Wearing skirts in the parks - comfortable summertime option?

[kittythepoohbear]

Calling all women - I need some advice as to warm weather clothes options! I hope that I am posting in the correct place. If not, please feel free to move it to a more appropriate board.
I have not been too comfortable wearing shorts for the last few years. Either they are too short/tight or too long/loose. As a result, I have developed a very deep love of skirts in the summer, especially the 'hippie' skirts and the newer full skirts. They keep me cool and comfortable in the hottest weather while offering some protection in case of a sudden change in temperature.
In the past, I have always worn jeans to the parks and, if it was really unbearably hot, a pair of shorts that I can stand wearing. This year for my early Sept. trip, I am planning on bringing a pair of jeans and a pair of linen capris, but I was wondering if my skirts would be a realistic option for park hopping.
All of my favorites are quite long (below the knee, some ankle length),full and very comfortable. When I sit down, I draw the sides of the skirt slightly up around me so that it doesn't drag on the floor. I figure I can do that on the rides as well so that it doesn't get caught on anything. Also, I figure that I can kind of tuck the skirt around me if modesty may become an issue. I definitely do not plan on giving a show!
Has anyone here ever worn skirts to the parks and if so, how comfortable were you? I dread the thought of having to find some shorts I can live with!

Thanks in advance!
Kat

 

[Marseeya]

I wouldn't see a problem wearing a skirt like you're describing. I used to wear long flowing skirts for a lot of different occasions and was always extremely comfortable.

Short skirts, on the other hand... Ewww. I saw way more than I wanted to of a few women on our last trip. Why would anyone think a mini skirt is a good idea at an amusement park??? No matter how discreet they think they're being, they really aren't.

 

[monarchsfan16]

I guess that is really your comfort. I never wear skirts even at home; can't stand them, so I always wear shorts in the parks. My sister wore skirts when we were resort hopping or shopping at DTD. She loves skirts but she did go for shorts in the parks. I guess the thing I'd personally be most concerned with would be whether you were comfortable walking miles a day in shoes that weren't sneakers. The skirt itself probably wouldn't be a huge issue, and it sounds like you can handle the modesty thing just fine (which was a topic I would have brought up had you not mentioned it). I've seen people in skirts; not a ton of people, but some. I know for me, anything besides sneakers for shoes in the parks is a no-go, but you may be just fine in sandals. I'd say try it out, especially in a park where you're not on a ton of rides (Epcot for example) but have some other options available for you. Go look for some more capris if you really can't stand shorts; you may be able to find some of those that fit really well. I don't think skirts in the parks are the greatest idea, but it's really based on your comfort level.

 

[Leota]

I have worn sundresses,skirts & skorts in the Parks several times. Skorts are the easiest. Long, flowy skirts are also good. The only rides I really had any trouble with were rides like Space Mountain & RnRC - Getting down into the seat & out of it again with all the skirt fabric took a minute :lol But other than that, I was very comfortable & content. No problems at all as far as modesty or ride vehicles.
I never wear running shoes at WDW, always sandals so that wasn't an issue for me. My piggies can't stand being cooped up in hot sneakers all day!

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

I wore shorter skirts last year for the first time as I sometimes find shorts uncomfortable. I was fine, but I really think it is up to you.

 

[airplane]

The only problem I had w/ shorter skirts is getting on and off the rides, especially the boat kind. I had to worry about pulling it down everytime. Knee length and longer skirts are great. Very compfy.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I love wearing skirts and summer dresses inside the parks. Very comfy - breezy and sexy!

 

[cleo]

I almost always wear skorts to the park, but have also worn longer skirts. VERY comfortable, and they look nice, too.

 

[Kteacher]

My kids make fun of my skorts, but I say may the skort be with you . Penney's has some on the longish side

 

[MommytoMJM]

I wear dresses all the time...just one hint.....even if you tuck it under your legs on ToT....it won't stay....and don't forget sunscreen on your legs, the sun can reflect off the pavement onto your legs....

 

[Miranda Danda]

I see no problem wearing skirts (even short ones) to the park if you are comfy and no tooshy is hanging out. I do it all the time, but I do insit on wearing a bikini bottom versus underwear so that I don't feel uncomfortable

 

[miste76]

Not that I have this problem but unless you're legs are thin, if you're walking in the hot sun with a skirt all day... you may end up with a little chaffing. I went with a friend that tried wearing a skirt and she was pretty sad within a few hours.

