History and Style Evolution of the Iconic Western Wiggle Skirt

The History and Rise in Popularity of Western Wiggle Skirts

Western wiggle skirts have become an iconic staple in women's western wear over the past few decades. Characterized by their fitted waist, flared hem, and fun, flirty movement, wiggle skirts emerged as a popular western fashion trend in the 1950s and 1960s.

The Origins of the Wiggle Skirt

Wiggle skirts first appeared in the late 1940s and early 1950s as part of the post-war western wear movement. At the time, full cowboy skirts were the norm. The wiggle skirt put a spin on this classic silhouette with a more fitted shape that hugged a woman's hips and thighs while flaring out at or below the knees.

The word "wiggle" comes from the slight sashaying movement that occurs when walking in these narrow-waisted, wide-hemmed skirts. The wiggle skirt allowed women to still have a full, swinging skirt while showcasing their figures in a subtle yet playful way.

The Pencil Skirt Influence

Wiggle skirts took cues from the popular pencil skirts of the 1940s and 1950s. Pencil skirts were slim, form-fitting skirts tapering to the knees, ideal for showcasing and accentuating the female figure. Western wear designers adapted elements of this style into the creation of the wiggle skirt.

While still fitted through the hips and thighs, the wiggle skirt flares out dramatically at the hem similar to a mermaid or trumpet skirt. This provides a bombshell silhouette while allowing for functionality and movement on the dance floor. The pencil skirt shape lent a flirty form-fittingness while the dramatic flare showed off cowgirl confidence and sass.

Rise to Popularity in the Mid-20th Century

Western wiggle skirts became ubiquitous in cowboy culture by the 1950s and 1960s. The style was a frequent sight at rodeos, country-western dance halls, honky-tonks, and festivals.

Female celebrity cowgirls and country singers like Dale Evans, Patsy Cline, and Skeeter Davis commonly wore bedazzled, fringe-trimmed wiggle skirts paired with western blouses and cowboy boots. Their influence further popularized the flirty skirt style.

Western Wear Meets Rockabilly Styling

Wiggle skirts also became fashionable with the rockabilly and swing dance crowds during the era. The crossover between western wear and rockabilly created fun melding of styles, often pairing wiggle skirts with leather jackets, petticoats, and cat eye glasses.

The flouncy movement of wiggle skirts made them ideal for twirling and dancing. As swing dances like the jitterbug gained popularity in the '40s and '50s, wiggle skirts offered a flattering and functional silhouette for the high-energy dances.

The Prairie Skirt Connection

Historians also credit the introduction of the "prairie skirt" as a precursor to wiggle skirt fashion. Full-skirted prairie dresses were commonly worn by pioneer women in the 19th century American West. The billowy silhouette helped promote functionality and modesty while working outdoors.

As prairie inspired dresses resurged in popularity in mid-20th century western wear, elements of the style got modernized into the wiggle skirt template. Designers outfitted the full billowy prairie skirt into a narrow-waisted, slim-hipped silhouette that better revealed a woman's hourglass shape when coupled with heels.

Modern Iterations

While wiggle skirts aren't as omnipresent in today's western fashion as they were in decades past, they still maintain an important place in the modern cowgirl's closet.

The Wiggle Skirt Staple Piece

For cowgirls who love to kick up their heels on the dance floor, wiggle skirts remain a versatile staple piece. The signature slim-waisted, flared silhouette continues to flatter figures of all shapes and sizes.

While details like embellishments, fabrics, colors and lengths may evolve with the times, the wiggle skirt style itself proves timeless. Modern cowgirls can find wiggle skirts ranging from mini to maxi lengths to suit their personal style.

Western Workout Wear Inspo

In recent years, western wear designers like Patricia Nash and Outback Red have stylized modern wiggle skirts into athleisure wear using stretch fabrics like leggings. Paired with plaid button downs or cowgirl blouses, these modern "yoga skirts" provide adorable western flair for hitting the gym or running about town.

The crossover between western wear and gym clothes may seem unlikely, but the wiggle skirt silhouette actually allows for easy movement in action. Expect to see even more ranch workout gear featuring stylish western details like these updated wiggle skirts.

FAQs

What decade did western wiggle skirts first emerge as a popular style?

Wiggle skirts first appeared in the late 1940s and early 1950s as part of the post-war western wear movement. They rose to peak popularity throughout the 1950s and 1960s, becoming an iconic cowboy culture staple.

Why are they called "wiggle skirts"?

Western wiggle skirts get their name from the slight sashaying or "wiggling" movement that occurs when walking in these slim-waisted, wide-hemmed skirts.

How did pencil skirts influence the wiggle skirt silhouette?

Slim-fitting pencil skirts of the 1940s-50s lent form-hugging shapes to western wear designers' creation of the wiggle skirt template. While still fitted through the hips and thighs, wiggle skirts flare out dramatically at the knee-length hem.

Are wiggle skirts still popular in modern western fashion?

While they aren't as ubiquitous today as decades past, wiggle skirts remain a versatile staple piece for modern cowgirls who love to kick up their heels on the dance floor or incorporate western details into athletic wear.