In all likelihood, there exists at least one Skirt in each woman’s wardrobe. Skirts have been present all throughout clothing history. What’s more, they’ve been worn by both men and women.

Nowadays, skirts are more widely worn by women of all ages. Not surprisingly, there is a huge variety of skirt types, materials, lengths, etc. Some skirts might look better on you than others due to your body shape.

Not all skirts are appropriate for each and every occasion. Some skirts are more formal than others. So, with such a variety, how do you know which skirt is best for you? Do not panic! I’m here to help you.

In this guide, I’m about to share from the basics to the most advanced details as regards skirts. So, if you’re interested in finding the nitty-gritty details, you’re in the right place!

Let’s get started!

ContentS

• What is a skirt?
• Types of skirts, the complete list
• Traditional and historical skirts
• Skirts for men
• What is the best skirt for your body shape?

What is a skirt

Learning the basics about skirts is fundamental to understand how they have changed. The skirt is a piece of clothing that humans have worn since ancient times. Still, how we wear them today doesn’t have anything to do with how people wore them in the past. 

In this chapter, I’ll explain what’s a skirt. I’ll also comment on skirt parts, and I’ll focus on typical skirt lengths. To finish off this introductory chapter, I’ll share some key details regarding the history of skirts and how they have evolved till recent times. Ready?

Skirts come in several lengths and types. I’ll explain them in more detail later on. A skirt is a tube-shaped garment that can be pretty versatile. They can make the wearer look sophisticated, stylish, feminine, etc.

A skirt is a draped article of clothing that can be made of just a piece of fabric. But, most skirts are a bit more elaborated. The majority of skirts are fitted to the body at women’s waist or hips. Some skirts also have darts or pleats to boost their fullness. Skirts can be made of several fabrics such as denim, poplin, leather, velvet, taffeta, etc. 

These days, skirts are typically worn by women. However, in some cultures, men can also wear skirts. What’s more, in the past, skirts were worn by both men and women. I’ll talk about men’s skirts more in detail in chapter four of this guide. 

Skirt hemlines range from micro to floor-length. They differ due to social context, cultures, the wearer’s taste, and fashion, among other things. There’s probably at least one skirt in most women’s wardrobes.

Some skirts will make you look nicer than others, depending on your body shape. But, there’s no doubt they form part of most women’s everyday wear. Besides, a skirt can also be the lower part of a dress. 

Now that you know what a skirt is let’s talk about its parts!

Parts of a skirt

Not surprisingly, skirts are made of several parts. Not all skirts need to have all the parts I’m about to mention below. For instance, not all skirts have a belt nor pockets. Skirts vary quite a lot these days.

Here are the main skirt parts: 

The waistline

There exist different types of waistlines, such as natural, raised, or dorp waist, among others. In case you need to measure your waistline, it’s worth mentioning that your natural waistline is the area between the top of your hips and the bottom of your rib cage.

The hipline

If you want to measure your hipline, make sure you do so at your hips’ greatest part. A skirt hipline refers to the line of a skirt around your hips. To measure your hipline, you’ll need to locate the widest point around your buttocks since the measurement should include both your buttocks and your hips. 

The hemline

This means that there are lots of skirt hemline types. For instance, floor-length hemline, ankle hemline, handkerchief hemline, above-knee hemline, below-knee hemline, etc. Besides, the skirt’s length allows you to classify it as a mini skirt, midi, tea-length, maxi skirt, etc. 

The seam

The waist darts

You can use waist darts to emphasize your body’s curves so that the skirt has the correct fit. To design waist darts, you must measure your waist to hip length correctly. Darts are used to create fullness in a narrowed area.

There are two types of darts: single-pointed and double-pointed. Make sure darts on the right and left sides of your skirt have the same length and placement. 

The opening

The skirt opening usually has a zipper fastener or buttons and buttonholes. The opening is placed horizontally. It’s worth mentioning that women’s garment openings are closed from right to left, whereas men’s are the other way round. 

The belt

Belts can be made of skirt material or other material. Still, most belts are made of suede or leather. Belts can add a nice touch. If your skirt has belt loops, make sure your belt matches the size of the loops. 

Skinny belts go well with high-waisted skirts, for instance. However, not all women like to wear belts with their skirts. It also depends on fashion and your body shape.  

