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Geometry, Formality and The Circle Skirt

A true investment in a lady's wardrobe is a circle skirt - versatile, practical, a perfect base for multiple outfits in various styles and formality levels.

Circle skirt enhances one's frame by creating optical illusions. At any age you can get a narrower waist in an instant, if you need one, just by wearing a full circle skirt. Proportions are the key.



In different languages, this type of skirt has different names.

For example,  in Spanish, it will be “una falda circular“. In Swedish, "en cirkelkjol". In Russian, a full circle skirt will be called “солнце (the sun)”.


Paper pattern for a 3/4 circle skirt on criss cross drafting paper
Pattern for 3/4 circle skirt illustrates that patterned fabrics won't be possible to match at some of the seams. Plain fabrics suit best for this design.

One of the most flattering designs for any figure, this skirt is easy to make but won’t be the cheapest due to an amount of fabric required. 














However, it’s greatest benefit is that it’s very versatile.

Same pattern, in a choice of different fabrics, will make it suitable for a multitude of occasions, from a weekend casual to an evening dinner dance event. 


With an engineering background, I enjoy understanding the smallest details of a design. And so I figured out that a formula of the full circle skirt’s success is simple:


Visual effect = Volume + Fabric + Length of the skirt 


So here is the maths behind the design. 

Full circle skirt is a full 360 deg circle cut out. 

It drapes the hips in many folds and is the biggest volume you could have from one circle. Of course, it is possible to create even bigger volume by sewing several circles together but that is a different technique and will need more calculations to get it right. 


Sample of a full circle skirt in worsted wool on a tailor's mannequin
Full circle skirt in worsted wool

Next two most common variations are a half circle (left image) and a 3/4 one (right image). Since both are less voluminous, they are suitable for an office. Although their silhouette is still more dressy than a classic pencil skirt, in a calm worsted wool they look very sober and elegant. 





See the examples below (left to right) of a half, 3/4 and full variations in the same weight worsted wool fabric.


From my personal experience, circle skirts are also very safe when sitting down - skirt drapes over the legs and there is no chance of inappropriately exposed thighs. Again, clever things made simply. 


And a little bonus feature to note. At Button Stance, clever design is the backbone of our garments. Therefore, the pockets in this skirt are a must. They are especially useful during the networking/cocktail events when you need to reach for your business cards or a phone while single-handedly holding a drink. 


All skirts are available to order from Button Stance. Enquire at tailor@buttonstance.com



 
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