Has anyone tried Ripskirt Hawaii?

I've also seen them, on Facebook, and wondered about them. I'll follow this with interest.

Panda, I'm starting to worry about you a little!

Looking back on your posts from the first one in 2019, almost all of them have been about packing, bags and/or clothes. Does packing cause you a lot of anxiety? LOL, clothes and bags don't make the trip; experiences and memories do! Honestly, this isn't a criticism but it does concern me that packing seems to be such a big concern for you, more than things to do or see when you get to your destination. :O(

The skirts are cute; bet they'd look great on you. :O)

@PandaBear I've wondered the same - I'm also biigger. Basically I decided they are too expensive for what they are - but may try to make something similar if I could get the fabric - which would mean I could put a decent pocket in it too!

@Kathy - I'm obsessed with packing too - partly because we're in lockdown and can't even travel across town. Many people here appear obsessed by hotels - I've never bothered asking about hotels - I just book something in price range, in the right location, for usually a week or 2 in advance.

And the wrong luggage can totally destroy a trip - an uncomfortable bag is horrible, and one that breaks is worse. I obsessed long and hard before I bought my Osprey Porter - gutted to have had it 6 months and barely used it

I rarely ask about destination information - because almost all that info is all over the internet.

Packing is actually a far more interesting topic LOL

Panda, I'm starting to worry about you a little!

Looking back on your posts from the first one in 2019, almost all of
them have been about packing, bags and/or clothes. Does packing cause
you a lot of anxiety? LOL, clothes and bags don't make the trip;
experiences and memories do! Honestly, this isn't a criticism but it
does concern me that packing seems to be such a big concern for you,
more than things to do or see when you get to your destination. :O(

Kathy, I have a feeling your post and my interpretation are a good example of how written word can be interpreted poorly, even if the writer didn't intend it that way. But I find it rather odd that you'd assume because I like to post in one specific forum that I somehow don't value the experiences I've had or that planning my trip isn't important to me. Honestly, I just don't tend to post in the other forums because I usually find my information elsewhere.

I've only made one Europe trip recently (in 2019). My dh and I like to cruise, and honestly, this isn't the forum I'd ask questions for (I go to Cruise Critic). Since Covid, we have only traveled in the US and once again, I use other forums that provide the information I'm seeking. For example, I will be going to Hermann, Marceline and Hannibal MO in April and Michigan in June. I use the trip advisor forums for places such as these. I am also a big fan of the "search" feature, and often find the info I need without starting a new topic (for example, I was in Amsterdam a couple of days in 2019 and found many posts useful).

But more importantly, I have especially enjoyed posts in the Packing forum since Covid started. Yes, it's a little nutty, but it's fun. It's a nice group of people. I have also started 16 posts in the packing forum since I joined (I believe in Feb 2019). And commented on 16 more. Maybe that's too many and people here are just to nice to call me out on it.

I do try and make posts when I can't find an answer to something, or I have learned something that may be of value to someone else. This post, for example, seemed like it could be beneficial for someone. It will be for me (if I find someone who has good info to share).

Anyway, I appreciate your concern, but feel pretty confident it's misplaced.

@PandaBear I've wondered the same - I'm also biigger. Basically I
decided they are too expensive for what they are - but may try to make
something similar if I could get the fabric - which would mean I could
put a decent pocket in it too!

Lissie, that's why I was wondering. Shipping is free, but if you return something, it's $5 off your return credit. I was hoping it could be something good for work in the fall and spring (being in CA, we have pretty temperate weather) in addition for travel.

Maybe I'll order the black one and try it out.....may be worth it for a $5 fee!

Kathy I'm also obsessed with packing and luggage. You have to be when you only use a carryon and a personal item and may have to carry them down the ladder yourself. Solid shampoo and foundation were game changers for my toiletry bag(were they called 9-1-1 bags? I've forgotten so much about travel in the past 20 months.

I have seen the advertisements and also thought these skirts would be great for traveling. Would love to hear from people who have used the product. Seems like they are light weight and versatile.

I can't let a packing comment pass. It's obsessive. I've been revising my packing list since I got home from Italy tour in May 2019. Add something, delete some. Buy something, delete something. Try on closet clothes, buy new clothes. Substitute this for that. And so it goes... Until I pack for France almost exactly a year from now. And then start all over for June 2023 trip.

PandaBear, I have no idea what clothes you are asking about. But thanks for posting a packing thread. You're right, they are fun. I think Kathy's being funny, not critical.

Edit: I just went to ripskirthawaii's website. Cute but not for me.

Always looking for something versatile for carry on European travel or in the US! Hopefully someone has some first-hand info.

So here's what I've been wondering. They are wrap around which can be a good thing (more forgiving/adaptable). I think I'd like them as a swim cover up. However, when I travel, I might be getting in and out of buses, in the wind, carrying/pulling luggage etc. When I travel I already have enough on my mind. Would I also have to worry about the skirt blowing open? Would I have to wear leggings or bike shorts to make them practical?

