes or smooths a silhouette; a peacoat provides outer warmth
• Fabric: petticoats use tulle, chiffon, or cotton; peacoats use wool or wool blends
• Season: petticoats layer year-round; peacoats are a cold-weather staple

Still unsure which one fits your search? If your query included words like tailored, tweed, or winter, you want a jacket — the peacoat or a similar structured style. If it included dress, skirt, or volume, you want the petticoat.

Related styles worth knowing

Depending on which garment you meant, these are the closest relatives:

• Slip skirt / underskirt: the modern, minimalist cousin of the petticoat — a smooth layer under sheer dresses
• Crinoline: a stiffer, fuller petticoat built from structured tulle for maximum volume
• Double-breasted blazer: shares the peacoat's tailored overlap but in lighter fabric for indoors or mild weather
• Oversized jackets: a relaxed, roomier take on structured outerwear if the classic peacoat fit feels too boxy

How to style a petticoat

A petticoat is invisible engineering — it changes how your outfit looks without being seen. Wear one under an A-line or fit-and-flare dress to restore the skirt's shape, or under a midi skirt to add gentle movement. Choose a petticoat slightly shorter than your outer layer so it never peeks out, and match the fabric weight to the season: cotton for summer dresses, tulle for structured shapes.

For a cohesive look, build from the skirt out. A chambray A-line skirt over a soft cotton petticoat, for instance, gives clean volume without bulk — try pairing with the cotton-linen button-front A-line maxi skirt as your outer layer.

How to style a peacoat-style jacket

The peacoat formula is simple: tailored jacket over anything. For work, layer it over a knit dress or a sweater-and-trouser set — the double-breasted front keeps the silhouette sharp. For weekends, throw it over a graphic tee and straight-leg jeans, with the collar popped on colder days.

If your style leans bolder, treat the jacket as the statement. A sequin or textured jacket gives you the same "structured top layer" energy with more personality — our sequin jacket collection is a strong option for evenings and events. Whatever you choose, balance the jacket's boxiness with a slimmer bottom half: a fitted midi, straight-leg denim, or a column skirt.

Fabrics and construction to look for

For petticoats: look for smooth, non-clingy fabrics (cotton voile, chiffon, soft tulle) and a comfortable waistband — smocked or wide elastic sits flatter than narrow elastic. If the outer skirt is sheer, choose a petticoat in a skin-tone shade rather than white.

For peacoat-style jackets: wool and wool blends deliver the warmth and structure the style is known for. Check that the shoulder seams sit at your natural shoulder, and that the coat closes comfortably over your thickest sweater — peacoats should be layered, so sizing up half a step is often smart.

How to shop for the right piece

Start from your outfit goal. Adding shape or coverage under a dress? Shop petticoats and skirts together so lengths and colors coordinate — the skirts and petticoat collection makes that easy. Need a warm, polished layer? Focus on jackets with double-breasted closures, wool content, and a collar that frames the face.

As you browse, remember MsDressly offers free shipping when buying 2 or more items, or on orders over US$80 — a useful way to grab a petticoat and its matching skirt, or a jacket and the dress going under it, in one order.