Found in a box of old sewing stuff at a garage sale. It looks like small metal tongs with padded discs at the end and a loop for a chain. What on earth is this thing used for?

each piece unique, and collectors often delight in the hunt for unusual or particularly ornate examples.

To the untrained eye, a skirt lifter might be confused with other vintage sewing or clothing gadgets, such as hemming clips or glove stretchers. However, the key distinguishing feature of a skirt lifter is its dual padded discs designed for gripping fabric without damage, combined with a chain loop for attachment.

Unlike hemming clips, which are typically smaller and lack the chain loop,