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What is a Crinkle Skirt?

Kelly Ferguson
Kelly Ferguson

A crinkle skirt, sometimes called a broomstick skirt, is a skirt that has a very distinctive “crinkled” look. Some skirts with the right type of fabric can be made to look wrinkled by wetting the fabric, crushing it around a broomstick handle, and letting it dry. Crinkle skirts are made in varying lengths and colors, with some featuring tiered fabric, bold patterns, or other decorations. These skirts are a very popular choice for women desiring a “bohemian” look. Since there is such a wide variety of patterns and styles, crinkle skirts are a versatile option for anything from dressy occasions to everyday wear.

Ankle and floor length skirts are most common, however midcalf, knee length, and even shorter crinkle skirts are available. They are usually made from lightweight, flowing fabric that drapes and swirls with movement. A crinkle skirt can easily be paired with many types of shoes, from boots to sandals. The colors and patterns of crinkle skirts are seemingly endless in variety. Many crinkle skirt fans own several skirts for different outfits.

Some crinkle skirts feature multiple tiers.
Some crinkle skirts feature multiple tiers.

Crinkle skirts are usually made with an elastic waistband. This makes the crinkle skirt a favorite for women who need a comfortable but presentable outfit with little hassle. Some travelers prefer to spend long hours in the car or airplane wearing a crinkle skirt because of its loose fit and elastic waist, rather than constricting fabrics. Some even have lining for added weight and warmth. Crinkle skirts also tend to be a wardrobe staple for many plus-sized women due to the comfortable fit and flowing style.

Crinkle skirts are associated with hippie fashion.
Crinkle skirts are associated with hippie fashion.

Many people enjoy making crinkle skirts as a hobby, to either wear or sell. They can be an easy and fun sewing project, easily able to be completed within a single day or weekend. Some crafters also prefer to purchase or make crinkle skirts in light, bland colors and then dye and decorate them.

Some of the most common complaints women have about crinkle skirts have to do with the length and the sheer quality of some of the fabrics. Tall or short women may have trouble finding a crinkle skirt that fits correctly, as most are made to hit the ankle of an average woman. Hemming the skirt can sometimes fix the problem for shorter women, but it is very difficult to find a solution for making the skirt longer. Additionally, a liner may be necessary for skirts with very sheer fabric, as sometimes the silhouette of the legs or even the undergarments may be visible in certain lighting.

Discussion Comments

orangey03

@wavy58 – I love wearing long crinkle skirts with boots! My skirts are lined, so they are thick enough to wear when the temperatures get a little cool.

If I get the urge to wear a crinkle skirt when it is cold outside, I will just put some warm leggings on. These fit down inside the boots, so no one knows that I'm wearing them.

I am a little less than average height, so I have to wear boots with a bit of a heel with my long crinkle skirt. Otherwise, it will drag across the floor.

wavy58

I think crinkle peasant skirts are so romantic. My daughter did a photo shoot in one, and she looked like a fairy or princess.

The skirt had several tiers, and each one was crinkled. The fabric was dusty rose pink, and she had a top to match. She had really long wavy hair at the time, and that added to the magical effect.

She is in college now, and she still wears crinkle skirts. I haven't seen her in a pink one since she was little, but she owns brown, orange, and deep purple ones that she loves to wear in the fall with tall boots.

lighth0se33

I have gone to several Halloween parties as a gypsy before, and I have always worn a crinkle skirt as part of my costume. To me, these are total gypsy skirts.

The ones with bits of sequins or gold beads are even better. I pair them with a flowing peasant blouse and a ton of bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, and no one has any trouble discerning what my costume is.

I have one orange crinkle skirt that has strings hanging from different tiers like fringe. Each string is beaded, so this skirt is kind of heavy. I only wear it to Halloween parties, because it gets a bit uncomfortable after awhile.

healthy4life

I have had some problems with my crinkle cotton skirt. I loved the way it looked when I bought it, but it has deteriorated rapidly.

The material is very thin, and even though it does have a liner, it doesn't hold up well in the washing machine. The edges have begun to fray, and even though I trim off the frayed parts with scissors, new spots keep popping up. I have had to start handwashing it in order to prevent it from fraying any further.

So, I never spend much on crinkled skirts. If I can find one for under $20, I will get it, but I don't see much point in spending more than that on something that may not even last a year.

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    • Some crinkle skirts feature multiple tiers.
      By: Maria LE
      Some crinkle skirts feature multiple tiers.
    • Crinkle skirts are associated with hippie fashion.
      By: Jason Stitt
      Crinkle skirts are associated with hippie fashion.