The pleats

A pleated skirt refers to a skirt which fullness has been shortened with pleats to fit the wearer’s waist. There exist several types of pleats, such as knife pleats, box pleats, kick pleats, etc. 

The pocket

Not all skirts have pockets. However, they can be extremely useful to hold small objects. Pockets can either be visible or hidden. 

Common skirt  lengths 

Skirt lengths vary from micro to floor-length. Fashion is constantly changing what’s in vogue as regards skirt lengths. These days, there is a wide choice to suit your height and body shape. 

However, skirt lengths are relative since not all women have the same height and weight. What I mean is that the length of your torso and legs, together with your weight, does affect the length of your skirt.

Thus, your skirt’s length may end up being higher or shorter than intended. Besides, not all skirt lengths are suitable for each and every occasion. For instance, not all skirts are appropriate for work. Let’s comment on skirt lengths more in detail!

Here are the main skirt lengths: 

Micro skirt

This skirt is normally only used by young women. It is not appropriate for all ages, nor is it suitable for a working atmosphere.  

Miniskirt

Given you’ve got beautiful legs, you should definitely wear a miniskirt. As it happens with micro skirts, miniskirts are more common among young women. They are not appropriate for work. Miniskirts share the idea you’re somehow risky and ungovernable. 

Above knee

Knee-length

Women of all ages can wear knee-length skirts. More often than not, this type of skirt looks well on short and long-legged girls. Knee-length skirts are those that finish at the center of the knee bone.

If they are too tight, they usually have a split at the back to improve comfort while walking. They’ll give you an hourglass figure appearance. 

Below-knee

Below-knee skirts look great on women with long legs. They are not so commonly worn by women with short legs. This is because below-knee skirts offer more leg coverage.

You’ll benefit from combining this skirt type with high-heels. As it happens with the previous skirt type, if below-knee skirts are tight, they’ll need a split in the back to guarantee freedom of movement. 

Midi skirt

Midi skirts look nice on every body size and shape. They are no doubt body-enhancing. Midi skirts are universally flattering since they make your waist look slimmer. The only drawback is that at times it’s a bit challenging to match them with the right top and shoes. 

Tea-length

Tea-length skirts are still popular today. Many people associate the term tea-length with formal styles of dresses and skirts. These skirts can either be fitted or full. Still, full or circle-shaped tea-length skirts are more common as they can make you look elegant and sophisticated. 

Maxi skirt

They’re unquestionably flattering, comfortable, and chick. No matter whether you’re tall or short, curvy or not, a maxi skirt will look nice on you. Maxi skirts length may need to be shortened if you’re too short.

Ideally, maxi skirts should almost dust the floor. On the top, they tend to hit your belly button to accentuate your shape and make you look slim. You can wear maxi skirts for different occasions. You can dress up or down as you wish. 

Full-length 

It is for this reason that full-length skirts are not everyday wear since they are hard to walk in. Women of any size, height, shape, and age look great on full-length skirts as they cover all their legs. 

The history of skirts

Skirts have dramatically changed throughout history. They first appeared in ancient times, and since then, they’ve never stopped evolving. What’s more, skirts have adapted themselves to social changes. 

Despite being worn by both men and women in prehistoric cultures, skirts are worn mainly by women nowadays. They have become essential in Western Europe and American women’s wardrobes.

Romans, Persians, Sumerians, and Egyptians wore skirts. In ancient Egypt, skirts were used by men. They were simple garments, also known as Shendyt. These skirts were mainly made of linen. 

Richer people could afford lighter and thinner skirts, whereas the average people wore cotton loincloths. Women wore floor-length dresses. Men’s skirts were above the knee while women’s were down to the ankle. Interestingly, Roman soldiers used to wear skirts with leather flaps. 

During the Middle Ages, men started to wear trousers. Anyway, skirts were high-waisted, almost from the bust to the ankles. Later on, in the 17th and 18th centuries, skirts acquired more volume to emphasize a thin waist. 

It wasn’t until the 19th century that silhouettes were narrowed again. Women even started to use separates. Skirts offered more freedom of movement since women began to participate in activities such as riding and cycling. They had a more active lifestyle. 

In the Edwardian era, women started to wear separate jackets and skirts, which were less restrictive than Victorian garments. From the 1890s onwards, skirts as a separate piece of clothing gained importance. However, they were still floor-length.

