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All the 231 Big Sky Riding Skirts

January 15, 2025 2 Comments on All the 231 Big Sky Riding Skirts

Our pattern for the 231 Big Sky Riding Skirt is one of the most interesting historic patterns we have (in my opinion). The pattern is based on a real split skirt that was owned and worn by rodeo star Fanny Sperry Steele (1887-1983). The split, or divided, skirt enabled her to ride astride, but preserved the "look" of a skirt (and therefore propriety). In actuality, this garment is a culotte with a movable front panel that buttons either to the left, for a skirt effect, or to the right for a pant effect. So even though these are pants, it can look like a skirt. The deep pleat in the back helps with this look (and is flattering). The main change we made from the original design was to add pockets for convenience.

We have a couple of samples of our 231 Big Sky Riding Skirts here at Folkwear and they are all beloved. I am going to show you some of them in more detail today.

First is our mid-calf version, which you can make from the pattern by cutting at the calf-length markings. This one is made from a medium to heavy weight woven brown cotton and has machine appliques (made of silk dupioni) on the side of the legs. The applique pattern was an artistic creation by our sample-maker at the time and shows something interesting that can be done with these pants! In the photos below, you can also see how the panel is unbuttoned and moved from the left to the right to go from a skirt look to a pair of pants. We had help doing this because we were in a photo shoot, but you can easily do this yourself!

woman walking outside in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt

woman walking outside in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt - facing away from the camera

woman walking outside in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt, unbuttoning top button on pants

woman walking outside in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt, with another older woman unbuttoning the front flap

woman walking outside in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt, buttoning up the side panel with an older woman helping

woman standing outside with a black and white cow in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt

woman outside in a white long sleeve t and brown split skirt, showing off the side leg red and blue appliqu

The next sample we have is the longer version and it is made from an off-white medium-weight linen with flat buttons. This is a casual version and moves really well. In these photos, we have paired the Big Sky Riding Skirt with a short-sleeved version of the Thai Blouse from 134 South Asian Tops & Wraps.

Woman wearing a green short sleeve wrap top with off white linen pants

Woman wearing a green short sleeve wrap top with off white linen pants, facing to the side

Woman wearing a green short sleeve wrap top with off white linen pants, walking toward the camera outside

Another sample we have in our collection has not been photographed before and is a mid calf-length made from a light to medium weight denim with decorative rounded metal buttons down the front, and with smaller coordinating buttons on each side of the pleat in the back. Unfortunately, and the reason it has not yet been photographed, is because most of the buttons on the front are missing! When did this happen and how? I have no idea, but we are working on replacing the buttons now :-). You'll only get a back view today!

Woman standing by a brick wall wearing a white shirt and denim coulottes, back to camera

My own Big Sky Riding Skirt is made with a navy sanded twill. We have the navy in stock right now, and we have several other colors available too. I made mine split skit ankle-length and with flat, large navy buttons. This fabric has a lot of body and doesn't move fluidly, but it holds shape really well and looks structured. I made my pockets from some Liberty fabric scraps. I love this skirt/pants!