1950's Poodle Skirt

The 1950's gave birth to the teenager as we know it. This was the first time that marketers targeted adolescents. Movies, books, gadgets, music, and fashions were being produced specifically for teenagers. Previously there had been "junior" fashions, but they were similar to what adults were wearing.

Fashion changed radically in the 1950's. Novelty prints were used in women's fashion. Day wear included a blouse and cardigan over a bright skirt. An adult woman would not wear a poodle skirt under any circumstances. It was something just for the teenage girls. The Poodle Skirt became a way for teenagers to create a fashion of their own.

The Poodle Skirt skirt was traditionally a wide swing felt skirt of a solid bold color (often pink or powder blue). Felt was inexpensive and quick and easy to sew, and could take an ironed-on appliqué.

The most popular poodle skirt appliqué was a coiffed French poodle, usually with a bow on its head and a sparkly leash attached the wound its way up to the skirt's waist. The poodle often sported a sparkly collar and bright eyes.

Poodles were not the only items used on these skirts, just the best remembered. Other appliqués included flamingos, flowers, hot rod cars, silvery telephones, and black records surrounded by the words "See ya later, alligator."

The hemline for this skirt was to the knee or just below. It was worn over a crinoline petticoat made from netting stiffly starched to provide the lift needed to flare and swish.

The complete outfit included bobby sox, saddle shoes, a blouse and cardigan, chiffon scarf and ponytail, and rhinestone cats eye glasses. This remains one of the defining images of the 1950's.

Even if you don't sew, making a Poodle Skirt can be a fun project. You can find plenty of simple patterns for full circle skirts at your local sewing center or online.

If you choose one with an elastic waist you won't have to bother with a zipper. Free Applique has a very authentic poodle applique you can download.

Once you have the pattern and applique you just need to make a trip to the local fabric store for the felt and whatever fabric needed for the applique.

You can use Wonder Under Fusible Web to attach the dog to the skirt. No sewing required. Place the poodle applique towards the bottom of a wide skirt, then add some loops to her leash while angling the leash up towards the waist of the skirt. Use fabric glue to add a sequin collar and sparkly eyes.

Put on your pink poodle skirt and get ready for the sock hop! This swinging skirt is just the thing for dancing and romancing.

Juli Lynne Charlot described herself as "unable to sew."

"I cut it out of felt, because I didn't know how to sew, and that was the only material I knew wide enough to cut a complete circle skirt without any seams."

You might wonder why the poodle is the most popular emblem.
I heard through the grape vine the that the poodle and leash meant you were going steady. The leash meant you were tied to someone. No leash meant you were playing the field.