Skirt fabric becoming sheer at seams?

I bought the Tybee maxi skirt from Anthropologie back in May. It is made from a stretchy rayon material that has a great drape. I absolutely love this skirt!

When I bought the skirt, there were a couple of reviews on the Anthro site saying that the skirt would become sheer at the seams after a few wears. I thought this was bizarre and was hoping that this was a problem with just a few skirts out of the lot. Well, I was not so lucky! I was taking my skirt off the other day and noticed that you could see white showing through at the back seams...that is, showing off my underwear! (Another embarrassing moment!) I held the skirt up to the light and discovered that it seems that every other panel (the skirt is made up of panels) has become sheer at the seams. It looks like what happens to a sock before it gets a hole in it: you get a bald spot. And I see that more reviews have been added to the site documenting this same problem.

Anyway, I called my local Anthro, and they ordered me a replacement skirt. Unfortunately, the gal I spoke to was brand-new and didn't have a clue about what might be going on with this skirt. For instance, she suggested that maybe "that's just how the skirt is." Uh, no. Ha ha. But I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem with an item of clothing or knows why this is happening. Anyone?

Anthropologie

Tybee Maxi Skirt

$98.00 $29.95

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10 years ago

Joy

Veteran

No idea except inferior fabric perhaps, but it must be frustrating to have this happen. I hope the new skirt is better.

Vildy

off the top of my head, I can't remember the technical answer but it's a sewing/manufacturing defect. It's a big quality no-no.

"Seam slippage occurs with a low stitch count,
insufficient tension on threads, or improper stitch
and seam selection

http://www.slideshare.net/arka.....e-strength

Gaylene

Vildy nailed it. Certain kinds of woven fabric, like rayon jersey, are more prone to developing slippage so extra care has to be taken during construction to use the right size needle, thread, and tension, and proper stitch length. It's definitely a quality issue.

Gigi

Joy, I hope the new skirt is better too! But given the number of reviews posted where people complain of this, it will be a miracle if it doesn't have the same problem. Boo hoo!

Vildy, thanks! Maybe that is exactly what is going on. Crazy!

lyn*

(website)

What Vildy said; I have tried to reinforce skirts before by flipping them inside out and taking them in a touch; but this is only a temporary fix and probably can't be done with a style like the one you posted.

I'd make Anthro give me back my money.

viva

Gigi,
I'm so sorry for you, and I share your frustration. I am pretty sure this is exactly what is happening with the dalmatian print silk blouse I bought at Club Monaco this spring. I've figured that it's not replaceable by CM since the top is probably long gone, and I still love it, so I'll keep wearing it until it falls apart, but with a sweater or jacket over it. But it's going to keep me from buying anything delicate at full-price from CM again. Such a bummer.

Glory

I agree that it is a quality issue. Lululemon had a similar problem last year with their workout wear being close to "see through".
I hope the next skirt is made from a good batch of fabric!

Anonymous

I tend to think it is a fabric problem in that it may be too loosely woven. Actually... is there lycra(spandex) in the fabric content? Because it can degrade and leave thin fabric at stress points, i.e. seams. The same can happen with swimwear that has lycra in it.

Thanks, everyone!

Diane, the fabric is 94% rayon, 6% spandex. But should the spandex degrade that quickly? I've had this skirt only since May, and I've only worn it maybe six times. I haven't even washed it yet.

In looking more closely at the seams, I see that the fabric right next to the seams does appear to be stretched out, which would be causing the sheerness. If I continue to wear this skirt (say, with a dark slip underneath), will the stretched area eventually develop holes?

Lyn, Anthro did give me the option of getting my money back. But I love the skirt so much I was willing to try it a second time. The worst thing that happens is that the second skirt does the same thing, and then I will get my money back.

ironkurtin

The Lulu issue wasn't with the seams, though, it was where the fabric stretched over the crotch. (Also I'm going to say I think they have fixed it, I've been really happy with my Lulus). So I'm betting it's a bad fabric/sewing match as some others have noted.

IK, of all areas to be see-though, the crotch isn't at the top of my list...

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