Who doesn't remember the 60's and 70's when every woman in the neighborhood sported an unflattering, full - sized(cover up every inch of the body except for the ankles and make sure it is the most gaudy colors imaginable) Muumuu?
Dictionary.com defines muumuu as a long, loose-hanging dress, usually brightly colored or patterned, worn especially by Hawaiian women.
My nana wore them, my mom wore them and eventually, I found myself wearing them too (out in public, I might add.) I don't think we wore muumuus to cover up our big, curvy bodies. We actually liked to wear them. My mom was the muumuu queen. I think she had a different one for each day of the week. This is my beautiful mom 1n 1978 in one of her creations.
I remember her being so excited about that tribal blue and black fabric that she just purchased exclusively for 2 matching muumuus. 1 for me and one for her. We were making a fashion statement! I can remember how that fabric felt against my skin as a little girl. It was gritty and thick but the weight of it made me feel like I was wrapped up and protected. Oh, and did I mention itchy?
I don't ever remember being embarrassed when going out with mom in the muumuu. We were not ashamed of our style or our bodies underneath. We were liberated and we felt free.
The comfort of a muumuu is second to none. You get the breeze blowing through and it billowed in the wind. You could wear it over a bikini or even your best lingerie. It didn't matter. It was fashionable.
I think my mom had to draw the line though when she decided to make dad a muumuu.
Oh man, that was a mistake. My dad would have none of that so, mom took his man muumuu apart and made him a pair of elastic pants. I have see the bell bottoms and wide collars from Dad's era and he never really looked impressed with ANY of the fashion.
Remember this?
I do believe that the muumuu is looking alive and well on the latest runways. Maybe the fabrics have changed but the style and comfort of the muumuu will live on forever.