I do also enjoy dresses and skirts, with and without leggings when I travel.

I bought one for my trip to Italy this summer and really liked it. I bought a black one that fell below my knees. I used it as a bathing suit cover up with a black one piece bathing suit snd as a skirt to go out to dinner. It was lightweight and washed well. I was quite pleased and will take traveling again.

I haven't tried this skirt, but I like the concept! Thank you @pandabear for sharing, and @bethFL for the review.

I have 2 of them in the longer length and love them as a beach coverup and to pair with a t-shirt to run into the store. I'm not so sure I'd use them away from the beach - if there's a breeze they do open up a bit. It depends on what you're looking for. As I said, I love them for the beach and even around the house. They do pack small and can easily be washed in a sink, and I take them on my trips to Hawaii. If you are going to pack a bathing suit for your trip, one of these would be a nice coverup for that purpose.

I think Kathy's being funny, not critical.

Thanks, horsewoofie! Yep, that was it exactly, and sorry if the gentle humor didn't come off that way. Good luck with your skirts!

Girls get all the fun and comfort.

I discovered utility kilts several years ago while working on a theatre project. If I could, I'd wear a simple kilt everywhere, all the time. It's a great feeling. But, even with a couple years' worth of practice (and, according to my parents, the ancestral background), I cannot master the manly art of every acceptable sit situation.

So I wear shorts, everywhere, all the time.

https://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/shop/seasonal/holiday-gift-guide/the-acrylikilt-special-order/

I do enjoy a good discussion about packing and I am planning for my trip next year also!
Though I am not a large size, I am larger than I used to be and bought the medium mid length black Ripskirt for my trip to Maui in 2019. I wore it a lot!
If I decide to take this on the Heart of Italy tour I would probably wear it with leggings or tights under it. I am going at the end of April so it won't be too hot yet. I am generally not good at packing light, I like to have options. But I don't want to carry a lot of extra weight so I am doing research and planning also!

Happy Travels to all, hopefully soon.
Caryn J

Caryn you are going to LOVE Heart of Italy tour. I think it will be perfect for the trip. Rome could be really hot then. Best advice, take advantage of the hotel offer to set up a car and driver to fetch you from airport. Best 55€ I spent on whole trip!

I have one. It falls below the knee (They have 3 or 4 length choices) and has pockets! I am medium sized. One of the nice features is that the velcro closure allows a good range of "flexibility" in the size and the velcro is nice and stable. I was afraid that I'd either have it too loose, or do it up to tight & have it pull when I sit, but none of that is a problem.

I like the look and the fact that they would not take up much room in my carryon. I think they are a bit pricey so I’m thinking of making something similar. I travel with thin skirts and blouses for the ease of packing and washing.

I'm another one who is obsessed by packing...you are not alone!

First I've heard of ripskirts; but it seems to me to be a very easy shape, that anyone with basic sewing skills could easily make themselves.

I encountered the Ripskirt website this summer. I wonder if anyone wears them in the water for swimming?

I was happy to see this post. I have been watching Sarah Murdoch packing videos including the one for her current trip. She is in Sicily now and mentioned women of all ages and sizes wear bikinis. I am just indulging in some fantasy packing for now.

My experience with Ripskirt Hawaii. My sister wears these and they look great on her. She is tiny, flat tummy, narrow hips so anything looks good on her. I have a friend who wears both the short and the below-the-knee lengths. She is built like my sister and so they are great for her and look perfect. I, on the other hand, am taller, bigger boned and a tummy that is not so flat anymore......I looked horrible in the one I bought....returned it immediately!

Purchased one as a surprise gift (we're headed for Kona to celebrate 55th anniversary Sunday).

Wrapped and left to be opened while I slept in.

Joined her to find the opened gift but unopened but clearly marked RipSkirt packaging waiting for me on the kitchen table.

I'm happy to report that after opening and 'splaining all ended well. She's really happy with both the t-shirt and the RipSkirt.

She did remind me about the toaster I gave her as a birthday present a long time ago.

I love ripskirt. Very comfortable and cool. I use the longer length. I will add if I was thinner, I would like the look even better.

Is there anything that keeps the skirt from coming open?

Yes! The Ripskirt is awesome! I have two and would like to order additional ones. Great for beach wear, going out to dinner and just lounging. Made well.

The RipSkirts are great! There are updated versions with pockets and a new fourth length. I’d go with Black in a longer length. I have tried a couple of different ones, but ended up returning them. In the end, I decided to bring a dress and a Macabi skirt with great pockets. I don’t normally wear patterned skirts, so I’d look for a black one with pockets in the midi length for Europe because of the versatility. The skirts are made of a nice fabric, with good overlap for modesty. Give them a try! They have great customer service.

@Sandy10 - Do you have the non-adjustable Macabi or the one that configures into pants/shorts? I've looked at them for years but have not taken the plunge....