 

[twoeeyy]

I always wear jean mini skirts and have no problem. The only down side is if you get wet it takes the denim a bit to dry. Sounds like the type of skirts you are describing will be fine.

 

[MickeyMinnieMommy]

I've worn skirts with no problem. My skirts are long and full also; I wore them with some Keds-style tennis shoes and also with sandals. Make sure you sunscreen feet and legs, as mentioned before.

Now, the chafing issue...don't wear pantyhose. You can prevent chafing by either wearing bike shorts under the skirt or by using baby powder on your thighs.

I personally love my travel skirts. I first started wearing them on a trip to Greece about 7 years ago; I felt like I looked respectable and also they were much cooler than shorts.

 

[LoveWDW]

I was going to ask about the undergarment situation and also chafing. I like the look of skirts, but I have to wear pettipants (a kind of slip that is divided like shorts) under them for modesty as well as for the chafing problem for long walks. If you'd wear pantihose, would you have to wear the slip or bike shorts? Sounds like a dumb question, sorry.

 

[ladysoleil]

I hate pants and shorts, really. Hate them. Never liked them. I wear skirts pretty much every day year round...except when I'm at WDW. I'm sure it would work out fine but personally, I love the long full skirts too, but since I'm petite, okay, short, I think I'd be annoyed by picking up my skirts all day to keep from dragging them on the ground when going up and down steps and getting in and out of ride vehicles.

I'm going to go the linen capri pants route next trip, but I probably will skirt it in Epcot and AK since we won't be going on a lot of rides there. I also like the idea of wearing capris or light drawstring linen pants for sun protection as well as modesty. My legs never see daylight so I don't really want to start in the FL sun!

 

[melaniemiller2002]

Not that I have this problem but unless you're legs are thin, if you're walking in the hot sun with a skirt all day... you may end up with a little chaffing. I went with a friend that tried wearing a skirt and she was pretty sad within a few hours.

For the chaffing issue, try BodyGlide. It's available at most sporting goods stores and running stores. Marathoners and Ultra Marathoners (100-mile runs) use it to prevent chaffing. I figure if it worked for those people, it will easily prevent chaffing for a 10-mile day around the park!! It's a tad bit expensive, but lasts a long time. Very comfortable, doesn't stink and works GREAT!!!!

The last time I wore my linen capri's to an amusement park, they were ruined by the end of the day. After I got them wet on a water ride, they starting getting rubbed really thin where my thighs touch and by 7pm, they were threadbare in that spot. Really stunk because they were my FAVORITE pair of Old Navy capri's. And my thighs don't even rub THAT much....I was mad because I'll never find that same pair again (I bought them last summer).

Melanie

 

[slk537]

I love shorts, but I really, really love my denim skort...(scooter? I heard it called that but it seems so...wrong...). From any angle except looking up my leg (which I sincerely hope no one does! ) I look like I have a skirt on, but underneath I have the comfort of shorts. And the fit isn't tight at all.

I think the flowy skirts will be fine if you pull them around you on the rides - although you mentioned capris and those would probably be best.

Oh and I would like to add that BodyGlide is absolutely everything the previous poster said - excellent product!

 

[dkrause716]

I was going to ask about the undergarment situation and also chafing. I like the look of skirts, but I have to wear pettipants (a kind of slip that is divided like shorts) under them for modesty as well as for the chafing problem for long walks. If you'd wear pantihose, would you have to wear the slip or bike shorts? Sounds like a dumb question, sorry.[/QUOTE

One word: Bodyglide Takes care of chafing and blister issues. Great stuff!

Also, I found some really cute stretch terrycloth skorts at Kohls on sale for $10. The brand is Tekgear. Loved em so much I bought 5! They are sooo comfy and look quite fashionable too.

 

[Nolcrest]

I am not a skirt/dress person at all. However, I LOVE my Gloria Vanderbilt skorts I found at Kohls. I am a short person and these skorts fit me perfectly. They definately look like a skirt but with full shorts underneath. I plan on packing them with me for my July vacation. I wish I was taller so I could wear what you describe (the long flowy hippie looking skirt). I would wear that if I could. Sounds like it would be cool and comfortable.