Jumperskirt

A Jumperskirt (short form: JSK) is a sleeveless, collarless dress intended to be worn over a blouse. It's an extremely versatile lolita staple. Emily Temple Cute sometimes calls these NOP, which is short for No Sleeve One Piece.

Common/Relevant Features

Please note that the "No Sleeves" feature should not be applied due to redundancy for this item type.

Shirring Types

Full shirring
Back shirring
Partial shirring
No shirring

Waist Types

High Waist
Empire Waist
Dropped Waist

Other Features

Corset Lacing
Adjustable Straps
Lining
Pockets
Built-In Petticoat
Halter Neckline
Detachable Waist Ties
Side Zip
Back Zip
Tiered Skirt

History

Volume 71, Issue 5 of The Delineator (1908)

The term 'Jumper Skirt' shows up in English language women's magazines at least as early as the early 1900s. In 1908 Volume 71, Issue 5 of The Delineator featured an article titled "The Popular Jumper Skirt (In Some Of It's Most Attractive Forms)".^[1] The accompanying fashion sketches show typical long walking skirts of the time with wide straps that extend from the waistband to go over the shoulders. Some include shoulder or collar details attached to the straps, while others include almost apron like panels at the front. These garments are shown overtop of shirtwaists (blouses), and the term "jumper" is applied specifically to the strap part of the garment.^[1]

The term shows up again in an advertisement for Harvey Nichols of Knightsbridge in The Tattler on October 17th, 1917 where it's used to describe a garment which consists of a box pleated skirt with a thick waistband that is described as being a perfect pairing with a jumper blouse.^[2] Jumper blouses which appear elsewhere in the same publication appear to be tunic style tops with a defined waist worn over a skirt (as opposed to shirtwaists which were tucked into the skirt).^[2]

The Dry Goods Economist in 1920 defines a "skirt in the jumper style" as being "mounted on a wide, flat band which forms a corset cover and which is held in place by narrow straps of the satin."^[3]

The term remained in use into the 1920s. In a 1925 Montgomery Ward advertisement they highlight "The Popular Jumper Skirt", as a youthful option perfect for general daytime wear or sports wear. The garment pictured has wide straps which connect slightly above the waist with a gentle curve giving the garment a sack-like fit.^[4]

It's worth noting that the term "Jumper Dress" was more popular for describing some of these types of garments in the same era and eventually seems to have replaced Jumper Skirt entirely. ^[5]