Malco Modes is America’s oldest and largest maker of quality petticoats, pettipants and crinolines, having been in business for over 50 years with each piece hand-sewn in their eastern Tennessee facility. Their Jennifer petticoat was my first ever good quality petticoat as a pinup, and a year and a half later it’s still in perfect condition despite regular use. It’s the softest, fluffiest petticoat I’ve ever touched, and I do make a habit of touch testing as many petticoats as I can to compare–you know, not to sound creepy or anything.
The Jennifer is a great everyday petticoat because it’s got medium volume and isn’t too long or too short, meaning it works well for the average pinup. I, though, am a queen of puff. A master of fluff. I love my skirts big and bold and a little bit obnoxious, even. I’ve yearned to try the Malco Modes Michelle petticoat since I first got my Jennifer, recognising it as the superlative among petticoats in circumference, but I’ve been told by the helpful lovelies at Malco Modes that the Michelle is so full it will only fit under skirts with a minimum of 140 inches hem circumference, which excludes a lot of your average repro pieces. Being sensible, I perused the Malco Modes range of fuller pieces and decided the Madeline seemed like an excellent comprise between hem-busting volume and daily pinup practicality.
It might sound silly, but I was excited to get this in red. I only own black and white petticoats, because they go with everything and I’m not someone who likes my petticoat to peek out from under my skirts anyway. Still, despite that, I found myself wanting the option of something colourful just for the fun of it, and Malco Modes definitely offer that. Every single one of their petticoats comes available in multiple colours, with up to 25 different colours available in their most popular styles. This ruby red was made for me and my obsessively red-accessorizing ways.

Havana dress without petticoat

Worn with the Jennifer petticoat by Malco Modes

Worn with the Madeline petticoat by Malco Modes



Petticoat: Madeline Petticoat in Ruby Red C/O Malco Modes
Dress: Red Havana dress by Pinup Girl Clothing
Hair Flower: Single White Debbie Dahlia by Daisy Jean Floral Designs
Flats: Old Season H&M
I expected this petticoat to deliver on volume, yet I didn’t expect it to be quite so full and incredible. The first time I put it on, it surprised even me, Puff Queen that I am. It’s amazing, particularly given it’s only their second fullest petticoat behind the Michelle (how?!!)
Technically it’s a crinoline, which means it’s made from stiffer materials than a petticoat, which is typically softer. Cheap, bad-quality crinolines are often scratchy, stiff and uncomfortable because they use rougher materials to achieve the stiffness required to achieve the fuller volume. This Madeline petticoat, however, produced by a company committed to good quality produce, doesn’t leave you suffering any of that scratchy discomfort. The full volume is achieved by one layer of stiff nylon netting sandwiched between two layers of soft nylon organza, with satin binding on the edging of each layer. Altogether, there’s 60 years used to achieve that perfect fullness, with those softer top and under layers making this piece comfortable and gentle to wear. Never again will volume necessitate the abandonment of comfort, as I had previously believed!
The sizing of the Madeline runs from petite to X large, with each size allowing a waist range of 10 inches or more inside that size, since the waistband of each skirt sports a button that can be moved along to tighten or loosen the fit. Each size also increases slightly in length, so the petite Madeline can cater to 21-38 inch waists at a petticoat length of 19 inches, while the large runs from 27-50 in the waist and 23 inches long. I ordered the large to get that extra little bit of length. That does mean it is too short to be worn at my natural waist for my longer dresses or skirts, like this pictured Havana dress, but I easily combat that by shifting the skirt down a little to be worn on my hips.
The Madeline petticoat comes available in 15 colours and costs $64.99. I’m so thrilled it not only fulfilled but exceeded my high expectations, but I’m even happier to be able to bring you another Malco Modes giveaway!
Thanks to Malco Mode’s generosity, this giveaway is open internationally and offers the winner a Malco Modes petticoat of their choice. The giveaway begins today, Wednesday 30th March, and ends Tuesday 5th April 12am GMT.
To enter, you can gain multiple entry points for the following actions:
- Follow @Malcomodes on Twitter
- ‘Like’ Malco Modes on Facebook
- Follow @Malcomodes on Instagram
- Comment on this blog post letting us know which Malco Modes petticoat you’ve got your eye on!
