the mysterious tabs on vintage skirts?

[swtapplejuice]

I've been looking at a bunch of vintage skirts lately, and there's this one detail that keeps popping up that I absolutely love, but I have no clue what its actual purpose is: the little tabs!

You know the ones I mean, sometimes they're on the waistband, sometimes maybe a bit lower on the side or back.

They're super cute, but I'm totally stumped. Are they just for design, adding a bit of visual flair? Or are they secretly tiny belt loops for a super thin belt or something?

I've been racking my brain trying to figure it out. What do you all think?

 

[Magen]

Oh, I know exactly what you're talking about! Those little tabs are such a charming detail — I've noticed them frequently in vintage-inspired fashion as well. Sometimes they were used for a functional purpose (such as adjusting the fit or holding slim belts), but most of the time they were added just for that extra flair, especially in 50s and 60s styles.

 

[Jillian]

Back in the day, we had wooden hangers with grooved slots in them along the top edge. (Some plastic hangers still have them.)
You would use the piece of ribbon attached to the waistline, to hang the skirt on the hanger. Then hang your matching suit coat over top.

 

[faber drive]

They might've started as functional belt loops or hanger tabs, but half the time they're just there for style now. Vintage clothes love sneaking in those quirky details.

 

[sewcreativeme163]

Right, those little tabs you see? They started as belt loops or to help hang up the skirt. But on older skirts, they're mostly just for looks now