A skort is a combination of shorts and a skirt, with split legs for more activity. There are two types: one with a layer of fabric covering the shorts, and one with a cloth skirt surrounding the shorts. The skort was inspired by culottes and split skirts, and is popular for its ease and modesty.
A skirt is a piece of clothing that can look a bit like a skirt, but has split legs that give it the ability to be more active. The skort is a combination, or common word that brings together the two terms short and skirt. Traditionally, the skirt is quite short, offering the coolness of wearing either garment, but the benefits of more modest coverage that shorts provide.
There are two types of skorts popular today. The first has a layer of fabric that covers the front of the short section of the garment. From the back, this type of skirt looks like a normal pair of shorts. You can find this style on swimsuit bottoms, tennis dresses, or just regular clothing stores.
The second type of skirt looks much more like a front and back skirt. It has a cloth cape or skirt that surrounds a pair of shorts. This style can again be seen in bathing suits, tennis dresses, or in school and cheerleading uniforms. The skirt fabric on this skirt is really just for show, while the short underskirt coverage ensures that a great activity doesn’t accidentally show any undergarments.
Sometimes people may refer to wide-legged shorts or shorts that are above the knee as shorts. There’s usually enough extra fabric in these styles to make them look more like a skirt than a pair of shorts. Wide-legged pants that resemble a skirt are more appropriately called culottes or palazzo pants.
The initial inspiration for the skort was likely from two sources. Culottes were initially designed for men’s military uniforms. They were worn with knee-high socks or leggings, and knee-high boots. In the 19th century, women began to want skirts that were split so they could straddle instead of riding to the side. Split skirts were very similar to a regular skirt in length and amount of fabric. They gave women a little more freedom and especially gave them the opportunity to maintain their modesty while participating in activities. Gradually divided skirts began to use less fabric, becoming the modern trousers worn by women today.
Many women like the ease and freedom of the skort, and the fact that it reveals less of the figure than a pair of shorts. The skort can hide any perceived flaws in the figure and is still a bit dressier than shorts.
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