The name is a portmanteau of petticoat (ultimately from French petit, "small") and pants.
Pettipants are similar to long shorts, though they may be made from material such as cotton and lace, and usually have ruffles down each leg.
Pettipants are a replacement for a slip,[citation needed] and can be regarded as a half-slip with an extra portion that goes underneath the groin.
They are not considered a modern or popular style;[citation needed] currently they are most likely to be worn by square dancers[2] or people involved in historical reenactment.
Unlike other types of underwear, pettipants will not ride up[1] and eliminate hot-weather chafing.