In the 16th century protective overskirts or ‘safe guards” where worn by both men and women.
Then it was in the mid 17th century that the Riding habit was developed. A habit normally consisted of
- A tailored jacket
- Long skirt
- A hat (most commonly a top hat)
- Low heeled boots
- Gloves
- And often a neck tie or stock
Though this period the Riding Habit used details from male dress such as
-Large turned cuffs
-Gold trim
-Gold Buttons (military style)
-Dark tones of fabric
Too allow for astride riding the skirt would be split up the front.
In the early 18th century they started to use wools and even velvets in richer, brighter colours. They became high waisted and were darned with luxurious buttons.
Then in the later part of the 18th century the habit became slender and more elegant stepping away from the large bulky habits.
It was in the early 19th century that it finally changed into becoming the open sided apron to be worn over breeches.
Images sourced from;
By J.P.Thornton. 1910’s. Thornton’s International system of Ladies’ Garments Cutting.
My daughter is riding, wants to wear a skirt, but says it flaps when going faster than walking & upsets the horse- plus jodhpurs help when sitting in saddle more than a slippery skirt- any ideas on how she can wear a skirt without theses issues? Thanks
Hello Annette, Our ridinig skirts are designed to be ridden at all paceses and even jumped in with out flapping, they are also designed to be worn on over your jodhpurs so that you still have contact with the saddle. They sit over your elgs and saddle so you are protected from the rain and cold. Please feel free to email [email protected] for any more questions you may have regarding our riding skirts. Many thanks, Odette