By: Valeria Ramos
Today, mini skirts are a spring and summer staple in the closet of women all over the world. For those of us in the West, it’s hard to imagine a time when women’s hemlines were a matter of heated debate.
So how did this once controversial, now-iconic piece of clothing make its way into mainstream fashion?
A symbol of the feminist movement
In the 1960s, the feminist movement was in full swing, and designers like Yves Saint Laurent, André Courrèges, and Mary Quant began sending models down their runways with shorter hemlines. This trend later picked up speed with the help of women like Twiggy and Gloria Steinem during the “swinging sixties,” when mini skirts, go-go boots, and mod fashion were all the rage.
It wasn’t long before the mini skirt became a symbol of female liberation. The mini skirt came at a time when the world was changing. The 1960s were defined by counter-culture—society was questioning traditional standards and ushering in a new era of sexual freedom. The contraceptive pill was produced in 1960 and within two years of distribution, 1.2 million American women were using birth control to take control of their lives.
With more control over their lives and a fashion trend that celebrated freedom, women in the 60s were eagerly trading stockings and pantyhose for mini skirts. However, not all designers were so keen on cutting hemlines.
The protest
In 1966, when Dior’s fashion show didn’t feature the hottest trend of the moment, a group of women known as the “British Society for the Protection of Mini Skirts,” stood outside the show in protest with signs that read, “Mini skirts forever.”
Sounds like a fun group of women to hang out with, if you ask us.
Over the next decade, hemlines varied in length but one thing remained clear—women were not going back to the traditional (and often constricting) fashions of the 1950s.
The 2000s to today
The mini skirt trend made a strong comeback in the 2000s, thanks to the likes of Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears. Y2K fashion is marked by many micro-trends including mini bags, heels, and tops. Recently, Paris Hilton spoke to W Magazine about the key to pulling off the Y2K trends she helped popularize. According to Paris, “skirts should be the size of a belt.”
Today, mini skirts are arguably no longer a trend, but a common wardrobe item. While once controversial and risqué, mini skirts are now worn day and night by women who put them on without a second thought. This year, designers revisited this trend for the Spring 2022 season. Miu Miu’s viral ultra-mini skirt proves this style is here to stay.
Mini skirts forever!
In the 1960s, women did not have the same freedom and opportunity that we have today—mini skirts being the least of their problems. However, this moment in fashion history goes to show how important clothing can be as a tool of empowerment, freedom, and expression.
To that, we say, “Mini skirts forever!”
FAQs
The designer Mary Quant was quoted as saying that "short short skirts" indicated youthfulness, which was seen as desirable, fashion-wise. In the UK, by shortening the skirts to less than 24 inches (610 mm) they were classed as children's garments rather than adult clothes.
How did the mini skirt change the world? ›
Quant's iconic designs were at the centre of a social revolution, the Swinging Sixties. Once seen as provocative and rebellious, the miniskirt symbolised a growing female independence as women broke away from traditional gender rules, and rejected the clothing previously worn by their mothers.
When was the mini skirt protest? ›
The protest
In 1966, when Dior's fashion show didn't feature the hottest trend of the moment, a group of women known as the “British Society for the Protection of Mini Skirts,” stood outside the show in protest with signs that read, “Mini skirts forever.”
Who made the mini skirt famous? ›
Dame Barbara Mary Quant was a British fashion designer, inventor and entrepreneur, known worldwide as the inventor of the miniskirt.
What is the difference between a short skirt and a mini skirt? ›
A short skirt is just above the knee. (Left)A miniskirt (Right) approx 6in or more above the knee.
How was the mini skirt created? ›
Inspired by the fashions she saw on the streets, Quant raised the hemline of her skirts in 1964 to several inches above the knee, and the iconic miniskirt was born. She named the skirt after her favorite car, the Mini.
Why were miniskirts such a dramatic change in women's fashion? ›
It was a political statement. It challenged the traditional notions of femininity and modesty. It gave women the freedom to show their bodies, to express their individuality, and to assert their presence in the public sphere. The mini skirt was the brainchild of Mary Quant, a British fashion designer.
Are mini skirts still popular? ›
Micro mini skirts have made their way back into the fashion zeitgeist once again, spearheaded by luxury fashion brands like Miu Miu, which introduced the infamous low-slung silhouette at its Spring/Summer 2022 runway show.
Are mini skirts making a comeback? ›
While it may have just been written off as a nostalgia play back then, the mini skirt came back in full force, establishing itself once again as a staple.
What influenced the mini skirt? ›
In 1958, Quant officially christened the miniskirt, inspired by the model car. Quant has acknowledged how the trend for rising hemlines was influenced by the emerging London street style. During the '50s and '60s, there was a shift toward breaking down formality.
Wearing tights under a short dress is a stylish and practical choice that seamlessly combines fashion with comfort. The pairing of tights with a short dress offers a versatile and chic look suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to more formal events.
Who popularized the mini skirt in the 60s? ›
British fashion designer Mary Quant, credited with designing the miniskirt that helped to define the Swinging '60s, has died aged 93. Let's take a look back at her life in pictures.
Who wore skirts first? ›
If there is one type of clothing that has had a rich history through the ages, it is most definitely the skirt. From the straw-woven skirt dating back to 3900 BC in Armenia up to the array of maxis, midis and minis (and everything in between) available nowadays, skirts have dominated women's wardrobe.
Who made the first skirt? ›
A straw-woven skirt dating to 3900 BC was discovered in Armenia at the Areni-1 cave. Skirts were the standard attire for men and women in all ancient cultures in the Near East and Egypt.
Were mini skirts popular in the 2000s? ›
In the 1990s, Julia Roberts gave a whole new meaning to minis when she paired super short skirts with thigh-high boots in the cult classic, Pretty Woman. And then came the 2000s. Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, the Spice Girls, and Beyoncé became the flagbearers of this super sexy garment.
What was the purpose of hoop skirts? ›
It originated as a modest-sized mechanism for holding long skirts away from one's legs, to stay cooler in hot climates and to keep from tripping on the skirt during various activities. Small hoops might be worn by farmers and while working in the garden.
Why were skirts invented? ›
Skirts have been worn since prehistoric times as the simplest way to cover the lower body.
