Why Does My Skirt Stick Out At The Back?

Have you ever experienced the frustration of wearing a skirt that looks perfectly fine from the front, but sticks out awkwardly at the back? This issue can be particularly annoying and embarrassing, especially if you’re in a professional or formal setting.

That’s why it’s common for you to ask, “Why does my skirt stick out at the back?”

Your body shape could a significant reason why your skirt is bulging up at the back. If you have a narrower waist and a broader hip, you are most likely to face this issue. Also, If you’re skirt zipper and lining are not fitted as they should, your skirt may stick out. Additionally, wearing a pencil or a fitted skirt could also cause this wardrobe malfunction. 

In this article, we will explore some common reasons why your skirt may be sticking out at the back, and provide tips on how to fix the problem.

Why Does My Skirt Stick Out At The Back?

There may be more than one reason why your skirt is sticking out at the back. Let’s see what those are and how to get around them.

Reason One: Body Shape and Fit

One possible reason why your skirt sticks out at the back is because of your body shape. If you have a smaller waist and wider hips, this can create a hollow at the back that causes the skirt to stick out. 

Additionally, if the skirt is ill-fitting, it can also cause this issue. A properly designed and fitted skirt should not stick out at the back.

Solution: Fit Your Skirt To Your Body Shape

To fit a skirt to your waist using a sewing machine, you will need some basic supplies.

For example, pins, a ruler, a tape measure, a sewing machine, and thread that matches the color of your skirt. 

When you have all that you need, follow these steps-

• Pinch the skirt at your waist to determine how much fabric needs to be taken in. Pinch the part of the skirt that you want to take off and make sure that it feels comfortable for you.

• Then use your tape measure to measure the amount of fabric that needs to be taken in.

• After that, mark the fabric with a ruler and pins to indicate where you will make your alterations. For example, if you need to take in two inches of fabric, you must mark four lines, each two inches away from the zipper.

• Next, distribute a quarter of an inch on the sides of each line to form the basis of the darts.

• Afterward, fold along the first line and pin it in place. Then, fold along the second line and pin it in place. Repeat for the remaining lines.

• When you’re done with that, use your ruler to draw a line that comes in flush with the fold. The dart should be half an inch in total when unfolded, with a quarter inch on each side.

• Then sew along the lines that you just drew using your sewing machine. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each dart, and leave a long tail of thread at the end.

• Following that tie the long tail of the thread into a knot to secure the dart. Repeat for the remaining darts.

• Try on the skirt to check the fit. If necessary, make additional adjustments until the skirt fits comfortably.

• Finish the darts by tying the two legs into a knot a couple of times, then cutting the excess thread.

Also, you can check out this video of this process if the steps seem confusing: 

Warning: If you are not skilled with a sewing machine you should let someone expert handle it. If you insist on doing this yourself, be careful to avoid any injuries caused by the sewing machine.

Reason Two: Zipper and Linning Not Fitted Properly

Another, possible reason for your skirt sticking out at the back could be the zipper of the skirt. If the zipper is not properly fitted at the back, it can cause the fabric to stick out, especially with the natural curves of your body and the presence of your butt.

Another factor that can contribute to this problem is the lining of the skirt. If the lining is shorter than the main material used to make the skirt, it can cause the fabric to stick out at the back. 

This occurs when the shorter lining folds up inside, forcing the outer material to stick out. 

Solution: Fit the Zipper and the Lining Properly

First up, let’s see how you can replace the zipper in your skirt. While fixing your skirt make sure to use good-quality threads and other materials. Using substandard materials can cause problems in the long run like embroidery coming loose.

