Culottes are a split skirt worn by women for modesty and physical activity. Originally worn by men, they became popular in the 19th century for horse riding. In the 1960s, they became fashionable as hostess pajamas. They are often worn by conservative Christian and Muslim women and come in a variety of patterns.
Culottes are a form of split skirt. They are usually made calf-length and consist of a loose, flowing pair of pants that closely resemble a skirt until the wearer engages in vigorous physical activity. The shorter version is a kilt, a pair of shorts with a flap of fabric in front that turns it into a more modest skirt. Many active women who believe in modest clothing for religious reasons wear culottes, as they allow full range of motion without the potential for exposure.
Originally, the word was used to refer to pants worn by men. Women’s fashion seems to have appropriated the word in the 19th century, when women began wearing culottes so they could ride horses instead of riding. The split skirt configuration was ideal for driving safely and preserving modesty standards. Culottes were worn by many women from modest families until the 1900s, and they were often sewn in fashionable patterns for a variety of tastes and classes.
In the 1960s, culottes became fashionable and were known as hostess pajamas. These pants were cut a little slimmer, so they were more like pants, and were often sewn in brightly patterned fabric and matching tops. Culottes were typically sold in a set with the top and were made from fabrics like silk or rayon that were soft, shiny, and flowy.
Some consumers confuse culottes with short skirts, which combine a short skirt with shorts. A true pair of culottes could actually be mistaken for a skirt, and they’re not designed to fall above the knee the way skirts are. They can be made of any material, although because many women wear them out of modesty, they are often thick, rather than see-through. Culottes can also come in a wide variety of patterns, with many pleated or gathered together for visual interest. Some beginner sewers undertake them as a sewing project because they are relatively easy to make.
Many conservative Christian women who belong to sects that preach modesty wear culottes, as do some Muslim women. These pants give women who would otherwise feel restricted to skirts the opportunity to be physically active. The full coverage of the offer is almost more modest than a skirt, since culottes are less likely to blow up in intense physical activity or strong wind. Their popularity with women as modest garments makes them readily available in stores specializing in modest clothing, and some department stores may also have a small section for culottes.
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