The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-06-08
CORRECT LENGTHS
OF THE NEW SKIRTS
BON the PhiladeIphla star.

1 rum tisS AiidueiAdlH star.
The correct lengths Of skirts is prob
lem that frequently puzzles the homo
dressmaker.
OF course. with the street suit there is
practically 20 change, for the skirt Will
always be walking length as long as
there are sensible women. Skirts of
spring suits. however, are usually an inch
or two longer than those for fall wear.
because the material is usually of a
lighter tone and the trimming a little
more 'dressy' than the more severely
tailored winter suit. and. OF course
weather conditions being more favorable,
the skirt can be worn longer without
getting bedraggled In bad weather.
Two inches above the ground all around
IS the correct length for the skirt of a
1910 spring tailored suit 10 be worn by
tall or medium-siZed woman.
When the wearer Is short or stout. the
skirt escaping the floor by an inch only
will be far more becoming, especially If
the fabric is light in color.
The skirts of linen suits are made chiefly
in ankle lengths. This prevents them from
soiling too quickly around the bottom,
and the shorter skirt in wash goods is
always trim looking.
Separate skirts for outing wear are also
ankle length. Tweeds, serges, linens. and
cotton (heavy) goods are the materials
usually developed into what are termed
outing skirts, although there are other
suitable fabrics. such as brllilantine.
poplin, panama, &c.
So much for the skirts for morning
wear Those used on afternoon gowns
display small trains. This is no doubt
due to the fact that all important robes
are made with some kind OF drapery at
tachment, either in form OF tunics, over
skirts, or pannier effects, which uecessi-
tates long underskirts, II graceful results
are TO be obtained.
The back of the skirt may lie only four
inches from the floor. or may be four
teen The length depends chiefly upon
the design OF the costume.
When a simple apron drapery or a
short tunic forms the overdress then the
shorter length will be sufficient, while
the more bouffant draperies demand
longer skirts as an Offset TO fullness. A
short skirt and much looped draperies
would be decidedly bunchy in effect and
consequently lack grace.
In the case of a simple double skirt
that IS. two skirts of equal depth. made
from fiouneing or material or one kind
each skirt finished in exactly the same
way and arranged one over the other
the lengths may be the same all the way
around If preferred
This may be round length If for house
or formal wear, and may just escape the
ground If the skirt is to be worn out OF
doors.
When the drapery is cut square across
the front at about knee length, and runs
down to a point in center back, then
slight train is imperative If the gown IS
TO be a success.
The skirt hem that exhibits a deep
hem of contrasting color will be trying
to any but a tall woman unless it is cut
with a slight train. and as both the walk
ing length and the longer one are consid-
cred fashionable in this particular style
there is no reason why one should choose
an unbeooming length.
The skirts Of house gowns for morning
wear just touch the floor all around
while those for afternoon show a little
train in the back.