Here is the process to follow:

• First, you must pick a zipper that matches the size and color of the old zipper.
• Then turn the skirt inside out and use a quick tacking stitch to join the two seam lines back together at the area where the zipper will be replaced. This will hold the fabric in place while you work on the zipper.
• Take out the old zipper and place the new zipper so that one part of it is on the seam line that you just tacked together.
• Flip the skirt over so that the front of the zipper faces the inside of the skirt, with the top of the zipper at the top of the skirt.
• Match the zipper line against the crease of the seam line at the back of the skirt and tack around the edge of the zipper to hold it in position.
• Sew the zipper in place using a straight stitch, starting a little bit lower down from the top of the zipper and going back to finish that area later.
• To finish the process, turn the skirt right side out and tidy up by removing the tacking stitches and attaching the lining back in place.

Now, if the lining of your skirt is short then you may need to reline your skirt. The process is described below:

• First, remove any existing lining from the skirt. This can be done by carefully unpicking the seams that hold the lining in place. If the lining is too damaged or stained to reuse, discard it.
• Measure and cut a new lining fabric to the same dimensions as the original lining. It’s important to choose a fabric that is appropriate for the type of skirt you’re working on, so consider factors such as weight, drape, and breathability.
• Pin the new lining fabric to the skirt, right sides together. Make sure the fabric is smooth and taut, but not too tight, as this can cause the skirt to bunch or pucker.
• Sew the lining to the skirt along the waistband and hemline, using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch. Leave the side seams open for now.
• Turn the skirt right side out and press the seams flat, using an iron on a low heat setting.
• Pin the side seams of the lining together, right sides facing. Sew the seams together using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch.
• Turn the skirt right side out and check for any puckers or bulges in the lining. If necessary, carefully unpick and adjust the seams until the lining is smooth and even.
• Finally, trim any excess fabric from the seams and press the skirt again to set the seams.

If you need a clearer guide, you can watch this video here that explains the process simply:

Reason Three: Skirt Type and Material

In the world of skirts, the design plays a crucial role in how it drapes at the back. Pencil or fitted skirts tend to have a higher probability of sticking out, whereas A-line or flare skirts are less prone to this issue. It all boils down to the unique design elements and cut of the skirt that determines how it behaves when worn. 

On top of that, the material of the skirt can also play a role in this. Softer materials like chiffon can be a bit tricky to work with, especially when a zipper is applied at the back and the skirt is pleated. This can create a situation where the skirt ends up sticking out at the back.

Solution: Choose the Skirt That Complements Your Body Type

If you want to avoid any awkward moments with a skirt sticking out at the back, you should take the design and the material of the skirt before making your purchase. Batting skirts would be a good choice as the material is heavier. Also, you can use flannel instead of batting.

Tips for Preventing Skirt From Sticking Out At the Back

If you want to avoid any awkward moments with a skirt sticking out at the back, you can follow some tips before wearing them.

• If the hip is wider than the waist, darts can provide a better fit for skirts with protrusions at the back.

• A shorter zipper and overlay can prevent fashion mishaps since the front and back of the skirt will be of almost equal length.

• Make sure that the material and lining are almost equal in length to prevent a bulge at the back. If they are not equal, avoid sewing them together at the hemline.

This may be rare but maybe you are styling your skirt wrong. If this is also your suspicion, check out how to style skirts the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How should a skirt fit in the back?

A skirt should fit smoothly across the back without any bulges or puckering. To achieve a good fit, it’s important to consider both your hip and waist measurements when selecting a size. If your waist is your smallest part, you should choose a size that fits your hips and backside.

How do you fix a clingy skirt?

To fix a clingy skirt, grab a regular anti-static dryer sheet and hold your skirt away from your legs. Rub the underside of the fabric with the dryer sheet. The anti-static properties of the sheet should help reduce the static and eliminate the clinginess. 

How tight should a skirt fit?

A skirt should fit snugly around the waistband, but not be so tight that it causes discomfort or restricts movement. The waistband of the skirt should fit similarly to that of dress pants. 

Conclusion

So, why does my skirt stick out at the back?  There could be several reasons. It could be due to the fabric, the cut, or the fit of the skirt. It could also be because of your body shape or posture. 

To avoid unwanted bulges or bunches, choose skirts that fit well and are suitable for your body type.