By the early 20th century, skirts started to be narrower. Skirts underwent many changes as regards lengths and types. In the 1920s, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel designed a shorter and wider skirt to provide more freedom to women in their daily activities.

However, skirts became longer again in the 1930s. In 1947, Christian Dior popularized voluminous mid-calf skirts. And, in the 1960s appeared the most controversial skirt of all times, the miniskirt. 

It was introduced by Mary Quant. It was a style which has never been seen before. That’s why it was so revolutionary. For the first time, women could show their bodies if they wish. 

In the 1970s, peasant skirts became popular because of hippie fashion. It was in the 70s too when women started to wear trousers and jumpsuits. In the 1990s, the miniskirt reappeared with youthful designs.

These days, skirts are unquestionably popular among women. They range from mini to maxi-lengths. They are made of lots of different materials. Women just select them based on their own preferences, fashion, and style. 

Now that you know what a skirt is, its parts, lengths, and history, it’s time we move on to the next chapter, where I’ll focus on types of skirts. To select the best skirt for each occasion, you’ll first need to know the types of skirts available. 

Keep on reading to make the right decision and leave everyone astonished!

Types of skirts

Skirts are highly functional. You can look either professional, elegant, or casual, depending on the skirt you choose. There are skirts in lots of styles, lengths, and shapes. You can use them to emphasize your waist, hide your legs, and much more to create the perfect look.

Different skirts suit different body shapes and fashion styles. Not sure which skirts would look great on your body nor when to wear them? You’re in the right place!

In this chapter, I’ll deal with types of skirts. Since there is a wide variety, I’ll provide an extended list. I’ll also comment on which skirts are suitable for different occasions. And, I’ll share some advice as regards which skirts fit different types of women. 

Here is the complete list of skirt types:

A-line skirt

The A-line skirt forms a triangular shape when laid flat. That’s why it’s named after the capital letter A. It flares from the waist. So, it doesn’t need slits to walk. This skirt emphasizes your waistline.

It’s ideal for pear-shaped, apple-shaped, hourglass-shaped, and curvier women. What’s more, you can either use it for formal or casual occasions. It is one of the most common types of skirts since it’s got a waist-narrowing effect. 

There are lots of styles. You can find A-line skirts in silk, cotton, wool, etc. Usually, it is knee-length. Though, you can also find it calf-length and ankle-length. 

Asymmetrical skirt

Asymmetrical skirts are those which have unbalanced or asymmetrical lines to create different levels of hems. An asymmetrical skirt has a hemline that is higher on one side than the other.

For instance, the right side of the skirt might be shorter than the left. Asymmetrical skirts have different lengths. The best way to achieve this effect is by cutting a diagonal across the body. You can put on this skirt for casual wear. Besides, you can also use it for beachwear and pool parties.

Asymmetrical skirts look great on tall women. However, it’s not the best option if you’re too slim or flat-chested. You’ll find asymmetrical skirts in various fabrics like laces, brocade, satin, silk, or linen. 

Bell-shaped skirt

A bell-shaped skirt resembles a bell. It flares from the waistline and then falls to your knees. What characterizes this type of skirt is that it creates a curvy, princess-like shape.

Since it adds volume to your hips, the bell skirt creates a narrowing effect on your waist. It can either be knee-length or calf-length. You can use it to attend formal events, such as weddings. 

Bell skirts are appropriate for evening wear. Typical materials are brocade or silk. A bell skirt is usually made of heavier fabrics not to lose its shape. 

Box pleat skirt 

A box pleat skirt is a variation of pleated skirts. The so-called box pleat is made by folding two pleats which together form the box part of the pleat. The same pattern is repeated all throughout the skirt’s waistline. 

These skirts tend to be made in thicker fabrics to increase volume and support the skirt’s shape. Depending on the skirt, you can wear it for formal or casual occasions. As regards length, it can be knee-length, below knee-length, full length, and even above knee-length.

Bubble skirt

A bubble skirt is fitted in the waist, then flares out near the hips and becomes fitted again at the hemline. It has the form of a bubble. Thus, it makes your hips look wider and fuller than what they are.

