Focus on: Culottes. What are they? Discover the origin and history of this garment with us at Opificio Modenese.
“Culottes” derives from the French word, meaning a pair of pants. Nowadays, they are a garment that combines the characteristics of a skirt and a pair of pants. In fact, they resemble a traditional skirt but are split in the middle.
Initially worn by aristocratic men and military personnel, they later became popular among women when they engaged in sports. Especially during the Victorian era, the use of culottes increased as women became more active, riding horses, cycling, and playing tennis.
It was one of the garments that challenged the role of women in society, shifting them from passive to active roles. It represented women’s freedom, freedom of thought, and freedom of movement.
But how has the perception of this garment changed?
At the beginning of the 20th century, it was seen as a potential threat and scandalous for a woman to wear what was considered a masculine garment. However, it was also fascinating because of its transgressive nature.
In the 1930s, Elsa Schiaparelli was the first to include culottes in her collection. People had mixed opinions, but it certainly marked the entry of this garment into women’s wardrobes, quietly challenging traditional gender roles.
With the arrival of World War II, women took over men’s roles in factories and offices. To be comfortable during work, they began wearing culottes, and this contributed to women’s empowerment.
In the following decades, from top designers to department stores, culottes became a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
At Opificio Modenese, we also offer these chic and comfortable culottes, perfect for everyday wear. Wide-legged and cropped, our culottes pants are a must-have. Decorative pleats and covered buttons give the garment a touch of sophistication, and the raw cut at the hem provides a clean style.
You can put them on from the bottom without any additional openings; thanks to the fabric’s elasticity, they slip on without zippers or buttons. They pair perfectly with the rounded-collar jacket, featuring matching buttons.
Remember that our garments are made from Sensitive® fabric, a technical material that adapts to your body shape without emphasizing trouble areas. It’s breathable and easy to care for, as it can be machine-washed at 30°C and air-dried in 2 hours without the need for ironing. Perfect for packing in your suitcase for a vacation or a business trip.
They are available in 3 colors: blue, coral, and brick, and you can purchase them directly from our online shop by clicking here.
At OPI[MO], we hope you enjoyed this focus on culottes. Let us know what you think on our social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.
