1950s Skirts: Pencil & Circle Skirts

The skirt was the heart of 1950s fashion, and it came in two great shapes: the full circle skirt that swings with every step and the slim pencil skirt that hugs the hips. Our 1950s skirts are made in our Yorkshire factory, in stretch and lined pencil skirts, premium circle skirts and gathered full skirts in solid colours, checks and florals.

Circle skirt or pencil skirt?

• The 1950s circle skirt is cut from a full circle of fabric, so it falls in soft folds from a fitted waist. Wear it over a petticoat for lift, with a fitted top or sweater. It is a flattering shape because it nips in at the waist and skims over the hips and tummy, and it is made for dancing.
• The 1950s pencil skirt is slim and close to the body, falling straight from the natural waist to mid-calf, with a pleat or vent at the back so you can walk. It's called a pencil skirt for that slim, straight line. Ours are stretchy and lined, and sit on the natural waist for an hourglass shape and a touch of wiggle.
• Full skirts (often called swing skirts) have gathered fullness at the waist and are the easiest of the three to wear every day, especially in a floral print.

What is the right 1950s skirt length?

Calf-length. Both pencil and circle skirts of the 1950s sat at mid-calf for daywear, and that length is what makes a skirt read as authentically 1950s rather than a modern interpretation. Our pencil skirts reach mid-calf on an average height.

How to wear a 1950s skirt

Pair a pencil skirt with a fitted blouse or sweater from our 1950s tops and blouses, and wear high-waisted underwear so you see no lines under the fabric. Add flats for an everyday look or heels for a dressier one. For a full-skirted outfit, choose a fitted top and a wide belt to define the waist. Our guide to the perfect 1950s pencil skirt covers the high waist, slim fit, length and fabric, with three ways to wear one (office chic, casual cool and evening elegance), and our 1950s style guide covers the wasp waist and pencil silhouettes in detail.

Sizes start at a UK 8 and most skirts go up to a 24, so you'll find plus size 1950s skirts here too. Looking for a dress instead? See our 1950s dresses, or take a look at the 1950s suits, which pair a skirt with a matching jacket.