skirt

Garment that hangs from the waist downwards, of varying length, worn by women and girls.

The shape and length of the skirt has changed greatly with fashion trends. In the 16th century skirts were worn wide over a ‘roll farthingale’, a circular piece of padding placed around the hips. By the 17th century the farthingale had been discarded as skirts were ruffled up to reveal the petticoats. Padding was reintroduced in the 18th century to extend the shape of skirts out to the side. Made of osier reeds or in the shape of a whalebone frame, this padding was worn on the hips at the side of the body. By the mid-18th century skirt sizes decreased, although they once again expanded in the mid-19th century with the introduction of crinoline, which was later replaced by the bustle. Prior to 1900 long skirts remained popular. Throughout the 20th century skirt lengths have gone up and down with fashion trends, with the miniskirt, at least 10 cm/4 in above the knees, becoming popular in the 1960s.