I'm not Sandy but I can totally vouch for Macabi skirts - I've used both the original long ones and the knee length non-convertible.

The long ones are long - double check the length against a skirt you own - I'm 1.7m tall and found the standard length fine. The knee length is a bit short - its fine when standing but it shows my knees when sitting which I don't like in many countries.

The pockets are the best on the planet. When my partner ended up in hospital I credit Macabi for making sure I could carry 2x phones 2x wallets 2x passports and around $1000 in yuan (which was a lot of notes) . I could carry all that and wear the skirt 24/7 as I was sleeping at the hospital in an open waiting room area. I lost nothing and I don't think that would have been the case with any other system.

The material literally washing and dries inside 30min. I've had the skirt wet through from swimming in it in a temple in Thailand - 10 min later back on the bus it was dry.

I've very rarely used the conversion to trousers - but I have sometimes clipped it up in the tropical rain to stop it getting wet and flappy around my legs.

I've also worn it in temps down to zero degrees with leggings underneath.

I do kinda like them

I personally love Macabi skirts. Yep, great fabric and
pockets! They may look a bit out of style; but they are
so unbelievably comfortable.!

I bought the Ripskirt Hawaii length that falls below my knees. I picked out the blue/black Hawaiian print since we will hopefully be going there this Spring. I’ll pair it with a black nice-looking knit T & necklace for a daytime or casual dinner outfit. I like the feel of the fabric and how quickly it dries.

I, too, wear larger sizes. The ankle length ripskirt in black has plenty of overlap for me, folds down to almost nothing, dries fast, and with a black top (for me, worn untucked), makes a nice slightly more dressy outfit. With a more casual tee, it is great for casual wear. I like it better than a dress, because it allows better access to a money belt, and it gives more versatility.

Just giving an update: I’m actually currently wearing my ripskirt as I’m typing this response. I have the blue/black Maui print in their #3 length which falls slightly below my knees. I’m wearing a black polyester t with it, large hoop earrings and my favorite travel black Keen rose sandals.

I’m in my mid-60’s, tall & not thin. I typically don’t like to wear skirts and would rather wear a cotton dress if I am not wearing shorts in Hawaii. I brought a couple of cotton dresses, but my ripskirt is what’s getting worn when I’m not wearing shorts. It’s just extremely comfortable, and my husband has commented that it looks very nice. I like it so much that I ordered the bright-colors floral print last night in the same length.

I also love the packing forum. Fantasizing about travel and what to pack has been a source of stress relief and happiness during COVID. Please don't hesitate to start new threads -- there are plenty of people interested! Now I'm going to check out the rip skirt!

I'm an addict! I own over 50 of the RipSkirts items. I am a larger woman 5'7" 200lb + or - 5lbs during the year. I have recently lost 30lbsand may have to purchase more XL now but been buying for many years and have xxl in 4 lengths, xl in one length. I have the current 4 lengths and several that are between the 3 and 4.

I wear the everyday, rain or shine. I lend them out to friends who are tropical travelers since I do own so many.

I tend to wear them lower then the average person, I like my skirts at my hip. This comes from hating anything touching my bellybutton. I pair them casually with t-shirts and have even worn them to formal events with very expensive blouses and jackets. They stand the test of time.

I am an over packer convert. My baggage is never checked as luggage even for lengthy travel. I can wash in the sink if I need to and drys quickly.

I wish I could attach a photo.

cathycaweltiwells, wow! You do like them! I have a question for you. Have you purchased any of their matching scarves? Do you like them? I was looking at the scarf that matches the bright floral multi-colored skirt I bought a few months ago. I put it in my “cart” but then removed it because I don’t like anything hanging too tight around my neck. Turtlenecks - no; tied scarves that can hang low away from the neck - yes. Would you recommend it for me or not? Thanks for your insight!

I’d like to thank everyone who recommended RipSkirts! We are currently on the Best of Greece tour and I am loving these skirts. I brought 2of them with me and the are so light and comfortable as we walk around around in the strong sunshine.
I highly recommend.

I have two skirts in large sizes...and I'm 5'2. They are terrific...I wear them with biking shorts underneath and they are super comfortable and pack really small/take up no room in my backpack. They are also great for the walk to and from the pool.

I had mine packed, but then I read the thread about the packing expert and her 14 shirts, and I was self- shamed into removing items from my suitcase:) I really wish I had brought the skirt and my white tee I wear with it, but there was still snow at home last week, so I settled on keeping warmer clothes. I had read so much about the importance of a raincoat and waterproof shoes, but this is day 8 of no rain, lol!

Caution: this is just the thinking man's judgment. Just take this with a grain of salt.

Do you own any (lightweight) hiking pants? I am sure they make some for women that would fit you. The advantages of the hiking pants are, they will fully conceal your underwear and/or your crotch and protect you from the environment better than the skirt.