You can do all 4 of these things to gain an entry for each, meaning you can have up to 4 entries into this competition, increasing your chance of winning. All of these entry options can be logged into the giveaway widget below:
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE: Malco Modes Giveaway Entry Widget!
Winner will be announced here on the blog on Wednesday 6th April.
Good luck, lovelies!
Thank you for this post! Took a look at all the petticoats, and well, go big or go home is my motto, so my choice would be Savannah in white + pastel rainbow! It’s exactly the kind of crazy, cute thing I’d wear!
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I’ve been looking at getting either a black or white Jennifer for ages now! I pretty much fell in love with Malco Modes Petticoats as soon as I saw them but can’t really afford it due to being 17 with no job. Saving up my money and can’t wait to finally buy one!
P.s. You look absolutely stunning in everything, no one can fault you! (It’s not even fair!) Xx
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Madeline Petticoat in Ruby Red, just perfect!
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Lovely outfits, I honestly think the Jennifer is for me, it’s so pretty and fluffy it looks like a cloud! I do swing dancing so anything too poofy gets in the way but I’ve seen other dancers wearing the Jennifer and it twirls out so nicely!!! Both petticoats look so lovely on you though!!!
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Thank you! Totally in love with Jennifer petticoat, I think I could wear it all the time!
You look beautiful 🙂 Keep posting please! Love from Italy
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Your rewiew convinces me that I would LOVE to own the Jennifer petticoat in dark royal blue, it would be perfect!
I hope to “win” the giveaway because I’m only seventeen and I’m still studying, so it’s hard to find all the money that are necessary for the pinup style.
Hello from Itlay, Emma
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I’m short so the Jennifer would be perfect for me!
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I like the Jennifer in peach or the Madeline in berry. So cute & fun!
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Dear Miss Amymay, thanks for your beautiful blog, it’s very useful and trendy-friendly
two days ago it was my girfriend’s birthday,
Sadly she didn’t received what she wanted to.
I’m so worry and she is so disappointed with me and (of course with my present)
please I need your help,
I want that she returns to smile at me as the first time I met Her
I’m so sorry, all I have to give is just this SOS request
I know that she would like a lot the “Samantha Peacock Blue” model
thanks in advantage, please do the best you can
Cheers
Francesco
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I keep going back and forth between the Jennifer and Madeline, but I think the Jennifer would be right for me in black! Looks amazing!
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I’ve always wanted to try a malco modes petticoat. The Jennifer would be my choice.
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Hi! I really love the pin up fashion! I have just started the Marangoni (the fashion accademy in Milan) and for a projet I need a Petticoat and I think that malco modes would be perfect! I think that would be a great occasion! I love the Samanta Petticoat in peacock blue. Cheers from Italy. XOXO
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The savannah in white /pastel rainbow (the multicolored version of the jennifer ) is my all time favourite petticoat and i would love to have one of my very own ! Its the perfect colour combo to go my dream dress ive been saving for ❤
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I’ve been desperate for a Malco Modes petticoat for years now! And I’m loving the Jennifer, so she’s the one I’m saving up for!
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I’ve been dying for a Jennifer for AGES so that wld definitely be my pick! Love your blog – and your wardrobe is TDF!
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I’ve been dying for a Jennifer for AGES so that wld definitely be my pick! Love your blog – and your wardrobe is TDF! I am PUG Jenny-obsessed so a Malco Modes Jennifer would be a lovely match right?!
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These petticoats are amazing- and you’ve even convinced me to buy a new dress from Pin-up Girl Clothing! I’d love the Madeline in Red or Ruby Red- both gorgeous colours.
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After this review you’ve sold me on the Madeline! I’ve honestly been eyeing off the Jennifer too because was worried the Madeline would be too much poof beneath a skirt but it looks like the perfect amount. The problem with picking a colour is they’re all so perfect but I’m going to have to say I’d pick the dusty rose because I’m just in love with it (and it’ll match my pink shoes haha!!) 😍
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I’m torn! The Jennifer looks like a great length on you, but looking at the website the Samantha seems as though it is more the length I like. I’ll have to get out the trusty measuring tape. Either way the dusty rose colour will be perfect for a beautiful vintage number on it’s way to me 😊 Thanks for the review, I’m new to your blog but your Instagram is my favourite 💋
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I browsed the Malco Modes website and there are several petticoats that interest me as I have never owned or worn one, but the overall winner has to be the Jennifer in White, because it will go with everything!
