A boho skirt is a type of skirt that became popular during the 1960s and is usually a component of hippie fashion. These skirts are usually long and flowing and are often made using calico fabric. The boho skirt in many ways resembles prairie skirts that were worn during the early 1800s. Prairie skirts were often made of homespun cotton or cotton feed sacks. In those days, feed sacks were highly valued because they were printed in small floral patterns, and prairie women often recycled the feed sacks into blouses and skirts.
Bohemian fashion was an important part of the hippie culture, and the boho skirt was considered essential to the overall look. Though a boho skirt can be made using any type of lightweight fabric, calico is one of the more popular choices. Calico is a type of soft cotton fabric that is printed using very small floral designs. Calico is also used in creating quilt tops and blouses.
The length of a boho skirt is usually well below the knee, sometimes coming all the way down to the ankle. In some instances, a bohemian skirt is constructed using gathered tiers. This type of boho skirt is sometimes referred to as a peasant skirt or gypsy skirt, and may contain as many as a dozen tiers.
Sometimes boho skirts are constructed using tiers made from various color fabrics and prints. This type of boho skirt is sometimes called a patchwork skirt. The first tier, which begins at the waistline, will be joined to a second tier that is slightly wider and of a contrasting color and print. The wider second strip is gathered to fit the width of the first strip. This process is repeated all the way down the skirt until the desired length is achieved.
Bohemian style skirts are often worn with embroidered vests and loose peasant style tops. Large, floppy hats are also considered a good fashion complement to the boho look. Boho skirts are usually worn with sandals or boots, depending on the season.
It is often possible to find an authentic boho skirt by browsing estate sales and vintage clothing shops, but a true vintage skirt will likely be expensive. Retail clothing stores carry wide selections of reproduction skirts that are usually much more affordable. People who are familiar with sewing might want to consider making their own bohemian skirt. Patterns are available through most pattern companies, and many are designed with beginners in mind.