Minikleid

Minikleid, or minidress, is a short dress whose hemline typically ends above the knee, often well above mid-thigh. It is worn as daywear, party attire, or evening fashion, depending on fabric, cut, and styling. The silhouette can range from fitted (sheath or bodycon) to loose (shift or A-line); necklines and sleeves vary from sleeveless to long-sleeve, with various waist treatments.

Materials used include cotton, jersey, satin, silk, and synthetic blends. Some versions are lined, others are unlined. Details may include zippers, buttons, pleats, embellishments, or trims that affect formality and comfort.

Historically, the minidress became prominent in the 1960s fashion scene in Britain and continental Europe, promoted by designers such as Mary Quant and André Courrèges. Ultrashort hemlines became a symbol of youth culture and social change during that era. The trend evolved through later decades with revivals in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, yielding a wide range of lengths and styles.

Cultural context: In German-speaking fashion discourse, the term Minikleid is used to describe this length of dress; internationally it is often referred to as a minidress. The minidress is associated with fashion-forward style, club or party contexts, and has occasionally sparked debates about modesty in more conservative settings.