Types of skirts: silhouettes, lengths and names
The type of skirt depends on how it falls from the waist: narrow and straight (pencil), widening evenly (A-line), cut as a circle, pleated, or flaring at the hem (mermaid). Any of them can come in any length.
Below are the types of skirts with technical flats. Each page shows how to recognise it, where it comes from, who and when it suits, what to pair it with and which fabrics work.
Pencil skirtA pencil skirt is a narrow, straight skirt fitted over the hips and tapering slightly towards the knee, often with a slit at the back.Pleated skirtA pleated skirt is made of many narrow, heat-set folds that open as you move and close again.A-line skirtAn A-line skirt fits at the waist and widens evenly to the hem, looking like the letter A from the front.Wrap skirtA wrap skirt is wrapped around the waist with one side over the other and tied or fastened at the side.Circle skirtA circle skirt is cut from a full circle of fabric with a hole for the waist, so it falls in wide waves at the hem and flares out when you spin.Tulip skirtA tulip skirt is rounded over the hips and narrows at the hem, with two overlapping front panels that look like tulip petals.Mermaid skirtA mermaid skirt fits over the hips and thighs and flares out at or below the knee like a fish tail.Tiered skirtA tiered skirt is made of several horizontal bands, each lower one wider and gathered, so the skirt widens in tiers.Tulle skirtA tulle skirt is made of several layers of sheer net (tulle), so it is light, airy and full.Slip skirtA slip skirt is a light, bias-cut midi skirt in a shiny fabric with an elastic waistband, like the lower half of a slip.
How to choose
- For work: a pencil, A-line, tulip or pleated skirt at knee or midi length.
- Every day: an A-line, wrap, slip or tiered skirt.
- For a celebration: a circle, tulle, mermaid or pleated skirt.
- Pair a full skirt with a fitted or tucked-in top; a narrow one can take a looser top.
Lengths
| Length | Where it ends |
|---|---|
| Mini | mid-thigh |
| Knee length | at the knee |
| Midi | mid-calf |
| Maxi | to the ankle |
Related guides
- Types of dresses
- Types of pants and jeans
- Types of tops, shirts and sweaters
- Types of coats and jackets
- Types of shoes
- Types of sneakers
- Types of heels
- Types of bags
- Types of necklines
- Types of sleeves
- Types of collars
- Fabric guide: 40 fabrics, properties and care
- Dress codes: what to wear to an event
- Clothing sizes and measurements
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What are the types of skirts?
Pencil, A-line, pleated, circle, wrap, tulip, mermaid, tiered, tulle and slip skirts.
02Which skirt suits most body types?
The A-line: it defines the waist and falls freely over the hips.
03Which skirt should you wear to work?
A knee-length pencil or A-line skirt, or a pleated or tulip skirt in a quiet colour.
04Which shoes go with a midi skirt?
Loafers, slim heels, sandals or trainers; in winter, ankle boots covered by the hem.