Most skirts are a variation on a handful of shapes: straight and close fitting like a pencil skirt, flaring gently from the waist like an A-line, or full and moving like a pleated or circle skirt. Length then changes the look and how practical it is, from a mini above the knee to a maxi that reaches the ankle.
Choosing well comes down to three things: a shape you are comfortable moving in, a length that suits where you will wear it, and a size that fits at both waist and hips. With designer labels, size is the part that goes wrong most often online, because Italian sizes, waist sizes and letter sizes all appear side by side.
This guide covers the main shapes and lengths, how to measure for the right size and how to care for different fabrics.
The main skirt shapes
| Shape | What it looks like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil | Straight and close fitting, often to the knee | Smart and office friendly; check for a back slit or stretch so you can walk |
| A-line | Fitted at the waist, gently flared to the hem | Easy to wear and to move in; suits most occasions |
| Pleated | Folds pressed into the fabric, full at the hem | Moves well; pleats need care in washing and ironing |
| Wrap | Fabric wraps around and ties or fastens at the side | Adjustable at the waist; check it overlaps enough in a breeze |
| Circle or skater | Cut as a full circle, very full hem | Lots of movement; can lift in wind |
| Denim | Jeans fabric, often A-line or straight | Casual; usually sized by waist in inches |
| Slip or bias cut | Cut on the diagonal, skims the body | Drapes beautifully; shows the line of underwear |
You will find all of these in the skirts range, from labels such as Pinko, Elisabetta Franchi, Calvin Klein Jeans and Jacob Cohen.
Lengths
- Mini: well above the knee. Casual and evening wear; often worn with tights in colder months.
- Knee length: sits at or just above or below the knee. The most versatile length for work.
- Midi: between the knee and the ankle, usually mid calf. Works with boots, trainers and heels alike.
- Maxi: to the ankle or floor. Relaxed in summer, dramatic in the evening; check the length against your height, as a maxi on a petite frame can drag.
The product photo is a useful guide to length, but it depends on the model’s height. If the shop lists the skirt’s length in centimetres, measure from your waist down your leg to see where that will fall on you.
Getting the size right
Skirts must fit at the waist and, for straight styles, at the hips too.
- Waist: measure around your natural waist, the narrowest point. For skirts that sit lower, measure where the waistband will actually sit.
- Hips: measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
- Compare with the brand’s chart. Italian labels such as Dolce & Gabbana use IT sizes (IT 40 is roughly a UK 8; see the Italian size guide). Denim brands often use waist inches (W26, W30). Some use letter sizes or their own numbers.
- Full and A-line skirts only need to fit at the waist. Pencil skirts need to fit at the hips; choose by the larger of your waist and hip sizes and have the waist taken in if needed.
- Stretch: a little elastane in the fabric gives more comfort in fitted styles.
Fabrics and care
- Wool and wool blends hold their shape well; many need dry cleaning or a cool hand wash.
- Silk and viscose drape nicely but can shrink or mark with water; follow the care label exactly.
- Cotton and denim are easy care; wash inside out in cool water to protect colour.
- Pleated polyester keeps pleats well; hang to dry.
- Embellished and sequined pieces usually need specialist cleaning.
Always read the care label before washing, and check the fabric composition on the product page before you buy if easy care matters to you.
Putting an outfit together
A fitted skirt balances a looser top; a full skirt looks neat with a fitted top or a top tucked in at the waist. Midi skirts work with ankle boots in winter and trainers or sandals in summer. The tops range and the wider women’s section have pieces to pair with each shape.
Quick checklist
- Pick a shape you can sit, walk and climb stairs in.
- Check the skirt length in centimetres against your own measurements.
- Measure waist and hips; fitted styles must fit both.
- Check which size system the brand uses: IT, waist inches or letters.
- Look for stretch in fitted styles.
- Read the fabric and care label before you buy.
Common questions
What is the most versatile skirt shape?
An A-line skirt at knee or midi length suits the widest range of occasions and body shapes, because it fits at the waist and skims the hips without clinging.
How do I know which size to order in an Italian skirt?
Compare your waist and hip measurements with the brand’s size chart. As a rough guide, IT 40 is a UK 8 and IT 42 a UK 10, but brands vary, so the centimetre measurements are more reliable than the label.
Should a skirt sit on the waist or the hips?
It depends on the cut. High waisted styles sit at the natural waist; many denim and casual skirts sit lower. The product description or the model photo usually shows where the waistband sits. For more help with buying online, read buying designer clothes online.
