culotte

Imagine a pair of trousers that look like a skirt—those are culottes! While they have made several major comebacks in the fashion world, their modern appeal lies in their deceptive silhouette. Culottes are wider than typical shorts, usually falling to the knee or mid-calf, and are cut with a flowing, skirt-like volume. Think comfortable, chic, and a little bit unexpected. You might see them described as "trouser-style shorts" or even "split skirts." Originally adapted in the late 19th century to allow women more freedom of movement for activities like horseback riding and cycling while maintaining a modest appearance, today they are a staple of sophisticated, modern wardrobes.

The word "culotte" derives from the French word for "breeches." Historically, it referred to the tight, knee-length trousers worn by aristocratic men in 18th-century France—a garment so synonymous with the upper class that revolutionaries were famously called sans-culottes (those without breeches). During that era, culottes were often highly ornamented, signifying high social status and paired with silk stockings and powdered wigs.

However, the meaning has evolved significantly. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the term was reclaimed to describe a "split skirt" that allowed women to sit astride a horse or bicycle while appearing to wear a traditional skirt. By the mid-20th century, culottes transitioned into mainstream fashion as wide-legged trousers that offer the breezy elegance of a skirt with the practical comfort of shorts.

Modern culottes are incredibly versatile, appearing in fabrics ranging from structured denim to flowing silk or linen. They can be high-waisted, pleated, or tailored to suit various styles. You'll often find them featured in "culotte jumpsuits"—one-piece garments with wide, cropped legs. Whether paired with sneakers for a casual day out or with heels for a gallery opening, culottes remain a playful blend of practicality and fashion-forward thinking, proving that some of the best designs are those that offer the best of both worlds.

A less common use (especially in older writing or in sewing/lingerie contexts) is as a singular noun for a women's undergarment, sometimes meaning a brief-like garment or a slip with built-in panties. In everyday modern English, though, you'll most often see culottes in the plural referring to the skirt-like pants.