Shorts with a skirt-like appearance, known as culottes, have made a significant comeback in fashion after waning in popularity in recent years. Once a distinctive style dating back to the 19th century, culottes are now being embraced by a wide range of consumers and retailers alike.
Historically, culottes originated as wide-legged trousers designed to look like skirts, offering women practicality and modesty at times when wearing traditional trousers was socially restricted. The style found mainstream popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s, favored by icons such as Diana Ross and Twiggy, and designers like Marc Bohan of Christian Dior. Recently, the trend has resurfaced with brands offering interpretations ranging from long Bermuda shorts to divided A-line skirts, reflecting a broader shift toward longer shorts after a period dominated by ultra-short micro shorts and hot pants.
Industry data indicate a sharp increase in the availability of culottes, with inventory rising more than 30 percent between January and May of this year compared to the same period last year, according to retail intelligence firm Edited. Jemma Cassidy, chief product officer at Banana Republic, notes that while customers do not always seek out culottes explicitly, the style gains traction once tried on, often leading quickly to sales.
This resurgence is attributed to several key factors. Trend forecaster Sara Maggioni highlights the merging of comfort-driven dressing, the return to office environments post-pandemic, mounting climate concerns resulting in warmer temperatures, and consumers’ desire for versatile garments amid economic pressures. Many shoppers today evaluate purchases by considering “cost per wear,” favoring items that blend function and style and that can transition across seasons and occasions.
Charlotte Van Gijzeghem, a high school teacher in Dendermonde, Belgium, exemplifies this shift. Having adopted culottes since last year, she appreciates them for their practicality, particularly when biking to work, where traditional skirts can be cumbersome. Van Gijzeghem now owns multiple pairs and values the garment’s suitability for both professional and casual settings.
Fashion historian Hilary Davidson notes that culottes historically challenged gender norms in clothing by blending masculine and feminine elements. The style’s acceptance in public attire reflected broader social changes, particularly during the sexual revolution. Today, culottes appeal across demographics and genders, partly due to prevalent tighter-fitting tops that complement the fullness of culottes’ silhouette.
Nonetheless, the widespread use of the term “culottes” has sparked debate. Davidson cautions that some brands may use the label more as a marketing buzzword than as a strict definition of the garment, observing that simply increasing fabric length does not necessarily create a true culotte.
Among younger wearers, such as 19-year-old student Jeffrey Teneza II of Pearl City, Hawaii, culottes offer a comfortable and accessible way to explore personal style, challenging traditional norms while providing practical benefits like breathability and ease of movement.
As retailers continue to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, culottes stand out as a garment that reconciles heritage, comfort, and versatility in contemporary fashion.