For this reason, a bubble skirt looks great on very slim women or hourglass women with toned legs. These skirts can be pleated or not. Bubble skirts usually have two fabrics, a straight skirt on the inside and a gathered portion on the outside of the skirt.

You can either wear a bubble skirt for prom-nights, casual wear, or youth parties. You’ll find bubble skirts in materials like silk, linen, or satin. They are above knee-length since they are quite voluminous. 

Bustle skirt

Bustle skirts are a modern adaptation of crinolines which women used under their dresses during the Victorian era. Back then, women used bustle skirts to create a voluminous and crinkled shape. 

These days, you may want to wear bustle skirts with corsets or crop tops. Bustle skirts can be knee-length, ankle-length, or calf-length. They’re ideal for apple-shaped and pear-shaped women. As regards materials, these skirts can be made of laces, satin, silk, and brocade, among others. 

Broomstick skirt

Broomstick skirts are wrinkled, long skirts, normally ankle-length. They’re perfect for casual wear. They resemble a broom. Broomstick skirts have a narrow waist with a flared shape. They provide freedom of movement.

A broomstick skirt is typically made of lightweight and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. It usually has an elastic waistband. It offers high-coverage and deemphasizes your curves. Thus, it is perfect for pear-shaped, hourglass, and very slim women. 

Circular skirt

A circular skirt, as the name suggests, makes a perfect circle at the hem. It’s got a thin waistline and then flares like in A-line skirts. It takes a lot of fabric. It can either be above-knee, knee-length, or calf-length.

Circular skirts have a narrowing effect on your waistline. They can be pleated or not. You can put on this skirt for formal and casual wear. It is mainly used by dancers and for tennis skirts. 

This skirt is great for slim girls but also for pear-shaped and hourglass women. It can be made of silk, satin, lace, linens, cotton, etc. 

Cowl skirt 

A cowl skirt adds additional fullness to the skirt just under the waistband area. You can make a cowl skirt by cutting bent lines from three set apart focuses. Once the focuses are marked, they are curved and altered accordingly.

The cowl skirt is made of soft flowing fabrics, such as wool or linen cotton. This skirt is fastened at the waist with buttons and internal press studs. It’s an easy-fitting style. Besides, it’s pretty simple to make adjustments as time goes by. It’s a durable piece of clothing. 

Denim skirt

A denim skirt is a skirt made of denim. It comes in different styles and lengths. Some denim skirts have belt loops, and back pockets as jeans do. Others have elastic waists, a column of buttons, or closures on the side or back.

There exist denim skirts in varied shades of blue. Like in jeans, the darker ones are more for winter. Denim skirts are suitable for triangle-shaped and hourglass-shaped women. They’re best for casual wear.

Dirndl skirt

A dirndl skirt is assembled at the waist. Thus, making your waist look somehow bulky. In other words, dirndl skirts have a tight waist and a wide and circular bottom. It has its origins in the traditional Austrian grab.

It’s above the knee or knee-length. It’s made of cotton, velvet, silk, satin, or linen with lace. It’s ideal for very slim and hourglass women. You can find dirndl skirts on semi-formal and casual occasions.

Draped skirt

A draped skirt is also called a sarong draped skirt. It’s characterized by having fullness gathered on one side of the skirt. It provides an extremely slimming effect. It looks fantastic on very slim, hourglass, and small-busted women.

You can use it for party-wear and formal and semi-formal events. You can usually find it in silk, woolen, satin, and linens. It’s not a great choice for very curvy women. 

Flared skirt

A flared skirt is fitted at the waistline and hipline but then spreads till the hemline. It’s appropriate for both formal and casual events. You can find it in several lengths, such as knee-length, calf-length, and ankle-length. 

Likewise, flared skirts can be made of lace, satin, silk, linens, cotton, and more. This skirt can have a flounced hem. A flared skirt is perfect for short/petite girls. 

Gathered skirt 

A gathered skirt is gathered onto the waistband. It can be any length from short to full-length. Its fullness depends on the amount of fabric used. In other words, a gathered skirt is a skirt whose fabric is drawn together around your waist. 

Most gathered skirts consist of a straight piece of fabric with the top edge gathered. It can either be with an elastic waistband, plain fitted waistband, or a drawstring waistband. Gathered skirts should be avoided by women with a heavy torso as a gathered emphasizes your waist. 

