The Hobble Skirt and 7 Places You Can Buy One

Hobble Skirts have been with us for about the past 2 centuries. They first made the scene in the late 1800s or early 1900s depending on the sources. Some say a French designer, who was influenced by the Orient's Kimonos, brought them to the West. Whatever the origin, generations of women since the 1800's have had them as a fashion trend in one form or another. So, why the appeal? Tight and formfitting to follow a woman's curves, the skirt may catch the behind the knees with a buckle belt or a gather, thus restricting the woman's leg movements and the wearer's steps, thus showing off the wearer's lower body while covering it at the same time. To some, this may emulate a type of bondage, but others are enticed by the flow of the fabric as it wraps around the curves holding them firmly, with the small circumference of the skirts hem inhibiting the wearers walk, to a 'hobble'. Conjure up images of Morticia Adams of the famed 60's TV show, 'The Adams Family,' to get a true picture of what this walk can look like. The 'Speed Limit', or 'Mermaid' dresses have been other terms used to describe this type of apparel. Though not always 'THE fashion, this attire can still be found at balls or formals, the Oscars are probably the most popular event you'll find these worn. For the modern class person you'll find a more common variety of the hobble skirt today in the less restrictive, Pencil Skirt. For the more conservative or for office wear, these skirts are a staple. Not only are they sleek and stylish, but also they are perfect for day or night and can be paired with almost any blouse or jacket. For me, the 80's were the time period when I wore this style. I had a favorite long skirt set of sweater-like material, and I can vividly remember how feminine it made me feel with the narrower hem hugging my lower legs as I tapered along in my 3" heels. So, if fashion dictates that you MUST own one of these skirts, where can you find one?

1. HobbleSkirt.com

www.HobbleSkirt.com is a site dedicated to the modern skirt. Here you can find, a custom-made skirt shop with ready-to-wear skirts available for purchase, shopping guides and other sources, galleries, videos, and a Hobble Skirt fan forum. Best of all you can design create your own skirt on this site! If you design your own skirt, you pay by the skirt parts. Choose from fabrics such as: PVC, Pleather, Velvet (Regular, Stretch, and Lightweight), Charmeuse, Micro fiber (including Lightweight), Denim, and Wool. Choose from the length and style of skirt you want. The price will vary according to the options chosen. Prices here can range from as low as $40 up to a couple hundred dollars. Be warned, while there is no nudity, this site is intended for adults only and you must agree that you are of legal age to before entering.

2. Ebay

Not surprisingly, Hobble Skirts and dresses can be found pretty easily on Ebay in all shapes, sizes, fabrics, styles, and prices. Just do a search on 'Hobble skirt,' or 'Hobble Dress.' Most Goth and Fetish stores sell them, some also custom make them. Prices range from the 10's to the 100's of dollars there also.

3. Amazon

Like Ebay, Amazon can also be a source for finding, Hobble Skirts. NewPort-News has many classy styles in their Amazon store. Prices there range from as low as $12 to $100! Colors vary, and sizes range from misses 2 to misses 18. They've even got a pencil skirt with a shape control panel for the larger sizes!

4. White House Black Market

www.WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com . Is a little more upscale store that has classy editions of the pencil skirt that are suitable for office and formal wear. Sizes there range from 0 to 16, and prices start $80 and up.

5. Anne Taylor and Anne Taylor Loft

Another nice store with career-focused styles is Anne Taylor. This store has the career woman in mind, yet focuses on fashion trends. Pencil Skirt prices here start at about $40 and run into the low100's. Sizes range from 00 to 18.

6. Bloomingdales

The upscale Bloomingdales is a good source for finding exquisite designs in the modern day Hobble Skirt. They have varieties appropriate for day or night. The styles come beaded, belted, ruffled, laced, gathered, high-waisted, straight, etc. Prices here may start as low as $40 for on sale promotional, but more typically run in the low $100-$200s. Though Bloomingdales' sizes run from 00 to 3X, their pencil skirts fall in the smaller sizes so not all styles are available in the larger sizes.

7. Nordstrom

Finally, the high-end Nordstrom carries Pencil Skirts. Their prices range from $88 to nearly $700! Sizes range from extra extra small to 3X! The skirts can be purchased in store as well as online. Its very easy to see what's available online at Nordstrom.com. You can sort by size, color, price, etc. Also, you get free shipping on orders over $200, which can easily be accomplished with the purchase of just one skirt!

Aside from these sources, you may come across an occasional Hobble Skirt in a local vintage shop. Fetish and costume shops may also have their own versions of Hobble Skirts, but they may not be suitable for everyday wear.

Also, don't forget to check out the local Target, Wal-mart, Belk, JCPenny's or other department store where current trends may follow.

Best wishes in your search, you are sure to draw attention, wherever you find your skirt.