The 1960s marked a very important stage in the evolution of twentieth-century fashion for two reasons: because the youth market demanded and got their own styles; and because the notion of anything goes in fashion became the norm. The mini skirt or dress was at the epicenter of this evolution. Mini’s created a revolution and turned 1960’s. Another trend in pants in the 1960’s was the culotte. Although not original to this decade after years of wearing only dresses or skirts it was a very welcome change. The style started conservatively with mid shin lengths but by the end of the 60’s culottes had morphed into gaucho and a little later in the 70’s palazzo pants. Get the best deals on Culotte Shorts for Women when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items Browse your favorite brands affordable prices. Shorts are short. That's why they're called shorts. But men's shorts in the 1970s took short to a whole new level, and all we can say is that we're glad the 70s are over!

• 60s Girls Fashion Catalog
• Vintage Shorts Pattern
• Kulots 1960
• Culottes 1960s
• Denim Culottes 1960s
• Paper Dresses From The 60s

Culottes are a form of split skirt. They are usually made full or calf length, and consist of a pair of loose, flowing trousers which strongly resemble a skirt until the wearer engages in vigorous physical activity. The shorter version is a skort, a pair of shorts with a flap of fabric in the front that turns them into a more modest skirt. Many active women who believe in wearing modest clothing for religious reasons wear culottes, as they allow a full range of movement without the potential for exposure.

Originally, the word was used to refer to trousers worn by men. Women's fashion appears to have appropriated the word in the 1800s, when women started wearing culottes so that they could ride horses astride instead of sidesaddle. The split skirt configuration was ideal for riding safely while preserving modesty norms. Culottes were worn by many women of modest families well into the 1900s, and were often sewn in fashionable patterns for a variety of tastes and classes.

In the 1960s, culottes became fashionable, and they were known as hostess pajamas. These trousers were a little more slimly cut, so they more strongly resembled pants, and they were often sewn in brightly patterned fabric with matching tops. Usually, culottes were sold in a set with the top, and were made from fabrics like silk or rayon, which were soft, shiny, and flowing.

Some consumers confuse culottes with skorts, which combine a short skirt with shorts. A true pair of culottes could genuinely be mistaken for a skirt, and they are not designed to fall above the knee, as skorts are. They can be made from any material, although because many women wear them for modesty, they are often thick, rather than sheer. Culottes can also come in a wide variety of patterns, and many are pleated or gathered for visual interest. Some beginning sewers undertake them as a sewing project because they are relatively easy to make.

60s Girls Fashion Catalog

Many conservative Christian women who belong to sects that preach modesty wear culottes, as do some Muslim women. These trousers give women who would otherwise feel restricted to skirts an opportunity to be physically active. The full coverage the offer is almost more modest than a skirt, because culottes are less likely to flip up with intense physical activity or a brisk wind. Their popularity with women as a modesty garment makes them readily available at stores which specialize in modest clothing, and some department stores may also carry a small section of culottes.

Brigette Bardot shows off in a mini-dress and really cool boots.

The 1960s marked a very important stage in the evolution of twentieth-century fashion for two reasons: because the youth market demanded and got their own styles; and because the notion of anything goes in fashion became the norm.

The mini skirt or dress was at the epicenter of this evolution. Mini’s created a revolution and turned 1960’s fashion on its head. By the late sixties no boundaries remained for the designers as to what could be done with the mini.

Vintage Shorts Pattern

London’s two favorites – a mini dress and a Mini Cooper automobile

Kulots 1960

Women were liberating themselves from the uncomfortable and matronly apparel of the fifties. Armed with synthetic materials, new female designers and ready to wear affordable designs the mini was ready to explode onto the sixties market. Aided by the invention and commercialization of pantyhose or tights, women were proudly showing off not only their legs but their freedom as well.

Although French designer Courreges claims to have invented the mini, there’s no question that Mary Quant working out of her small King’s Road, London boutique popularized and gave mass market appeal to the mini. Mary’s designs were simple usually using a basic A-line design for many of her mini-dresses.

The simple A-Line mini was a designer Mary Quant inspiration

After the successes of Quant, Betsy Johnson, Barbara Hulanicki and other young female 1960’s designers, all of the major Fashion Houses followed suit. The likes of Chanel, Dior and Y’ves Saint Laurent were soon offering the shorter mini styles in their couture lines. Not as risque as what was coming out of swinging London it definitely emphasized the importance of the mini skirt as a new style icon.

Although the even more liberating pants suit style of clothing would gain popularity in the early 1970’s and eventually edge the mini skirt out of vogue, the remnants of that 1960’s fashion revolution are still visible in today’s clothing.

Culottes 1960s

1960s model/actress Jane Birkin wearing a great pair of boots with her mini dress

An example of space-age 1960s fashion. (Do you think it looks like a paint bucket on her head?)

designed by Italian designer Valentino and shown in Vogue Italia 1968

Denim Culottes 1960s

this outfit would have been fine for work in the 1960s (today I think that HR would want a chat with you)

Paper Dresses From The 60s

This mini dress by Paco Rabanne showed America’s fascination with all things…spaceage.