A simple circle skirt is as popular now as it ever was, and depending on the fabric used can be long and flowing or short and frivolous and especially fun to wear for dancing or even skating.
Many people remember the popularity of the circle skirt in the 1950s and finding an original “Poodle” skirt from that era is a great find. The Poodle skirt was probably the most well know type of circle skirt and being made from wool felt that required no hemming they were very easily made. In the days before women’s lib when mothers stayed home and raised their children, many women got out their sewing machines and had fun making poodle skirts for their daughters.
How a Circle Skirt is Made
These skirts were made from two simple semi-circles of colorful fabric, usually wool felt, and then embellished with an appliquéd poodle made from fabrics that looked like a curly poodle coat, such as lamb’s wool or mohair, and embroidered with perhaps a leash and collar and other fun ideas.
In the “bobby socks” era girls would wear flat Mary Jane shoes, short white socks and full ruffled underskirts or petticoats beneath the circle skirt. Dances in the late fifties were all about fun, and the circle skirt was part of that fun. They allowed ease of movement for the legs and the ability to twirl around – a room full of girls dancing and twirling in their circle skirts was quite a sight!
This fashion was in stark contrast to the types of skirts and dresses that women wore during World War II and just after. Fabric was hard to get, hence the pencil skirt was exactly the opposite of the circle skirt. As soon as restrictions started to be lifted after World War II, freedom was expressed in many ways and fashion, dance and music became more lively and happy-go-lucky. No longer were men and women clinging to each other in intimate huddles, they started to swing!
Circle skirts are popular with all sizes and ages of women. They can be full length or ultra-short depending on a woman’s figure. Soft, silky fabrics and light cottons can be used to make a long, romantic circle skirt or stiffer fabrics such as corduroy and wool will make a shorter circle skirt keep its shape better. Waistbands can be at the waist, or dropped to the hips with just a drawstring to add to the comfort of a soft and light circle skirt design.
How To Make a Circle Skirt
A true circle skirt can be made from one piece of fabric which avoids the need for running any seams. This can be a big advantage with large geometric or floral patterns, but for economy two semi circles can be used for economy when using a plain fabric.
Every major designer has at some time produced a line of circle skirts – their popularity doesn’t wane. In the hippy era many circle skirts were imported from Mexico and India and these, along with the 1950s circle skirt, have become very popular items highly sought after by vintage clothing collectors and dealers.
