shutterbug
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Plan to walk October 2018
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Thank you for the reminder of not caring what other people think. I usually don’t give a hoot, but I’m feeling nervous about the whole escapade, so even my attire is stressing me out. LOLI looked like Granny Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies while wearing my macabi and hiking boots!
BUT- I loved my skirt. I'll be wearing it again this summer on my second Camino. I can't comment on the way it looks on someone shorter. I'm 5' 7". I also have ample hips.
It comes down to this for me- 1. The Camino is no beauty contest. 2. No one really cares what you look like. They're all too tired and worried about themselves. 3. The skirt makes peeing in the grandeur of nature (ha ha) much easier and more private. 4. You'll have a pack around you with a waist belt (I assume) so most of the time your waist will kind of match your hips. 5. Bring something else to change into at night after your shower. I bring a lightweight dress just because it still fits even when I lose inches from walking. But a pair of shorts or lightweight pants with one of your hiking shirts works just as well. 6. Train in it for awhile before you go. Make sure that the dreaded "chub rub" is not an issue for you. I don't have heavy thighs so I had no issue. 7. Don't worry about what you think you look like in whatever you choose. The Camino is about letting go of so much from our daily lives. There is a genuinely freeing feeling to wearing no make up, having stains on your clothes that you can't hand-wash out, hair that looks a touch wild, and the salty taste of your sweat on a long, hot day.
Whatever you choose...Spain is a first-world nation. You can always switch it out at a shop in the next big town.
Buen Camino,
Sandi
Ha, Jill! The Macabi skirt is what proved to me that two people can be firmly entrenched and sure they are right and disbelieving that anyone can disagree with them (that lesson has served me well in the current US political climate). I remember the first time I saw a Macabi skirt. I was working in the pilgrims office and @shefollowsshells came in for her compostela. My first reaction was, OMG, how in the world is she walking in this thing? But I kept my mouth shut. And as we talked, unprovoked by me, she went on and on raving about the Macabi's many advantages. And then on the forum there were several threads about them, and I was, like you, amazed that so many people could love them so much, when to me they looked absolutely unwearable. (or unbearable maybe).
There is no way we are going to convince any Macabi wearer that they are awful, just as no Macabi devotee will ever convince us that they are NOT awful. But that's the beauty of having choices, let every woman find her own personal answer to the Macabi skirt debate. Buen camino, Laurie
I am with you. Although other pilgrims don't care about how you look. It only takes a little thought to look coordinated and sharp. And the Spanish people always look nice . But I enjoy the creativity I put into a light weight dress, scarf and shorts. So wear what you will.Okay, I do give a hoot about how I look.
I walk in my homemade merino wool dresses. They work for me for summer Caminos. I like that I can take off my backpack, put on my sandals, and my attire doesn't scream pilgrim.
i can't breathe!Speechless.
I bought a macabi skirt to take on my camino the end of May. Did you wear any special shorts or leggings under your skirt or just undiesJust wondering about if chafing is a problem. I have never walked long distances in a skirt before.Hi and welcome!!! Your first post!
Mmm... The Macabi.... I only know the regular version, tried to buy the 'slim' one when it came out but by then postage and packing costs had changed, it cost as much as the skirt to send it over here! So I didn't order one
I love that skirt but it is NOT flattering. i am not very tall either (1.60m? or thereabouts) and no doubt it doesn't do anything for your figure or whatever.. So forget about looking stylish. If you are at all self-conscious, don't even think about it!
I love it because it is the most comfortable thing I have ever walked in. It dries in seconds, it protects your legs from nettles and sunshine, you can shorten it when it gets very hot, I felt at ease walking in out of the way parts of Turkey in it , you name it....
But fashionable or flattering it certainly isn't !
Your call ;-)
I don't really have an issue with chafing, but I wear a pair of running shorts under my dress while I'm walking. They are useful when I need to sit on the ground in a less than ladylike position.I bought a macabi skirt to take on my camino the end of May. Did you wear any special shorts or leggings under your skirt or just undiesJust wondering about if chafing is a problem. I have never walked long distances in a skirt before.
Hi, I’ve been reading about how wonderful the Macabi skirt is and I’m wondering what does everyone prefer, the slim or regular for hiking? I’m only 5’2 and about average weight for a 53 year old women, with a short waist, and ample hips, so skirts have a tendency to make me look like a tent. I will be walking the Camino in early October, and would prefer not to look like a tent floating down the trail.
