A poodle skirt is one of the most memorable symbols of the 50s. Postwar American women sought fashions that were feminine and unique. The wide swing felt skirt of a solid bold color displayed a design appliquéd or transferred to the fabric. Poodle skirt designs were often adorned with a patch called an appliqué of a French poodle. Later substitutes for the poodle patch included flamingos, flowers, and hot rod cars.
The poodle skirt was created in New York City in 1947 by Ralph Walters, an 18 year old apprentice pattern maker and aspiring fashion designer. The great popularity of this design launched his career and Walters went on to become a master pattern maker and the chief designer of Jay-Mee Fashions. Walters’ designs at Jay-Mee were sold bearing the house labels of many department stores, as was the custom during the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s.
Keep in mind we also offer Poodle Skirt accessories such as poodle socks, scarves, saddle shoes and cateye sunglasses, and if you get stuck please feel free to contact us!
11 Tips for finding the perfect poodle skirt
1. Look for Poodle Skirts that appeal to you. Do you want a factory made costume or a handmade poodle skirt?
2. Do you want Felt or other fabrics? Either is perfectly acceptable for a Great 50′s Look!
3. Felt skirts cannot be washed. Dry clean only. You can wear several times before dry cleaning. Just freshen with Febreze or hang outside for a few hours. Most prefer felt for a true 50′s look.
4. Fabric skirts must be washed before adding the poodle appliqué (design) to remove fabric sizing. If fabric is not washed first, sizing or shrinkage could cause your appliqué to come off or twist.
5. Make sure you measure yourself or daughter around the waist & length. Make sure it is the proper length for you or your daughter. Poodle skirts were meant to be a longer than the trendy little short skirts of today. If it’s too short, you will not have a great look. Crinolines / Petticoats will make skirt appear shorter.
6. Ask yourself if the Poodle appliqué large enough to be seen across the room of a Halloween party? You do not want an appliqué so large it is overwhelming, but you do not want a dinky sized one either.
7. Is it a full circle poodle skirt or an A line? If it is a true circle skirt, you will be able to see the fullness of the skirt from the pictures. With a circle skirt, you can wear a crinoline or petticoat underneath to give it extreme fullness. If it is an A line skirt, you will not have the same fullness & a crinoline would not be effective.
8. If choosing a skirt with an elastic waist, you’ll have a better chance of getting a good fit. Skirts with elastic waists will generally fit a wide range of sizes depending on your or your child’s height & weight. Most will have added stretch for growing children.
9. A simple poly cotton Tee shirt, peasant blouse, button up blouse, pullover sweater or an inexpensive polo type shirt will look great with your poodle skirt. Any of these can easily be found, at your local Thrift shop or from your favorite clothing store.
10. You do not want the decoration on your top to be so large it takes away from the beauty of the skirt. Something small is preferable for a classy look.
11. Measure yourself or daughter correctly! Measure about 2 inches above the belly button. Measuring tape should NOT be loose against the body. Poodle skirts were NOT made to ride low, underneath belly button or on the hips.
Keep in mind we also offer Poodle Skirt accessories such as poodle socks, scarves, saddle shoes and cateye sunglasses, and if you get stuck please feel free to contact us!
Call us for to know more at 1-714-515-5315 or visit us at Poodle Skirt
