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Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds. Any difference? I'm still pondering Mo's pencil skirt dilemma? Is a tube skirt just a knit straight skirt? Because if that's the case I'm really collecting tube skirts and not pencil skirts. They usually have no stretch.
Now I could be completely off my marbles. I am just sipping on my morning tea. I agree with Neel. I think pencil skirts are usually made from a more tailored and stiffer or structured fabric, but that may not always be the case.
I have always thought "pencil" referred to the shape so really a knit or woven skirt could be a pencil?? Well, well, I just bought a pencil skirt with stretch!
But it is a woven fabric with a kick pleat, so definitely a pencil. While I haven't the foggiest what the technical definition might properly be, I agree with Neel. Tube skirts are stretchy without a zipper for entry and generally without a vent at the back. Pencil skirts can have stretch, but are generally a less forgiving fabric with a zipper closure and slit for ease of walking. Is a tube skirt seamless? I think by the definitions so far I have no pencil skirts but a tube skirt addiction - stretchy, zip free elastic waist knits.
Haha you make me laugh Una. Maybe you didn't mean to be funny but I had to laugh out loud. I think a pencil skirt is not tapered at the bottom. A tube skirt narrow at the bottom. A tube skirt is often longer, at or below the knee -- than a pencil skirt at or above the knee. Also, a tube skirt might have more lycra in it to create this fitted look. I think of a tube skirt as being made from a knit fabric, whereas a pencil skirt could be any number of fabrics. You're collecting tubes. I think of tube skirts as a knit pull-on sub-type of pencil skirt.
I think of traditional pencils as usually having a zip and button or hook closure at the waist somewhere I've had front, side and back zip versions. I've seen either at any length. There are mini, midi and maxi versions of each. Tube skirts are basically a tube of relatively stretchy, knit fabric. Pull on and go.
Traditional pencil skirts, to my way of thinking, are more tailored or structured, with a zipper. I'm beginning to think that tube skirts are definitely more user-friendly for my casual life. I find the user friendly point very interesting. Personally I find there is a difference between the appearance and the reality of the tube skirt, on the one hand they look casual and are easy to launder but I find my movement is more restricted wearing the tube skirt than if I am wearing a woven tapered pencil with a vent, do you find the same Una?
I actually find the knit tube more comfortable even without the vent - I feel constrained by structured fabric in a pencil silhouette. I had to consign all my Halogen seamed skirts for that reason. Agree, but I still have some pencil skirts like the Halogen ones for days when business dress is required. Abc, funny because I only wear my knit skirts for work. I wonder if they seem too casual? I don't have a formal dress code but curious if they would not be okay for some settings. Hmmm, I like the idea of a tube in place of the stiffer pencil.
The tube collapses around the figure more, whereas the pencil seems to stand away stiffly in a way I do NOT like. Tube skirts rejoice!! I will say tucking into one isn't so neat, though. You can see the rumples of shirts if there is too much fabric. That's where hi-low and cropped tops come in, Mo. I don't find tucking into anything structured all that comfy anyway.
I do a tiny half-tuck with some knit skirts and certain tops, just very edge of the hem into the waistband. With certain items it actually works. Otherwise, hi lo it is! It depends on your figure, too. I have exactly one tube skirt and even it is pretty clingy on my backside. But if you have less curve there anyway, tube skirts might be more flattering because they don't create structure where you don't need it. I have the opposite problem, Laura! If they fit in the waist the hips are too big and wing out.
If the hips fit the waist is too small. I think you can wear a tube skirt like a pencil skirt More inherently structured a garment Please enable Javascript in your browser to get the full YLF experience. Blog Forum Finds. Log In. Category Dressing. Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice. For me tube skirts are the knit ones with stretch. They usually do not have the back slit. I am just sipping on my morning tea ETA: I meant movement and not moment! I'm pretty sure I'm always unintentionally funny when it comes to style, Denise!
As per Angie, a pencil skirt may be tapered, or not tapered. But a tube skirt is knit, often longer below knee and definitely tapered. Mary has a pencil collection. I agree with Joy, I think of tube skirts being a sub category of the pencil skirt. Fashion Stylist. A tube skirt is still a pencil skirt - just more fitted on the side seams. What about the rest of you? I think the skirts you wear are very business casual friendly Una. You need to be logged in in order to reply. Remember Me. Back to Top.