There are a wide variety of flamenco skirts in the stores. From the most classic to the most contemporary designs. Fabrics such as cotton or lycra. From polka dots to stripes or plain skirts in bright colors. But in addition to styles, prints or fabrics, there are different types of flamenco skirts. Discover them!
What is a flamenco skirt and what is its origin?
The flamenco skirt is one of the key pieces of clothing in the wardrobe used in flamenco. It allows to enhance the movements with enough freedom to perform each step in the dance.
The origin of the flamenco skirt comes from the cattle fairs and pilgrimages in Andalusia, where country women added frills and ornaments to their working skirts. It was then that the upper class ladies began to notice their attire and imitated it.
Flamenco A-line skirt
The flamenco skirt is distinguished by its tight waist that tends to widen towards the bottom, usually at the knees.
Country skirt
This is a skirt that is usually worn by flamenco women for the pilgrimage. The most typical “rociera” skirt is gray with stripes. This skirt is totally tight and with ruffles that start at the knees. It is usually combined with shirts and on many occasions with a belt.
Canastera skirt
The canastera skirt is the one worn by women to walk the road to El Rocío – in Huelva – until they reach the Virgin. This skirt is loose-fitting, with a flounce and light weight to offer greater comfort on the march. In addition, they are usually made with cool fabrics to alleviate the heat during the day.
Carnation skirt with ruffles
This flamenco skirt has a petticoat at the bottom with ruffles and lots of volume. The fabric creates a ruffle effect at the bottom that gives it the shape of a carnation. Both carnation skirts and carnation dresses are very popular at the Feria de Abril in Seville, as well as in flamenco dance performances.
Flamenco midi skirt
The word midi refers to the length. Flamenco midi skirts are those that leave the ankles uncovered. They can be used for both fairs and pilgrimages.
Tail skirt
The tail skirt, as its name says, is the one that has a ruffled tail at the back. It is an ideal skirt for professional flamenco dancers due to its extravagance and sophistication. They are very striking and its ruffled tail gives a lot of play when dancing, as it allows the dancer to use her hands to move the skirt. In addition, they usually have a cancan.
Layered skirt
Layered skirts are used in flamenco dance because of the hypnotic movement they transmit with every turn. They are wide and have one or more layers that add volume.
Rehearsal skirt
These skirts are simpler and more functional, specifically made for practicing flamenco on a daily basis. They are made of very resistant fabrics and offer great mobility for dancing.
What type of fabric is the flamenco skirt usually made of?
We can find different fabrics when buying a flamenco skirt. The most commonly used fabrics for making skirts are cotton, viscose and lycra. But velvet and crepe, more elegant and higher quality fabrics, are also used in the world of professional flamenco dance costumes or by the great masters of sewing.
Skirts in different patterns and colors
In addition to the types of flamenco skirts that exist we can also find different prints and colors. From polka dot skirts, to striped skirts – very typical in the romerías – to plain skirts of any color. The most popular colors are usually red, black and white. Then we can also see other more modern skirts in floral prints.
Flamenco skirts are very versatile garments, which we can find in different styles and with different finishes. There are perfect skirts for the most traditional dance, as to go to the latest fashion at fairs. When choosing a type of flamenco skirt, it is best to evaluate for what event you will use it, if it adapts to your body and if you will be able to wear it on more occasions.