The Poodle Skirt - Symbol of 1950's Americana
Miss Charlot made a skirt to wear to a Los Angeles holiday party by cutting a big circle of felt with a hole in the middle to fit her own waist. Then she appliqued "whimsical felt Christmas tress" on it.
For her next project, it was suggested that Charlot create a line featuring dogs. Among the dog skirts was the poodle, and the rest is fashion history. The skirt was a huge it, and was copied widely.
The poodle skirt was easy for young girls to make at home, and decorate with symbols of the Rock 'n Roll era including 45 rpm records and decks of cards.
It was perfect for Swinging to the sounds of Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry and Elvis. What better outfit to wear while dancing the Lindy Hop and Jitter Bug.
The poodle skirt remains one of the most memorable symbols of 1950's Americana.
A Quick Swing Through The Contents
- Not Your Mother's Skirt
- The Classic Poodle Skirt
- Make Your Own Poodle Skirt
- The Poodle Skirt Is Great for Halloween or 50's Theme Party
- Swing Dance on YouTube
- Your Poodle Skirt Must Have A Crinoline Petticoat
- Did You Ever Wear A Poodle Skirt?
- Poodle Skirt Is Easy Even If You Can't Sew
- Swing By And Drop A Line
- About the author
- Love This Lens?
- Bookmark This Lens
- This Lens Was Created by a RocketMom
Not Your Mother's Skirt
The poodle skirt defined the teenage girl.
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 Classic Poodle Skirt
A wide circular skirt with an interesting applique
The Poodle SkirtThe 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.
Make Your Own Poodle Skirt
Making your own Poodle Skirt is easy and fun.
Even if you don't sew, making a Poodle SkirtIf 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."
The Poodle Skirt Is Great for Halloween or 50's Theme Party
Swing Dance on YouTube
Your Poodle Skirt Must Have A Crinoline Petticoat
Hey Viv! Poodle Skirt Crinoline - Adult Sz
Amazon Price: (as of 05/25/2012)![]()
Ready to Swing ? Here's a fun 50's style Crinoline - perfect for your Poodle Skirt or Circle Skirt.
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.
Did You Ever Wear A Poodle Skirt?
If you were not yet born, maybe you wore one as a costume.

The Poodle Skirt is an easy costume to make for adults and children. You could decorate it with your favorite emblems of the day.
Poodle Skirt Is Easy Even If You Can't Sew
Great for 1950's Grease or Happy Days Impression
Swing By And Drop A Line
Tell us what you like most about the 1950's
If you have ever made a Poodle Skirt, what's been the secret of your success besides having a huge table to cut out more than 4 yards of felt?
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Apr 24, 2010 @ 9:40 am | delete
- Trivia for you. What were the cat's eyes made from on a poodle skirt? buttons, rhinestones, velvet, silver studs
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Oct 15, 2009 @ 9:31 pm | delete
- I'm working on a poodle skirt to waer at any time i want to.
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Treasures-By-Brenda
Sep 14, 2009 @ 7:25 pm | delete
- Nicely done & blessed.
(Don't forget to change the default title on the Table of Contents.)
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24websurf Sep 10, 2009 @ 4:12 pm | delete
- This is a really great look back those Poodle Skirts! I was born a little later but I can remember seeing them in the movies and on shows like Happy Days and thought they were "oh so cool!" Love this lens!
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shannonpatricia
Sep 9, 2009 @ 8:08 pm | delete
- I remember my Mom making me one to wear to school on 50's day, during homecoming week.
great job!
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Susan52
Sep 8, 2009 @ 3:00 pm | delete
- I love that I was born in the 50's. Love poodle skirts, too, though I don't think I ever had one.
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seashell2
Sep 6, 2009 @ 1:25 pm | delete
- I wore a poodle skirt for Halloween back when I was a teenager! Lots of fun... Great lens!
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KarateKatGraphics Sep 6, 2009 @ 12:28 pm | delete
- This was a VERY popular Halloween costume when I was a kid. I think "Happy Days" and "Grease" sparked the fascination for my generation. 5*
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Wednesday_Elf
Sep 6, 2009 @ 10:33 am | delete
- Loved your 50's lens. I never 'made' a poodle skirt, but 'wore' my share. I was a teenager in the 1950's and wore what BevsPaper described - big crinoline underneath, white anklets, saddle shoes when attending the "Sock Hops". Brings back memories.....!
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Sylvestermouse
Sep 5, 2009 @ 12:13 am | delete
- Fascinating history. I guess I have never heard the meaning of the leash.
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About the author
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This Lens Was Created by a RocketMom

In Project # 3 of RocketMoms Session 3 we were to create a lens that depicted a symbol or icon of a favorite decade.
Here are a few of those impressive creations that are sure to stir a few memories.
by LindaBee
I love the 1950's. It was a wonderful time of celebration and fun. I was too young for the sock hop but I loved listening to the music on the radio and... more »
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