The history of the skirt and its transformation over the years

The skirt is an indispensable element of every lady’s wardrobe. This is a universal garment that finds a place in the wardrobe of both business women and sports teenagers. Today it is available in many variants, styles and colors, but this has not always been the case.

The invention of the skirt

From ancient times the main women’s clothing is the dress. The idea of ​​dividing it into two separate parts: a blouse and a skirt, appeared only in the XVI century in Spain. This step turns out to be very practical for two reasons. First, modern women can diversify their outfits: combine different skirts with blouses and look fashionable every time. Second, the individual items of clothing are worn faster and easier to store.

At the time when the skirt appeared in women’s wardrobes, it was a huge construction: many layers of fabric weighing several kilograms and an incredible volume, which severely restricts movement and causes discomfort to its owner. This led to the invention of hoops, which we sometimes use today to make the evening skirt fluffier. However, this discovery has not made life easier for young ladies, and generations have been harassed by insane skirts that have been difficult to move and impossible to sit on.

In its simplest form in which we wear it today, the skirt appeared in the late eighteenth century. This period is revolutionary in the history of fashion: clothes are becoming simpler, but no less elegant, and women can feel much more relaxed and comfortable in them.

history of the skirt

Skirt lengths over the years

Fashion changed very quickly in the XIX century, and in the XX century all the styles of skirts that we wear today appear.

In 1910 The A-line silhouette of the lower part of the dress and the simple, casual cut are considered stylish. In terms of length, ladies cover the entire leg, up to the ankle, in all circumstances.

The First World War played a role in shaping the new fashion image of women. Due to the lack of sewing materials, the lower part of the skirt is shortened by about 20 centimeters, which is an absolute novelty in the world of fashion. But this is just the beginning of a big change that will lead to bare knees and “belts instead of skirts”.

The real revolution in the world of fashion came in the 50s of the last century, when the famous fashion designer Christian Dior presented to the world the skirt pencil below the knee length. For the first time in the history of fashion, the new silhouette does not try to hide female forms, but simply emphasizes them elegantly. It also changes the way women walk, making them look more feminine and seductive with a slight movement of the thighs.

In the 60s of the last century, the British designer Mary Quant offered a mini-skirt, the end of which ends with the model’s hands down. At the time, this clothing was considered obscene and too obscene, so it did not last very long. But the mini length periodically returns and finally in the 90s it became a universal part of the women’s wardrobe.

Today, we can see that at any given time were fashionable only one length and style of skirt. Now in our wardrobes are collected the achievements of many designers and we can use them in a variety of looks and styles.

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