Tips for Choosing the Best Fabric for a Skirt

There are many clothes women have in their wardrobe that they don’t need to buy. Dresses, blouses, leggings, and undergarments are all clothes you can make by hand with the right fabric and sewing supplies. However, some women don’t realize that you can make skirts too. Read these tips for choosing the best fabric for a skirt. Then, find a style and get started on yours today.

Pencil Skirts

Pencil skirts are straight and narrow cut slim-fitting skirts where the hem falls below the knee. Typically, they are worn with a separate piece of clothing, like a suit jacket, cardigan, or blouse. The shoes worn with pencil skirts typically include pumps, flats, or high heels with stockings or tights. On that note, the best fabric to use for a pencil skirt is lightweight cotton or silk since they’re breathable and stitch nicely.

Circle Skirts

Circle skirts, or poodle skirts, feature hemlines above or just below the knee. Historically, they were popular at school dances but have since become everyday casual wear. They were marketed as the first teenaged fashion trend perfect for dancing and free-flowing movement. While seen as a retro item today, circle skirts are still popular options. With a short, modern design, sewers use felt or satin as their fabrics of choice.

A-Line Skirts

These skirts fit at the hip before gradually widening towards the hem. This design is supposed to give the impression of the letter “A.” A-line skirts were more popular in the 1960s and 1970s; then, they saw a decline in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the 2000s ushered in a revival period. A-line skirts require flowing fabrics that drape, such as silk, rayon, cotton, or wool jersey.

Bubble Skirts

Bubble skirts feature a hem that’s tucked behind or folded underneath to create a bubble effect near the bottom. Designed to billow at the sides and bottom, they fit tightly around the waist. Women typically wear knee-length tights underneath. Linen tweed, brushed cotton, or any fabric that you can gather easily.

Maxi Skirts

These skirts are full-length skirts. Unlike traditional skirts, these end below the middle of the calf or right above the ankle. You can create a maxi skirt using lightweight and comfortable fabrics. Chiffon, cotton, or jersey give this piece comfort while still looking stylish.

Mini Skirts

Lastly, miniskirts are the opposite of maxi skirts. These use minimal fabric, given their smaller design. Popular in the 1980s and 1990s, miniskirts have become a staple in many wardrobes. Consider a knit or stretchy fabric, such as denim or cotton, so that you can move freely and comfortably.

Once you’ve chosen the right skirt design for you, be sure to get your apparel fabrics from us at Fabric Wholesale Direct. Check out our selection of cotton fabric for sale, plus our ITY Knit Stretch Jersey, DTY Knit Stretch Jersey, Ponte De Roma, Cotton Jersey, Rayon Challis, and Stretch Velvet. Call us today to find any fabrics you need for your sewing project.