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Maxis, minis, and all the skirts in between
Throughout history, the skirt has undoubtedly been one of the most enduring fashion trends. From the 3900 BC straw-woven skirt in Armenia to the current selection of maxis, midis, and minis (and everything in between), skirts have dominated women’s fashion. The skirt became a wardrobe staple for women in Western Europe and the Americas, despite being a common clothing for both men and women in all ancient cultures, including Asia and Egypt. Here, we examine in further detail the intriguing history of skirts, from their earliest days to the designs that have grown to be beloved by ladies of all ages.
Egypt in antiquity
Ancient Egypt used skirts for generations. Strangely enough, males wore the first “skirts.” These straightforward outfits resembled the Shendyt, a wraparound skirt with a waist belt. Flax (linen) was one of the locally obtained materials used to make this skirt. It was airy and light, making it perfect for Egypt’s hot, muggy climate. Workers and laborers wore primarily cotton loincloths, whereas the wealthiest and most powerful individuals wore lighter, thinner skirts. However, dresses were preferred by the ladies. They were mostly white and floor-length. Just as with males, the cheaper the cloth, the lower the social standing.
During the Middle Ages, skirts
Men were able to begin wearing tights and fitted pants throughout the Middle Ages because to developments in weaving and tailoring. As men’s interests shifted toward tunics and hosiery, we observe a shift away from these kinds of clothes. Dresses were remained the go-to item of apparel for ladies. A separate, larger skirt was sewed to the bodice, and they were trimmed to follow the body’s lines down to below the waist. Up until the late 19th century, when separates began to develop, ladies wore dresses constantly.
19th-century attire
Dresses continued to be popular during the Victorian era, and there were rigorous rules about proper attire. The early Victorian age woman’s wardrobe had to include corsets and bustles, and dresses that covered the entire body. That started to change in the late 1890s, though, as women started to lead more active lives, riding, cycling, and walking. Separate jackets and skirts were popular in the early Edwardian period, which made clothing less constricting than in the austere Victorian era. Beginning in 1886, the draperies of skirts fell in simpler lines and were less trimmed.
The popularity of the skirt as a stand-alone article of apparel truly took off starting in the 1890s. During this period, more functional clothing replaced stuffy full-length gowns. Even yet, skirts continued to fall to the ground, as seen by the hobble skirt in the 1910s.
Throughout the 20th century, skirts became recognizable
In many facets of society, the 20th century was a period of exploration and invention. With a wide range of different skirt lengths and styles, the skirt undoubtedly evolved throughout this time. At the start of the century, skirts were full-length, but by the end of the century, a variety of skirt styles had been created. The skirt changed significantly throughout this time, from the hobble skirt in the 1910s to the miniskirt in the 1960s.
Hemlines started to grow during the Roaring Twenties, and flapper fashion had an impact on women in the west. In the middle of the decade, the hem length increased to just below the knee, revealing leg flashes when ladies were strolling or dancing. After the Great Depression, however, hemlines once more dropped to mid-calf to floor-length, and clothing became more modest, thus things changed again.
Due to the Second World War’s wardrobe limitations, skirts (and ensembles in general) grew even more somber in the 1940s. The popular style was utilitarian, simpler A-line or straight skirts were in style, and less expensive materials gained popularity. With Dior and his “New Look,” fashion reverted to its more opulent beginnings in the 1950s. Women in the western world began wearing pencil skirts from Dior’s H-line and voluminous skirts with his A-line.
However, Mary Quant’s miniskirt during the next decade, the 1960s, brought about the real revolution. Women were allowed to pick the length of their skirts for the first time, but the short length was unavoidable! With the exception of the 1970s and the hippy movement, when longer-hemmed peasant skirts were popular, miniskirts remained a staple in many women’s wardrobes from that point on.
With micro, short, and ankle-length designs coexisting on the high street since the 1970s, no one form (and length) of skirt has dominated fashion for an extended period of time.
We consider skirts to be an essential component of our clothing and like creating them. From pencil skirts to faux wrap skirts, and from A-line midis to maxi skirts, we believe that a skirt can make a huge difference in any woman’s ensemble. Whether you want to draw attention to the areas of your body you like or cover up your flaws, it’s up to you to develop your own style!