Your Comprehensive Guide on Types of Skirts

Any skirt that ends above the knee is described as a mini skirt. Cut to mid-thigh, this style gained popularity in the ‘60s and celebrated the liberation of women’s fashion.

A mini skirt is perfect for showing off legs and giving footwear a moment to stand out. They allow a full range of motion and can balance out oversized or structured tops with less volume below the waist.

Midi skirts are hemmed to mid-calf and are sometimes known as tea-length. Women began wearing midis day-to-day around the ‘30s and ‘40s. Today, midis come in a variety of styles, which can create diverse silhouettes and fit many aesthetics.

Maxi-length skirts are the longest, reaching the ankles or just grazing the ground. Long skirts offer the benefit of full-leg coverage, which is ideal for transitional weather or day-to-night outfits – they feel breezy when it’s warm and cosy when temperatures drop. Maxis produce a leg-lengthening effect that can be dressed up with accessories and shoes or kept casual and breezy.

A skirt fitted at the waist that flares out to resemble the capital letter A. The A-line shape is classic and universally flattering. High-rise A-line skirts accentuate the smallest part of the waist and fit comfortably. You can find an A-line skirt in any style, from workwear and activewear to beach cover-ups and casual options.

This type of skirt falls in a straight line from the hips to the hem. Most straight skirts are longer, with just below-the-knee to midi length being the most popular lengths. Maxi straight skirts often feature a slit for better movement. Wearing a straight skirt can elongate your silhouette. Cargo skirts, silky midis, and beach skirts are typical favourites.

Asymmetrical refers to any non-standard or freeform silhouette. High-low hemlines where the front is hemmed shorter than the back are a popular choice and add individuality to any outfit. The difference between the back and front can vary from minimal to exaggerated. There is also the handkerchief hemline which resembles lots of draping strips of fabric, giving a unique fluid effect. Asymmetrical skirts can add a touch of originality to your wardrobe.

The pencil skirt tapers inwards from the hips to the hemline, providing a fitted silhouette. This slim cut allows for definition and shapeliness that can be incorporated into modest or playful outfits. They usually range from 2 inches above the knee to around midi length.

Layered and tiered skirts are a fun opportunity for dynamic silhouettes. These skirts feature different sections or layers of fabric usually gathered or smocked for more flare. Layers either drape freely or are attached in tiers. They’re favoured for casual wear and parties or occasions.

A tulip skirt has rounded sides that overlap to resemble upside-down tulip petals – like a wrap skirt but with a continuous waistline. Some tulip skirts can create the high-low effect or leg split effect depending on how they’re designed. The atypical hemline adds a playful twist to outfits while flattering the hips.

A skater skirt is also known as a circle skirt – when you lay them flat with the waistband in the middle the fabric is circle-shaped. These skirts are almost A-line but more relaxed. Sitting at your natural waist, skater skirts are breezy and easy to wear, both comfortable and versatile. Most circle skirts are shorter than midi length, with skater skirts usually designed at mini length.

A wrap skirt is a fabric overlapping to a tie or button closure, adding a detailed flair and allowing for more adjustability. The hemline, length, and shape can vary. Wrap skirts look great as a casual option, but can be worked into more elevated outfits.

A front slit is a chic detail usually used to give skirts more movement – like in a denim straight skirt or a flowy cotton skirt. They also add a carefree element to drapey maxi skirts.

The side split introduces asymmetry while showing off the leg. The most versatile and popular option of skirt split, side splits can complement skirts of all lengths. The splits can range from minimal to deep. Small notched side slits in mini skirts add a fun detail. Wearing a long skirt with a deep side slit is a statement look.

Double-sided slits add an unexpected twist to skirts. Minimal splits on a mini skirt add some fun, and exaggerated slits on longer skirts give a more daring vibe. Flowy maxis and beachwear are great options for rocking double-side slits too.

Cotton is a popular fabric because of how easy it is to care for, as well as its durability and versatility. Skirts made of 100% cotton are breathable and comfortable.

Many skirt fabrics blend another material with cotton to extend the life of the garment. Cotton-poly blends improve strength and longevity, as well as make skirts less prone to wrinkling. Polyester blended with cotton helps skirts maintain shape and raises their resistance to fading. Nylon adds strength and stretch. Blending cotton with linen creates a sturdy, lightweight, summery fabric that’s kind to the skin and environmentally gentle.

Corduroy is a cotton fabric weaved in a distinctive ridged pattern. Some corduroy skirts are a cotton-poly blend, while others are blended with wool. Cord fabric gives a casual, textural quality with a velvety finish. Skirts in this fabric are warm and cosy and look even better in natural hues like rust, chocolate, khaki, or camel. This makes them ideal for your fall/winter wardrobe. On the other hand, a lightweight cord is a great warmer-weather fabric for its breathability and looks great in brighter colours, vibrant tones, and pastels.

Denim is another cotton-based fabric that is timeless, durable and low maintenance. Denim skirts blended with Spandex offer a little more stretch. Like cord skirts, lightweight denim works well in warm weather. Skirts made from denim have the potential for all the different designs and details available with jeans – distressing, hardware, patchwork, and embroidery to name a few.

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric that can take on the look and feel of cotton, wool, or silk – so different rayon skirts feel and behave differently. This fabric is usually blended with others that improve its strength and lifespan. Viscose rayon is both stronger and softer to the touch than traditional rayon.