I wear normal undies, no chafing (but that's just me!). I would try it out on a long walk before you start the Camino...I bought a macabi skirt to take on my camino the end of May. Did you wear any special shorts or leggings under your skirt or just undiesJust wondering about if chafing is a problem. I have never walked long distances in a skirt before.
OMG .... The visual of that !!!!!!!!!!!!I looked like Granny Clampett from the Beverly Hillbillies while wearing my macabi and hiking boots!
I don't really have an issue with chafing, but I wear a pair of running shorts under my dress while I'm walking. They are useful when I need to sit on the ground in a less than ladylike position.
And I wear the same shorts and a tank top to sleep in.
Because then I'd be topless!Not judging here, but this is what I don't understand. Why not JUST wear the shorts?
There is no way we are going to convince any Macabi wearer that they are awful, just as no Macabi devotee will ever convince us that they are NOT awful. But that's the beauty of having choices, let every woman find her own personal answer to the Macabi skirt debate.
Not judging here, but this is what I don't understand. Why not JUST wear the shorts?
Macabre might have been good old autocorrect doing it's thing. To me it does seem more appropriate. Can't fathom walking with volumnious amounts of fabric flopping around my legs. Different strokes for different folks....Not to be a troll, but I just noticed on another thread that somebody misspelled it "macabre skirt." That's what I'm calling it from now on!
I've not done a camino in one yet - but I have travelled in Macabi skirts . Shorts are HOT - too much fabric too close to your body, plus as a blond I would have to cover my legs in suntan lotion - easier just to have a skirt. Plus its easier to squat in the wild (dunno if that's an issue in Spain) There is a reason that the Arabs who lived in deserts where long flowing clothes - they are cooler in a dry desert heat and cut down evaporation so you are less likely to be dehydrated. Plus for travel in general - I've never found shorts pockets deep enough to carry my phone, passport and cash securely.
Because then I'd be topless!
I have a couple of pairs of old Royal Robins shorts, from their website it looks as if they dont make those styles any more. They are brilliant, almost knee length, huge pockets, and a hidden pocket in a pocket with a zip. I can fit my passport phone, money etc, plus they're not tight on the leg, and they dry sooo quickly. wish I could buy a new pair.The Macabi didn't work for me. I'm also 5'2 and average weight, but I found the waist way too binding for me, so there wasn't a payoff for how unflattering it also looked. I bought a Royal Robbins Discovery skirt on Amazon and liked it so much I bought a second one. I wore it on the early part of my September-October Camino, wear it all the time at home, and am taking it back with me in June. It truly doesn't matter what you look like on the Camino, but for me I've wanted to buy things I will also use at home. Given that I sometimes see myself on a Saturday afternoon wearing the same thing I wore walking across the Meseta, I somehow managed it. (Truth: for my third trip to the Camino, I'm buying almost nothing. Just new shoes and a rain jacket. But I'm remembering with nostalgia the deep dive into gear research that preceded my first Camino. Have fun!)
I have a couple of pairs of old Royal Robins shorts, from their website it looks as if they dont make those styles any more. They are brilliant, almost knee length, huge pockets, and a hidden pocket in a pocket with a zip. I can fit my passport phone, money etc, plus they're not tight on the leg, and they dry sooo quickly. wish I could buy a new pair.
Yes!!!! This new knee length skirt is fabulous !!Except for the 'shorts' part, it sounds like you're describing our Knee Length skirt! Huge pockets, a hidden pocket in a pocket with a zip, can fit a passport, phone, money etc, plus they're not tight on the leg and they dry sooo quickly! (But they are also not convertible like our Regular and Slim.)
Mike,Hi, this is Mike Engberg, the owner of Macabi Skirt. The picture is of Amie, my daughter.
Anyway, I wanted to make a few comments.
First to shutterbug, the OP. We introduced the Slim style to cut down on some of the fabric as some women felt like the original just had too much. Since we've introduced it, we sale almost exactly 50% Original style and 50% Slim style. Now, I should note that it's not a gigantic difference. We still wanted the skirt to be wide enough at the bottom to take full steps in but many women do feel it is less 'tent like'.
