The Sewing Machine: Culottes - The NEW kid on the block!

Culottes is a word that originated in the French language. Historically, "culottes" referred to the knee length breeches commonly worn by gentlemen of the European upper-classes from the late Middle Ages or Renaissance through the early nineteenth century. This style of tight trousers ending just below the knee was first popularized in France during the reign of Henry III (1574–1589). Culottes were normally closed and fastened about the leg, to the knee, by either buttons, a strap and buckle, or by a draw-string.

A modern day use of the word culottes describes a split or divided skirt or any garment which "hangs like a skirt, but is actually a pair of pants." During the Victorian Era long split skirts were developed for horseback riding so that women could sit astride a man's saddle rather than riding side-saddle.

The term "culottes" was co-opted from the original French definition of the word to describe these split riding skirts. Later, split skirts were developed to provide women more freedom to do activities such as gardening, cleaning, bike riding, etc. and still look like one is wearing a skirt. With the loose fit and flared nature of the garment these are often related to both the boho, retro and 70's trends.

The culottes have seen a fashion comeback (As most fashion do) & is all over the globe making headway into the women wardrobes again. They range from plain to floral, prints to monochrome & mirror hippie and festival styles.

TO WATCH OUT FOR: Our own line of Culottes :):)

Here are some popular colours & ways of wearing them: