21 TYPES OF SKIRTS – A to Z of Skirts

Skirts have been around for centuries and different types of skirts have evolved as the length changes or the fullness of a skirt varies. Skirt styles can be figure-hugging or voluminous. Skirts You can alter the hemline or emphasize your waistline.

Types of Skirts

Make a skirt your own by searching for the right pattern and fabric to create the perfect skirt for your figure and a fashion statement. The following list is just the beginning of the types of skirts and variety available.

Did you know that skirts are worn by both women and men? From the kilt to the sarong, skirts have made an impact on modern fashion and dress codes.

Listed here are twenty -one different types of skirts. Within each category of skirts, the length may vary from micro-mini to full.

A-line skirt

The A-line skirt is a great skirt for the pear-shaped figure (that’s me!). This skirt is usually knee-length and forms a triangular shape when laid flat. It is an easy to sew option and makes up nicely in most fabric types.

The A-line skirt flares out gently from the waist and does not cling to the hips making it a flattering skirt option. Because of its flared shape, it does not need slits in the side or back in order to easily walk. A-line skirts are generally fitted at the waist and as such need shaping in the form of darts or a gently curving waistband. You can have a high, low or elasticized waistband.

Asymmetrical skirt

The design of this skirt relies on the asymmetrical lines created by the cut of the fabric and the different levels of the hems. Asymmetrical skirts are usually cut diagonally across the body, with one side being lower than the other. This is different from a high-low skirt where the asymmetry is at the front and back.

Asymmetrical skirts are either tight or flared out.

Box pleat skirt

The box pleat skirt is a variation of the pleat types of skirts. A box pleat is made by allowing the two folds of the pleat to meet each other and form the box part of the pleat. This pleat pattern can be repeated around the skirt. Box pleat skirts are often made in thicker fabrics to give volume and shape to the skirt.

Bubble skirt

The bubble skirt puffs out at the hem because the fabric of the hem is gathered onto a band instead of a turned up hem. This band is kept under the skirt so the top of the skirt ‘bubbles’ over the band.

These kinds of skirts take a lot of fabric as essentially you have 2 skirts – one straight skirt underneath and then the gathered portion on the outside. These are a fashion piece that tends to come and go rather than a wardrobe staple. Bubble skirts tend to be cut above the knee as any longer adds a lot of volume to the skirt.

Circular skirt

The circular skirt, sometimes known as the skater skirt, is cut in a circle. The fabric is attached to a waistband that sits exactly on the wearer’s waist. Laying flat, the skirt creates a circle.

The circular skirt takes a fair amount of fabric. It can be made is all sorts of lengths from long and flowing to short and sassy. It is a popular choice for active outdoor wear, and for tennis skirts.

Variations of the circle skirt include a half circle skirt or even a double circle skirt for maximum flare.

Cowl skirt

The cowl skirt adds extra fullness to the area just under the waistband. Cut curved lines at the three points indicated on your skirt pattern to create fullness. Mark the points where you want the curve to be cut, and then alter the pattern accordingly.

The curve when opened out adds fullness to the pattern and creates folds that drape at the sides of the skirt. The cowl skirt can be worn with soft flowing fabrics.

Gathered skirt

The gathered skirt is a very straightforward style to follow. These types of skirts are gathered onto the waistband. The fullness of the skirt is determined by the amount of fabric in the skirt part of the pattern and the gathers pulled up to fit onto the waistband. A gathered skirt can be any length from short to full length. It is best in fine to medium weight fabrics.

Godet and gored skirts

Godet and gored skirts are full of extra flare and movement. The godet is a triangular shape of fabric inserted into a panel in the skirt.

Gores are the panels of the skirt that have been cut with extra flare. The flare may begin from thigh-length or knee-length to give extra fullness to the skirt.

Handkerchief skirt

The handkerchief skirt is a fun to wear skirt with points hanging down as the handkerchief shapes are attached and drop down from the waist. It is cut in a rectangle or square shape to achieve this look. Soft fabrics that drape must be used otherwise the points will stick out adding a lot of unwanted volume to your skirt.

High/low skirt

The high/low skirt is exactly how its name describes it. The front of the skirt is higher than the back creating a high and low effect. The skirt looks best when made in soft, flowing fabrics. The skirts shown below were made with rayon voile which allows for movement and elegance. The front and back differences can be subtle or dramatic. Some high-low skirts are so low at the back that it becomes a train draping out from behind the body.