Godet skirt

A godet skirt has a triangular piece of fabric added to the skirt’s body to boost its fullness. Godet skirts flare so that they provide lots of movement to the skirt’s wearer.

Godet skirts belong to the A-line type. Thus, they are voluminous skirts. Godet skirts draw attention to the hem. They look well on pear-shaped, apple-shaped, and hourglass women.

A godet skirt can be any length. Not to mention that it’s appropriate for both formal and casual wear. You can find them in silk, woolen, cotton, linen, etc. 

Gored skirt

Gored skirts are cut with an extra flare. They may either flare from thigh-length or knee-length, which gives the skirt extra fullness. A gored skirt is made by stitching various triangular fabrics that expand towards the hem. 

A gored skirt differs from a godet skirt in that gored skirts have pieces of fabric that start from the waistline to the hem. However, in godet skirts, the pieces of fabric stitched go from the midway of the hem. 

Gored skirts look nice on pear-shaped and hourglass women. Besides, you can wear them for beach and pool parties as well as casual wear. You can find them in lots of fabrics like leather, denim, polyester, and more. 

Gypsy/Tiered skirt

Gypsy skirts, also known as tiered or hippie skirts, consist of ruffled and wrinkled tiers of fabric attached to the skirt’s hem. Gypsy skirts are long, generally ankle-length, multi-tiered, and flowing.

Such skirts provide the wearer a bohemian look. They draw attention to the hem. Pear-shaped, apple-shaped, and curvier women can perfectly wear gypsy skirts. 

They are easy to make by hand. You can find them in lots of materials such as silk, cotton, and Georgette. Gypsy skirts are crinkled in nature. You can use them for casual wear. What’s more, gypsy skirts somehow suit all kinds of body shapes quite easily. 

High-waisted skirt

High-waisted skirts are intended to flatter your waistline. They are generally tight and buttoned at your waist. These skirts have a high waistband which is usually decorative.

High-waisted skirts can either be short or long. What characterizes them is a high waistband that can be elastic or flat. In these skirts, the waistband is not only higher but also wider than in other skirt types.

A high-waisted skirt looks fabulous on hourglass women. You can use high-waisted skirts for formal and casual occasions – depending on the skirt. You’ll find high-waisted skirts in various materials like linen or cotton, among others. 

High-Low skirt 

A high-low skirt has different hem lengths in the front and back. More often than not, there’s a shorter hem in the front and a longer in the back. The difference between the front and back of the skirt can be somehow subtle or quite dramatic.

Many people confuse high-low skirts with asymmetrical ones. However, they are different. A high-low skirt differs from the asymmetrical one since the asymmetry is at the front and back, whereas the cut is diagonal in asymmetrical skirts.

High-low skirts are made of flowing fabrics. They allow you freedom of movement. Still, high-low skirts can be quite elegant. Thus, you can see them in formal and casual wear.

Handkerchief skirt 

Handkerchief skirts are skirts with points hanging down. They drop down from your waist. A handkerchief skirt has to be cut in a rectangle or square shape to achieve asymmetric hems. It resembles a handkerchief held by the center. 

These skirts are made with lighter fabrics such as silk or chiffons. Otherwise, they would have a lot of unwanted volume. A handkerchief skirt is generally worn for dressy occasions. Although, you can wear them for both formal and casual settings.

Handkerchief skirts are knee-length or ankle-length. Their flattering style characterizes these skirts since they look well in almost nearly all body types. 

Layered skirt

As the name implies, layered skirts are made of ruffled fabric layers arranged one after the other to form a skirt. Each layer peeks out from under the previous. Thus, layered skirts are pretty voluminous. 

These skirts tend to be knee-length, calf-length, or above knee-length. They look great on hourglass or slim ladies. However, apple-shaped and pear-shaped women should avoid them. 

Layered skirts are appropriate for casual and party wear. You can find them in silk, satin, lace, linens, nets, etc. 

Maxi skirt

Maxi skirts are ankle-length and loose-fitting. In other words, a maxi-skirt is a long skirt whose hem is below the middle of the calf but above the ankle. These skirts tend to be used for casual wear. 

A maxi skirt is ideal for tall women. Hourglass women also look great on maxi skirts. You can find them in many materials like cotton, chiffon, lace, and linen. Not surprisingly, you can wear maxi skirts all year long.