To domigee, we have added back USPS International First Class mail for cheaper shipping to international locations. We had dropped it for a while because it seemed we had to many lost or extremely late packages. (Like 2 months on occasion.) However, since re-instating it, we haven't had any problems. (yet)
I'm not at all offended by those who don't like the skirt. I admit I have women in my own family who wouldn't wear it. However, the women who do wear it, absolutely love it and I'm so happy to provide them with a skirt that they wouldn't be able to find anywhere else with it's wonderful features.
I should let you know that we are just finishing up our summer sale which is scheduled to end Sunday evening and all of our skirts are now 20% off.
Plus they come knee length now. Anyone who’s been in the”wild” knows the benefits.I've not done a camino in one yet - but I have travelled in Macabi skirts . Shorts are HOT - too much fabric too close to your body, plus as a blond I would have to cover my legs in suntan lotion - easier just to have a skirt. Plus its easier to squat in the wild (dunno if that's an issue in Spain) There is a reason that the Arabs who lived in deserts where long flowing clothes - they are cooler in a dry desert heat and cut down evaporation so you are less likely to be dehydrated. Plus for travel in general - I've never found shorts pockets deep enough to carry my phone, passport and cash securely.
Hmmm you may not have tried the new knee length skirt. It’s great!Macabre might have been good old autocorrect doing it's thing. To me it does seem more appropriate. Can't fathom walking with volumnious amounts of fabric flopping around my legs. Different strokes for different folks....
I'm just a pants/shorts person. The only skirts I have are work, corporate style to meet the dress code.[/QUOT
I'm just a pants/shorts person. The only skirts I have are work, corporate style to meet the dress code.
I agree. But they have s new knee length skirt. But to each his own.Before I did my first camino, thanks to this forum, I bought a long macabi skirt. When it arrived I was a bit disappointed with the weight of it. The material itself was light but there were metal grommets, ties, tags and labels that all added to the weight. Anyway I gave the skirt a test run on a three day coastal walk that happened to be in very high temps and strong winds. Both the sun and the wind and the blown sand were at my back. Most of the time, I felt like a galleon in full sail being blown down the beach. I ended up with sunburn on my calves because the skirt kept whiping up and exposing my legs to the sun. And then there was the added surprise of chaffing because I had missed that pleasant little detail when reading forum posts. As soon as I got home that skirt went in the bin and instead I walk in long trousers that are far lighter and for me far more comfortable. Note this is just my experience and the point of this post is, no matter what you choose, it’s a good idea to test your walking clothes before you start the camino.
I agree. But they have s new knee length skirt. But to each his own.
If you usually wear long pants, you would have to put sun screen on your lower legs. I keep this skirt in my pack so I can enter a church/cathedral respectively. So easy to slip on and off. But, I guess not for everyone. I would definitely wear this skirt to hike in as opposed to a previous entry of dockers. To me it’s a no issue, weight wise.So I would even more sunburnt?
Sounds like you love your macabi skirt. It’s always good to find something you love to wear especially on the camino when you have to wear it every day or every other day.If you usually wear long pants, you would have to put sun screen on your lower legs. I keep this skirt in my pack so I can enter a church/cathedral respectively. So easy to slip on and off. But, I guess not for everyone. I would definitely wear this skirt to hike in as opposed to a previous entry of dockers. To me it’s a no issue, weight wise.
Plus they come knee length now. Anyone who’s been in the”wild” knows the benefits.
Hi, I’ve been reading about how wonderful the Macabi skirt is and I’m wondering what does everyone prefer, the slim or regular for hiking? I’m only 5’2 and about average weight for a 53 year old women, with a short waist, and ample hips, so skirts have a tendency to make me look like a tent. I will be walking the Camino in early October, and would prefer not to look like a tent floating down the trail.
That’s exactly he combo I thought I’d use tooI walked with my hubby from SJPDP to Santiago alternating with a Macabi regular length slim skirt and a Macabi short skirt.best decision. They washed and dried like magic and I could carry as much as I needed in my pockets. The short skirt was great in the hot days and the long was perfect going up and down the mountains and on days that ranged from cold to rainy to hot.