High waisted skirt

The main feature of this skirt is a high waistband. The fullness of the skirt is attached to this band and it is usually a decorative part of this style. Elastic or flat bands can be used to create high-waisted skirts, like the one in the photo. These can be paired with a pencil skirt or tightening pencil skirt. High waist skirts look best when worn with a tucked in fitted shirt to create a flattering silhouette.

Mermaid or fishtail skirt

The mermaid or fishtail skirt gives the wearer an hourglass shape and the tailpiece flares out at the bottom of the skirt. These types of skirts are often used for wedding gowns with the back becoming a train which can be short or really long. Mermaid skirts need to be paired with a fitted bodice to accentuate this design and is great for creating an hourglass shape.

Miniskirt

An iconic skirt associated with the 1960s, and as the name implies, it is a very short skirt. Mary Quant, a famous dress designer, made this skirt. It is economical to make as it uses very little fabric. Mini skirts are typically fitted, but can also be flared and circular. Denim miniskirts are easy to wear for a casual look.

Pencil skirt

Pencil skirts have become the favored option for women in the professional and business world. These types of skirts are cut straight down to the desired length and forms a rectangle when laid flat. Some skirts may taper at the knee.

If the fabric is not stretch, it will usually need a slit at either the backside or side. Without a slit, they can be really hard to walk in especially with a pair of heels.

Peplum skirt

The basic underskirt of this style is the pencil skirt. The peplum is an added flare attached to the waist. It is a very decorative style of skirt. The peplum is close to a circular shape and the bias cut helps with the flared effect enabling it to fall softly. Peplum skirts can be used to balance out larger shoulders or hide your hips for a flattering appearance.

Pleated Skirt

The pleated effect of this skirt varies with the size of the pleats. Knife pleats that sit flush with the body of the skirt are flattering. You can wear pleated skirts in different lengths with different sizes of pleats.

The pleats follow a pattern, once the size of the pleat is decided, the same size is followed to complete the skirt. Pleated skirts are made of synthetic fabrics, which can be permanently pressed to prevent them from falling out after washing. You do not want to be ironing pleats back in after every wash.

Sarong skirt

This skirt is a must-have for a holiday on the beach or for a casual day by the pool. It wraps around your waist at the side and ties at one end. It can be made in different lengths and is usually made of cotton or natural fiber fabric. A The length of a sarong skirt is up to the knee. It can also be longer. It typically shows some legs on one side as you walk due to the long slit created. A wrap skirt is a great option for those who need extra coverage.

Tiered and layered skirts

These skirts are similar in the effect they create. Layers of fabric are used to create fullness and ‘swing’ to the skirt.

Tiered skirts are layers joined together while layered skirts may have the layers free to give a ruffled and frilly look. Layered skirts are popular in girl’s clothing and can be given a bohemian, free-floating look for women. These skirts can be flattering for most body shapes, particularly if they are made of soft floating fabrics like rayon.

Tulip skirt

The tulip skirt is based on a straight skirt design, but with an irregular hem edge. This gives the skirt the appearance of a tulip design. The edges of the tulip skirt can be bound in bias tape to pick up the overlapped detailing.

Wrap skirt

Wrap skirts are very flattering as they wrap around your figure and tie or fasten at the waist. There are many lengths of wrap skirts that can be worn for any occasion. This particular example has a frill on it, while others have a plain wrap opening. Wrap skirts do take more fabric to make but are an easy sewing project for beginner sewers.

Many wrap skirts fasten with ties wrapped around the body but buttons can also be used to hold the wrapped portion in place. An additional button is used to hold the inside wrap of the skirt.

Yoke skirt

Using a yoke effect at the top and on the waistband creates a slimming look for the yolk skirt. The yolk hugs the figure and the skirt is gathered or eased onto the yolk to complete the design. The yoke may be narrow or much wider and is cut on a curve in order to not need darts to shape at the back.

Types of Skirts – In Conclusion

Churchill once said, with reference to skirts and good speeches, that a speech, like a skirt should be ‘long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to create interest.’

With this in mind, and all the interesting skirt styles available, it is easy to see why a skirt is always going to create an interesting fashion statement. Choose types of skirts that flatter and make you smile and feel comfortable. There is no right or wrong fashion. Just wear what makes your heart happy.

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