Underskirts are an essential part of women's clothing, worn underneath dresses and skirts to provide added comfort and modesty. There are many synonyms for underskirts, including petticoats, half-slips, bloomers, crinolines, and chemises. Petticoats are typically made of layers of fabric and give a fullness to a skirt. Half-slips are shorter versions of petticoats that provide coverage for the lower half of the body. Bloomers are usually loose-fitting, knee-length undergarments that originated in the 19th century. Crinolines are made of stiff fabric and support the shape of a skirt. Chemises are undergarments made of lightweight fabric and are often worn as nightwear. Whatever you call them, underskirts are a practical and necessary part of a woman's wardrobe.