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I would just love to own a black Jennifer! Simple, beautiful pin up perfection! 😘
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I just bought baby blue skirt from Closet, but something is lacking. Yes, VOLUME. I’m in love with your Madeline. This review convinced me. I want mine too!
Love,
Roma
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Wow these petticoats are amazing!! Have been lusting on the website all afternoon since seeing your blog – I would love a Jennifer in Ruby Red or Black, it would be perfect for my beginner pin up wardrobe 🙂 thanx for an awesome post Miss Amy May
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I have been looking forward to this blog post ever since I saw a Malco Modes on Victory Violet! It’s absolutely gorgeous and I’d love to get my hands on a Madeline!! 😍😍
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I’ve got my eye on the Meghan, in the light pink… Perfect for our wedding day💕 Looks like the perfect amount of volume, not too much, not too little. Thanks so much for you info, love reading your blog.
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★Thank you for the opportunity! I would have the Samantha in Purple! I love how these petticoats flow when you walk, spin or dance!★
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I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a Jennifer petticoat in black! I have been looking for one of good quality for so long! This would be such a dream come true!
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I have the Jennifer and I get this weird overhang with all my dresses. I suppose the Jennifer is too short for me so I am thinking of trying the Samantha. What do you think?
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I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a Savvanah or Madeline petticoat in black! I have been looking for one of good quality for so long! This would be such a dream come true!
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I’ve been wanting a Jennifer in any color really:P
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I love the Madeline petticoat. I’m definitely a fluffy girl, and I’ve been disappointed by petticoats before that they didn’t give the volume to my skirts that I wanted. Will be glad to keep my eye on the Malco Modes range 🙂
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I have my eye on the hot pink Jennifer
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Just gorgeous. I wouldn’t stop twirling all day!
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I would love to have the Madeline one in black or ivory.
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You look gorgeous💃🏻. I have always wanted the jennifer petticoat in the Wedgwood blue colour. I love that colour.
It’s also very lovely that there are multiple options for entry to this comp. As a Facebook leaver from 2 1/2 years ago (have not looked at it, nor had any desire to go back), it’s lovely that I could enter without having to be on fbook. So many competitions are based there and it makes me quite upset. Alas, I was still able to get three entries in! So that makes me very happy 👋🙏😘
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Been dying for a new Jennifer! Probably the berry color. Loooove it!!
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Been dying for a Jennifer in Petite Black!
My current petticoat has lost all its puff! Not glamorous!! XD
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I’ve definitely got my eye on the Jennifer in white
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Love Love Love! 🙂
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I have been looking at the white Jennifer. It looks like it has the perfect poof for me 🙂
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I’d go for the Jennifer or the Zooey.
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I’d never really considered the Madeline, but it looks amazing! I would so lovery to nab one of those!
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The Jennifer in any colour would be awesome!
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I have my heart set on either a white or red Meghan petticoat. I have this beautiful mint green and red flower dress I bought from a Pinup company and was so disappointed when the website didn’t warn that it was fluffed up with a petticoat, I assumed it was apart of the dress. The Meghan petticoat looks like it would be absolutely perfect to turn my flat and sad looking dress into a beautiful A-line, full bodied dress thay will have me twirling all day. Thank you and Malco Modes for the opportunity. Your review was a helpful reference in terms of how full it was.
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I’d absolutely love a Jennifer. The only problem is choosing between peacock blue and mint green!
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I have yet to purchase a quality petticoat! I have a cheap one I bought off eBay…
I think the Jennifer would be perfect for me since I already have a slightly fuller bottom!
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I have my eye on a Zooey! The Jennifer is too full for my plus size body (and an awkward length for my height), and want something with just a bit of volume.
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I would absolutely adore a Jennifer in either dark royal blue or yellow 🙂
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I’ve got my eye on a Jennifer in white!!!
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I really got my eye on the Zooey petticoat! It seems like it would be perfect for an everyday wear and also give a nice shape to my dresses and skirts.
Lovely blog Miss Amy May.
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