That's exactly how I feel - the idea of material flopping around my lower legs makes me cringe.Macabre might have been good old autocorrect doing it's thing. To me it does seem more appropriate. Can't fathom walking with volumnious amounts of fabric flopping around my legs. Different strokes for different folks....
it looks great on you!!I love my Macabi - can’t walk the Camino in anything else now... View attachment 46002
Hi.. Is it the slim version you have?I love my Macabi - can’t walk the Camino in anything else now... View attachment 46002
Interesting. I've worn it on nearly every Camino, in sun, rain, 70 kph winds, and haven't had the issues you mention. Makes me wonder what you ordered? Mine are extremely lightweight. No grommets, ties, tags or labels. There IS a strap you "can"use in high wind that goes between the legs and holds the skirt down. It weighs literally nothing - doesn't even register on my kitchen scale. I use it when necessary. I love my Macabis! lol! Like shoes, to each her/his own!Before I did my first camino, thanks to this forum, I bought a long macabi skirt. When it arrived I was a bit disappointed with the weight of it. The material itself was light but there were metal grommets, ties, tags and labels that all added to the weight. Anyway I gave the skirt a test run on a three day coastal walk that happened to be in very high temps and strong winds. Both the sun and the wind and the blown sand were at my back. Most of the time, I felt like a galleon in full sail being blown down the beach. I ended up with sunburn on my calves because the skirt kept whiping up and exposing my legs to the sun. And then there was the added surprise of chaffing because I had missed that pleasant little detail when reading forum posts. As soon as I got home that skirt went in the bin and instead I walk in long trousers that are far lighter and for me far more comfortable. Note this is just my experience and the point of this post is, no matter what you choose, it’s a good idea to test your walking clothes before you start the camino.
I've never had it "flap around my legs" - :That's exactly how I feel - the idea of material flopping around my lower legs makes me cringe.
But I can also see the benefit - maybe the knee length skirt would work...
Oh that’s nice, thank you!it looks great on you!!
No, I have the ‘normal’ version.Hi.. Is it the slim version you have?
I've just ordered the 'mormal' version, but can't decide if I should have ordered the slim version. I'm 165 cm tall and a size L/XL.
Thanks.
Anne-Louise
Hi. I've just tried my new Macabi in windy weather. First I need to say - Im a huge fan..it feel so light and really nice to wear.. But it surpriced me that the skirt were 'climbing' up above my knee both with and without the strap on. Underneath I was wearing woolpants. The wind came from the front. No problem when the Wind came from the back, neither when it rained a bit.Interesting. I've worn it on nearly every Camino, in sun, rain, 70 kph winds, and haven't had the issues you mention. Makes me wonder what you ordered? Mine are extremely lightweight. No grommets, ties, tags or labels. There IS a strap you "can"use in high wind that goes between the legs and holds the skirt down. It weighs literally nothing - doesn't even register on my kitchen scale. I use it when necessary. I love my Macabis! lol! Like shoes, to each her/his own!
I once made a crossing on some sort of barge, the wind was truly horrendous and we were all standing. I think it is the only time I used the strap and I was very glad of itHi. I've just tried my new Macabi in windy weather. First I need to say - Im a huge fan..it feel so light and really nice to wear.. But it surpriced me that the skirt were 'climbing' up above my knee both with and without the strap on. Underneath I was wearing woolpants. The wind came from the front. No problem when the Wind came from the back, neither when it rained a bit.
Except from that I love it and I want more
Looks good. What version is it? I‘m not sure what to order. Long or regular? Slim or Original.I love my Macabi - can’t walk the Camino in anything else now... View attachment 46002
I am 5’2” and 140 pounds right now. I have been testing both the regular and the slim on my treadmill. It’s a personal decision. It also may depend on the length.Hi, I’ve been reading about how wonderful the Macabi skirt is and I’m wondering what does everyone prefer, the slim or regular for hiking? I’m only 5’2 and about average weight for a 53 year old women, with a short waist, and ample hips, so skirts have a tendency to make me look like a tent. I will be walking the Camino in early October, and would prefer not to look like a tent floating down the trail.
Thank you for your reply. I ordered the Original in regular length. i would prefer it a bit longer, but living in Switzerland it would cost too much to return it. So, I will find out on my 1. Camino if the length is ok.I am 5’2” and 140 pounds right now. I have been testing both the regular and the slim on my treadmill. It’s a personal decision. It also may depend on the length.
I added my cell phone in one pocket and my Brierly in the other. My partially filled pockets are more evident with the slim. The slim skirt caught a little on my high tops a few times. So the original May be my final choice.
Order both and send back the one you prefer.
Buen Camino!
Kat46Thank you for your reply. I ordered the Original in regular length. i would prefer it a bit longer, but living in Switzerland it would cost too much to return it. So, I will find out on my 1. Camino if the length is ok.
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