Ladies' Fashion:
The History of the Skirt
The brief history of skirts
The exact date that ladies' skirts came into existence is unknown, however, evidence suggests that they have been worn since prehistoric times.
Skirts are thought to be one of the earliest forms of clothing worn by humans as they could, much like the humble dress, be made simply by wrapping fabric around the body. Records show that a straw-woven skirt dating to 3900 BC was discovered in Armenia at the Areni-1 cave complex.
Historically, skirts were simple yet practical garments that protected both men and women from the elements and allowed them to move more freely during physical labour.
The evolution of skirts has seen the garment vary in styles, lengths and materials, adjusting to different factors including culture, society, war and class.
While the skirt has changed in style and fashion over the centuries, its original purpose remains the same; to provide practicality, aesthetic appeal and a comfortable way to cover the lower body.
Today, skirts come in all shapes and sizes for ladies to not only look great, but feel great too.
History of skirt lengths
In the 19th century, the silhouette of the skirt changed dramatically with the introduction of the crinoline, a stiffened petticoat that was used to create a wide, bell-shaped skirt. This style remained popular until the early 20th century, when more streamlined and form-fitting skirts became fashionable.
The skirt saw a drastic change in styles from floor-length to knee-length hemlines in just a couple of decades in the early 1900s. Over time, it became socially acceptable for women to wear shorter skirts for the daytime and the traditional longer skirts were saved for evening wear or more formal occasions.
Nowadays, skirts have evolved to be stylish in all sorts of lengths and styles, seen on runways with everything from the modern mini skirt to the full-length maxi skirt making a fashionable appearance
Here at Country Collection, we offer a wide variety of skirt styles…
Skirts have long been a wardrobe staple for women. With the wide range of styles of skirts available from Country Collection, you can find the perfect one for every season and occasion. Classic styles like the straight and A line skirts are perfect for a simple, timeless look whereas the button-through and pull-on skirts are ideal for a more relaxed look that’s designed with comfort. Whatever you’re looking for, there is a style for everyone and, with a variety of silhouettes, lengths and fabrics to choose from, Country Collection has you covered for any look you want to create.
A Line Skirts
The A-line skirt gives a classic silhouette that flatters many body types and has stood the test of time in the fashion world. Its simple yet elegant shape accentuates the waist and flares out gradually towards the hem to create a feminine and graceful look. This slight flare replicated a similar shape to the capital ‘A’, hence its name.
The history of the skirt:
The term “A Line” was first used by the French couture designer Christian Dior as the label for his collection of spring 1955. The A-Line collection's feature item, then the "most wanted silhouette in Paris", was a "fingertip-length flared jacket worn over a dress with a very full, pleated skirt". Although an A-shape, this silhouette was not identical to what is now understood to embody the A-line idea. "A-line" was used more loosely to describe any dress wider at the hips than at the bust or waist, as well as a number of flared skirt styles.
Button Through Skirts
As the name suggests, the button-through skirt has buttons running down the front, giving an attractive detail that also allows the garment to be opened and closed easily. Often styled with a fitted top or blouse tucked in to define the waist and show off the button detailing, this style of skirt is a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions.
The range of ladies button-through skirts from Country Collection are made from a quality cotton blend that’s lightweight, machine washable and easy to care for. Available in a plain A-line design with various colours to choose from, these ladies’ skirts have front and back panels with integral front pockets and side waist elastication for comfort and convenience.
Pleated Skirts and Soft Pleated Skirts
The pleated skirt is a timeless design that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Featuring a series of regular pleats or folds that are designed to fit the waist, this style of skirt adds texture with a soft, billowing effect. The pleats can either be stitched flat to the hip or be free-hanging from the waistband to form a softly pleated skirt.
All our ladies’ pleated skirts are cut from the finest fabrics and designed exclusively for us in the UK. Available in checked, patterned or plain designs, each skirt is fully lined with a side zip, button fastening and side waist elastication for total comfort. These skirts would go wonderfully with a piece of ladies’ knitwear or smart jacket to complete your look.
Straight Skirts
Straight skirts are sometimes called a pencil skirt, although the true pencil skirt offers a more tailored look. Our straight skirts for mature ladies are slim-fitting with a straight but narrow cut that sits snug on the waist and hangs straight from the hips that help to enhance your figure.
We love to pair a straight skirt with a sleeveless top and short tailored jacket, but they can also be worn with a cosy sweater and a crisp white shirt.
A classic straight skirt will help to define your silhouette and offer a chic, sophisticated look no matter what the occasion. The selection of skirts from Country Collection come in quality fabrics including pure wool, wool blend, pure cotton and denim in checked or plain designs
The history of the skirt:
Straight skirts and pencil skirts have long been an evocative garment, stirring admiration for their figure-hugging appearance. The pencil skirt became a defining garment of the 1950s and early 1960s, and can be seen flaunted through history by femme fatales and movie stars, including the likes of Audrey Hepburn and her renowned hourglass figure.
Pull On Elasticated Waist Skirts
Ladies’ pull-on skirts are the perfect choice for any body type and are great for older women with limited mobility, offering a hassle-free way to get dressed and undressed. Our selection of pull-on skirts comes in a variety of stunning floral, patterned and plain designs, all with an elasticated waist for maximum comfort. Suitable for both smart and casual occasions, our pull-on skirts are not only comfortable but also flattering.
Choose a new pull on skirt to add to your wardrobe and you will never need to compromise style for comfort again!
Wool Skirts
Our classic ladies’ woollen skirts are made from quality pure wool, carefully woven for us here in the UK. The range includes wool midi skirts in pleated and A line styles that are fully lined and available in classic colours and check designs that can be worn all year round.
Especially suitable for wearing in winter, these soft wool skirts are bound to keep you warm and cosy in colder weather. Try pairing it with a matching Tweed jacket or coordinate with something from our wool knitwear collection for the ultimate outfit.
If you're still not sure which skirt is best for you, read our blog, Classic Skirts for Older Ladies, and we will share with you our top handpicked selections of ladies skirts to elevate your wardrobe today.
Explore the whole range of Country Collection skirts here >
