*Links in this text may be affiliate links (of products I use and recommend!) and if you purchase via these links, provide me a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
*Updated 4/9/22.
It only took me to my mid-30s to finally learn how to make my own skirt!
A tiered, maxi skirt was all my grandma would wear. I remember clutching onto her skirt as a kid. And helping her clip it around her waist with safety pins. Through the snow, puddles, mud, sand trails, fields of bushes and stickers…she would always rock her skirt and sneakers.
My mom was a sewing addict too. I’m pretty sure she had a sewing class in high school where she learned to use a sewing machine and sew clothes. Along the way, she made traditional skirts and blouses for herself, my sisters, and I.
Back then, it was difficult to find skirts and blouses pre-made. You had to know a seamstress to get your hands on elaborate, matching sets of velvet, soft, crisp skirts and blouses! Especially the ones with silver embellishments and pleat details.
Currently, it’s not any easier to get your hands on Navajo traditional clothing sets. For most vendors, it is easier to market their goods through social media like Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok.
Recently, I wanted to purchase a new clothing set (skirt and blouse). As I pulled out my cell phone, I didn’t know where to go first. But before buying one pre-made, I wanted to try sewing my own skirt first! I had a general idea of how to do it, and probably could have done it without any patterns or guides. But I wanted to learn how to do it “professionally” and I used a pattern with instructions. Yes, it was hard. I made many mistakes. I’m sure I probably used the wrong needle and didn’t close my seams/hems correctly…but I did it! And the next skirt I do will be a little bit better.
Below is a list of names or social media pages related to only Navajo skirts and shirts. I had to search Facebook groups, hashtags, and google to find current vendors! I know you can find some vendors at in-person flea markets. There are also seamstresses who take custom orders. Please remember, you may have to call, email, or DM to inquire about availability, price, length of time to receive order, and more.
Without further ado, here is a 2021 list of ACTIVE vendors for Navajo tiered skirts! I hope this helps!
NOTE: List is no particular order. This is not a comprehensive list. If you know of others that are not on this list, add in the comments, or you can email me. I did have a longer list with individuals, but some individuals/pages have not made any posts recently; I can’t tell if they are still taking orders or not. Note to vendors – PLEASE update your social media pages or websites with information such as what you have available, how to order, price range, and photos! The vendors below have recent posts (last 6 months) and sale announcements.
Name: Jolene Barton
Location: Phoenix, AZ area
To order: DM on Facebook
What’s available: Women’s skirts only, various styles.
Price range: $60+
Name: Native Swann Arts & Crafts (Tashina Begay)
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Website: www.nativeswann.com
To order: DM on Facebook or Instagram (@nativeswann_artscrafts) or visit website.
What’s available: Women’s skirts only (mostly ribbon skirts, but some Navajo tiered skirts available.
Price range: Varies
Name: To’ahaní Fashions (Darienne Nez and Doreen Etsitty)
Location: Coal Mine Mesa, AZ
Website: www.toahanifashions.com
To order: See website for details, DM Darienne Nez on Facebook or Instagram.
Whats available: All sizes, various styles, skirt+shirt sets available or women and children
Price range: Varies
Name: Birdie Tso
Location: Phoenix, AZ area
To order: DM Birdie Tso on Facebook
What’s available: Skirts (I don’t know if shirts are available), womens and children’s
Price range: $40+ for kids, $50-$140 for adults
Name: Morgan Ah Leong and Nicole Smith
Location: Phoenix, AZ area
To order: DM on Facebook or Instagram (@nizhoni.dine.clothing)
What’s available: Custom skirts+shirts, womens and childrens
Price range: Unknown
Name: Designs by D.Singer
Website/Email: designsbydsinger@gmail.com
To order: DM on Facebook or Instagram (@designsbydsinger)
What’s available: Women’s and children’s skirts only
Price range: Unknown
Name: Nihalgai Asdzaan Creations
Location: Las Vegas, NV
To order: DM on Instagram or Etsy; takes 4-6 weeks to complete order.
What’s available: Women’s skirts
Price range: Unknown
Name: Creative Live by JW
Location: AZ
To order: Check availability or DM on Instagram
What’s available: Girl’s dresses, Women’s skirts and other accessories.
Price range: Unknown
Name: Tylor Etsitty-Arthur
Location: Phoenix area
To order: DM on Instagram (@tylor.jeans_makings); deposit required. Also on tiktok @tylor_jean.
What’s available: Unique Navajo and ribbon skirts, some with overlay lace!
Price range: Unknown
Name: Cher Thomas
Location: Laveen, AZ
To order: Visit website at https://www.cherthomasdesigns.net, or DM on Instagram.
What’s available: Different apparel available, Navajo tiered skirts for women and velvet tops for kids and men may need to be custom ordered.
Price range: Navajo skirts are $160 or more. Boys velvet tops are $30+, Mens velvet tops are $60+.
All photos are by associated artist; see their social media posts. All prices, styles, payment methods, order time, method of order vary.
Remember that seamstresses use precious time to collect supplies, fabric, and sewing tools. Place custom orders ahead of time!
Additional Vendors
Navajo Spirit (Gallup, NM store)
Hoolaagoo LLC (Flagstaff, AZ) They have beautiful wool midi skirts!
Happy Shopping!
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