13 Ways Skirts Could Ruin Your Travel Comfort
The point of traveling is to have new experiences, but it’s difficult to do that if your clothing is a daily fight. While skirts seem like a perfect travel choice, they come with their own set of issues. Skirts tend to take the fun out of exploring, whether it’s because of unpredictable weather, mobility issues, or the fact that it’s just not always fun to wear a skirt.
Skirts look elegant and you get a great photo but they might not always be the most comfortable for long journeys, whether you’re rushing through the airport, wandering through cobblestone streets, or hiking to the top of a scenic overlook. Now let’s discuss the hurdles skirts can throw your way when traveling.
Limited Mobility
Tight or pencil-style skirts can limit the way in which you move. Can you imagine trying to climb into a tuk-tuk or go up steep stairs with fabric all over your legs? It can feel like you’re on a never-ending Twister, with no way to win. Traveling should be about comfort and ease, and skirts don’t always play well with either.
Weather Woes
A skirt’s worst enemy—and yours—is a windy day. One sudden gust and your stylish outfit becomes an accidental spectacle and you are awkwardly holding onto your hem. Longer skirts aren’t any better, as they can suck up water like a sponge and keep you uncomfortable and cold for hours.
Packing Problems
Wrinkling is notorious in skirts, and who wants to spend precious vacation time ironing? Some materials crease easily and are not so easily folded neatly, even when you’d like to look more ‘chic traveler’ than ‘laundry day’. Let’s not forget, skirts also tend to take up more bag space than pants or shorts.
Lack of Pockets
Travelling without functional pockets is possible, but not at all ideal. Most skirts don’t even have decent pockets, so you’re left juggling your phone, wallet, or travel map. You could sure carry a bag but wouldn’t it be nice to have your essentials stashed on you?
Unpredictable Sizing
There are definitely brands out there that don’t do a great job with skirt sizing, so it’s hard to find one that fits. If you have your skirt too loose, you’ll be hiking it up all day. Too tight? You’ll feel like you’re wrapped in cling film and no one wants that on a 10-hour sightseeing spree.
Cultural Considerations
In some destinations, you may find dress codes that can call for longer skirts that you really may not want to wear. Of course, it’s always respectful to adopt local norms, but wearing something you’re not used to can make you feel out of place or even feel restrictive, which isn’t the vibe you want when traveling.
Inconvenient for Activities
Skirts don’t play well with adventure sports — from cycling to zip lining. From sitting on the ground or hiking a trail, just the slightest movement can become awkward in a skirt. It’s not exactly practical—like showing up to a marathon in high heels.
Wardrobe Malfunctions
If you’ve ever had a skirt, you know that skirts are not immune to clothing mishaps: buttons popping, seams ripping, or hems tearing. But when you’re miles away from a sewing kit or tailor, fixing these problems on the go isn’t exactly a piece of cake. A bad skirt can ruin a good day real quick.
Climate Challenges
Skirts stick uncomfortably to your legs in hot weather, and you’re left exposed in cold weather. Tights or leggings layered underneath can help, but that’s often kind of defeating the purpose of wearing a skirt in the first place.
Not Versatile for All Shoes
The types of shoes you can wear with a skirt are often dictated by the skirt. If you’d like to wear comfy sneakers for a day of walking but your skirt requires sandals, you’re stuck picking between style and practicality.
Difficult for Public Transport
Wearing a skirt can feel like a balancing test when you’re getting in and out of cramped buses, subways, or rickshaws. Don’t even get me started on how hard it is to stand on a crowded train whilst keeping your hem in check.
High-Maintenance Fabrics
There are skirts made of finicky fabrics that stain easily or need to be carefully handled. Travel is a messy thing—there are spills, dirt, and accidents along the way. You don’t want to be worrying about wiping out your outfit every time you sit down or brush past something.
Can Attract Unwanted Attention
In places where they are less common, skirts sometimes attract more attention than you want them to. This isn’t always a problem, but it can make you feel self-conscious, or uncomfortable, in particular environments. A lot of the time, wearing travel outfits that help you blend in can make for a more pleasant experience.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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