Having written more about jigs then most members we have discussed hooks, head shapes, weight and trailers. Skirts have been discussed usually colors and strand count for silicone tabs. We talk about hair and marabou feathers. 
So let’s discuss what a skirts does and why use all of the above.

What does a skirts do on a bass jig?

We agree it adds color.

Why would you use living rubber skirts vs a silicone skirts or hair?

The answer may surprise you!

Jig skirts change the rate of fall without changing the jig weight or shape.

Hair or feathers fall the fastest because the material folds tight to the body providing a streamline shape with water resistance. When hair or feathers stop moving landing on the bottom they flare out appearing to be alive.

Living rubber skirts are the opposite the rubber strands puff out when falling through the water column slowing the rate of fall and have a lot of strand movements looking alive on the fall. Color is limited.

Silicone strands are somewhere in between fall faster then living rubber and slower hair or feathers. Silicone strands don’t provide a lot movement itself but colors are unlimited. Silicone skirts advantage is color appealing more to anglers imo then bass imo. 
Jig skirts are important for the above reasons but it’s the combination of adding trailers that completes a bass jig.

Tom

Starflash skirts are similar to round rubber and come in more colors. I like using them when I need a bulkier profile.

 

Allen

Very good information Tom. Thanks