Pencil skirt fit - YouLookFab Forum

Julie's thread reminded me of a question I have about pencil skirt fit. I've realized that when I walk in a pencil skirt, the skirt tends to crease in front about the level where my legs connect to my torso, right at the bottom of the belly. This makes sense but a few of my pencil skirts tend to ride up at this point and get bunched and stuck. Am I wrong in thinking that a well fitting pencil skirt should fall back down flat when I am standing still? For the skirts that do this, I feel like I am always having to yank the skirt down after walking and I really dislike this. Does this mean the skirt is too tight through the hips? To me it doesn't feel too tight and I'm quite positive a size larger would be too large. Maybe this is a result of a stiffer fabric? Or maybe I am just in between sizes for these particular skirts? I definitely have pencil skirts that do not bother me in this way even though they crease when I walk.

(Antje, in Julie's thread you said something about the skirt getting "stuck." Is this what you mean?)

Thanks!

16 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I also find this problem and not just with pencil skirts, hope someone knows the reason why x

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I don't know the answer to your question Patience, but I've been wondering about that too. Glad you brought it up;-)

Laura

This is one reason why I prefer a-line skirts! I'll be watching the thread for answers.

julijuli

Active Member

I'm so glad you asked this. I have another black pencil skirt and it does not do this so maybe it fits better. I'll wait to hear the answer!

Antje

Patience, I think it's similar but not quite the same as what I meant in the other thread. I think it is pretty common for a pencil skirt to get "stuck" and ride up a bit when you move (it happens with many of mine, but I think it's partially dependent on the fabric, not just the cut/fit), and I'm not sure how okay that is - I personally don't find it a big problem since I like my skirts on the tighter side and don't want to get it in a bigger size just so it falls down more smoothly.

In JuliJuli's picture, however, it looked like it might be "stuck" while she was standing, which would signal that it was too tight at the widest spot of the hips.

I'm certainly no expert on this and will be curious to see other replies...

Angie

Fashion Stylist

So, do you mean that the skirt rides up past your navel and moves around your waist? How does the crease fit into this story. Sorry to sound obtuse.

Anonymous

I also do not want to sound obtuse. I'll take a chance only because I am taking some BEGINNER pattern fitting courses right now so I wanted to chime in and say that it does sound like the old problem of the skirts being cut for a particular makers model. Since we are all built differently there is a good chance that you will find a maker who has a fit that you like and a maker who has a fit that you don't like for yourself. I am finding it amazing how those of us in the class are cutting apart and taping back the patterns to fit our individual selves.

Patience

San, that makes sense although I think Antje is right that it also depends on the stiffness of the fabric.

Angie, I mean that the hem rides up because the skirt bunches right below the belly. The skirts I'm talking about are high waisted although I'm open to the fact that the waist has something to do with it. What I'm talking about is when you walk in a pencil skirt the front creases and the hem rises up a little to accomodate your stride. That's fine. What I find annoying is when it doesn't fall back into place when I stop moving. I stand still after moving and the skirt is 2" shorter because it's all bunched up at the hip level. Is that more clear?

marianne

San, I see what you're saying. I haven't worn a pencil skirt in years, and occasionally I try one and the fit isn't right. All pencil skirts I've owned in the past were custom-made - they are actually quite easy to make and the difference in fit is great. Of course when it comes to detailing, the ones in stores offer a lot more variety
I also think it may have something to do with the fabric. Does it happen more with unlined skirts?

Ah ha! Got it, Patience. I am wearing a high-waisted pencil skirt today and it’s symptomatic of what you’ve described too, but it’s minimal so I don’t find it annoying. It actually stays put on my waist. Hmmm. Don’t know how to advise you here.

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