Macabi Skirt

Macabi skirts are the best invention ever for the minimalist adventure traveler with dressy occasion needs as well, with the modesty and versatility the skirt provides. It goes from fishing to theater with a mere change of accessories, is sink or machine washable. I wear them for hiking, sailing, bicycling, kayaking, sightseeing, restaurant, camping, regular everyday wear and only take two as my wardrobe staple for trips of a month or longer.

I’ve worn Macabi skirts since the original founder of the company and own over a dozen of them, have gifted some to my favorite people. These skirts are perfect for the active traveler who also needs to meet dressy occasions. but doesn’t want to tow a huge wardrobe. They go from fishing to restaurant, theater, church or museum.

They‘re also great for everyday use. I found they cut my travel wardrobe needs way down and only need to carry a small bag. Because they’re sink washable and dry quickly, you can sink wash in limited facilities or if you want to save laundry fees, although they’re also machine washable. I put the shorts belt into the zip pocket if machine washing.

This is my typical kit for travels of over a month at a time. I pack by the two-of -everything principle, one to wear, one drying after wash. Two macabi skirts, two roll-up sleeve shirts of either quick dry fabric or crinkle silk, both of which dry quickly and needn’t worry about wrinkles; either 2 bras or bathing suit tops, depending on needs of that particular trip, or mix 1 of each, 2 panties, 2 pair thin wool socks or one more pair if doing a lot of heavy hiking. One heavy/light fleece or wool go-everywhere jacket, depending on season for weight, one light rain slicker, one pair rubber sole clogs, 2 pr footless tights if winter or 2 pr bike shorts if warm weather for thigh chafe, half slip in winter to prevent static and skirt creep plus gives warmth, in winter-one long sleeve wool top that doubles as long underwear or sweater, hat, sunglasses, one packable pair ballet flats for dressy occasions, hairbrush or comb, nail file, toothbrush, bandaid or two, eye pencil, lipstick, sunscreen compact with mirror, long silk scarf that doubles as jewelry substitute, belt, headband, cover, neck warmer, 2 foldable travel hangers available on Amazon, small travel towel if going to remote location, passport, phone, documents, mini pen, money, credit card. Done.

About half of that is on my body, so only a small bag needed. Toiletries, unless camping can be obtained at location. If I need to bring something, it’ll be a travel size bottle of castile soap such as Dr. Bronners that works as laundry soap, shampoo and body wash, toothpaste.

On me is a skirt, swim top, blouse, tights, slip, socks, clogs, scarf, hat, passport, money, CCs, mini pen, jacket and rain slicker. The rest is in the little bag. I no longer wear hiking boots after seeing the locals in the Andes zip through the mountains wearing these little cloth flip flop shoes with thin rubber soles, all while carrying babies on their backs in a big scarf. Another space saver. 

If you’re 5’4” like me or under, can sew, and you want to add some extra secret pockets in matching fabric to hang from inside the waistband, buy the long/tall version of the skirt and pin up to shorten ( I go for just above the ankle) seeing how much fabric you have left along the hem in order to make two or three extra pockets. You’ll probably have to relocate the ribbons for raising the skirt, so before cutting, measure their height from the original hem and re-attach the ribbons at the same height from the new hem. For your new hem, just double fold a narrow hem and slightly stretch while stitching in place. If you make the narrow ends of the pocket fabric overlap by about 1.5”, you won’t need a zipper to secure the contents of the pocket. To attach each  pocket, undo enough stitches at the waist to tuck in the top of the finished new pocket on the inside of the waistband and restitch the waist seam, stretching the fabric as you sew.

Background

Many years

This wrinkle and water resistant skirt can fold up into pants or shorts and is perfect for hiking or travelling. It is lightweight, breathable, and even fashionable!

I purchased this "hiking" skirt about 5-6 years ago after reading about it on whiteblaze.net. I have used it on many, many trips and washed it many times and it still looks brand new! I purchased the regular, ankle length skirt and usually wear it as such. The fit is very comfortable since it has an elastic waist band and a drawstring, however, I have found that I need to use Body Glide under the waistband while hiking to avoid friction.  

It comes with a clip to adjust it from a skirt to pants or shorts.  The pants version is a little awkward and hard to walk in. The shorts are really comfortable and perfect for stream crossings but definitely not fashionable at all!  

It is very wrinkle and water resistant. I have stuffed this skirt into the bottom of my backpack on hiking trips and it never wrinkles or they fall out very quickly. When it rains the water nearly bounces off the skirt. If it does manage to get wet it dries extremely fast. The breathability is great and yet the skirt keeps your legs warm even if it is windy out. I usually wear it around camp in the evenings after hiking.  If it is very cold out, I even wear long underwear underneath and that is all I need.  

The skirt has two very deep, self-draining side pockets and one zippered pocket that can hold just about anything. And with the elastic waistband, you don't have to worry about it falling down. The material also provides SPF25 protection from the sun. I have worn this while kayaking and it works to keep the sun off your legs.

This is also the perfect backpacking skirt since you could wear it as part of your "town clothes" to look more acceptable (for a hiker). Also, for the ladies (sorry guys!), it makes it much easier to take care of nature calls in the woods while still keeping some privacy.

Most practical skirt for hiking.

I own two of the original skirts that I used exclusively on the Camino in 2018. Highly recommend. SO comfortable and extremely practical.

I'm ordering a short black version to help me through the heat this summer. AND—they're having a sale through this weekend. Now is the time to buy—or to get on the mailing list for notifications of future sales!

Background

Bought my first Macabi skirt in 2011 and my second in 2018. I hiked 500 miles across Spain and plan to take the same skirts on my next visit to the country when it reopens for travel.

Great skirt to walk in. Lighter weight—I wear leggings/tights in winter. Wonderful material! Never had a skirt like this before.

I love skirts no matter the activity, and these skirts are just awesome! Best I've ever had!!

LOL I feel "fancy" just collecting chicken eggs wearing one. I'm older and I don't like traveling to yoga class w/just yoga pants, this skirt goes right over them.

So much more comfortable than jeans and shorts. LOVE.

Background

Good, sending short skirt back for exchange. Not expecting a problem.

The knee length skirt seems to be nice, but I never got to actually wear it because the sizing chart is way off. I usually wear between a medium and large pant, and the large skirt was much too tight in the waist.

Customer service is not great (I repeatedly asked about getting return shipping covered due to the inaccurate size chart, and the person I was corresponding with never responded), so I decided to take my business elsewhere and went with a Houdini skirt instead.