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?

of historical fashion innovation. Known as a skirt lifter, it hails from an era where practicality and elegance had to coexist in the wardrobes of fashionable women. This article aims to unravel the enigma of this quaint device, exploring its history, design, and the role it played in the sartorial practices of the past.

Upon closer inspection, the skirt lifter is often made of metal, typically brass or steel, and measures about 4 to 6 inches in length.