Types of Skirts

Skirts come in all different styles, and the different shapes can emphasize and deemphasize different parts of your body. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with the different types of skirts available to help you choose skirts that flatter your body. By selecting the right kind of skirt for your shape, you can start wearing the kind of clothes you feel completely confident in.

Whether you want to create your own clothes or simply experiment with different styles, this guide will help you navigate the world of skirts so you can choose the right skirt for your shape that fits your personal style.

Here are some of the most common types of skirts.

A-Line

A-line skirts are one of the most common skirt styles. Like their name suggests, A-line skirts are named after the letter A. They fit at the waist with a subtle flare that extends to the hem. Best of all, they work for all body types.

Woman in A line skirt set

Box Pleat

The box pleat skirt is made by allowing the two pleat folds to meet each other and form a box-like shape, which is continued around the skirt. Box pleat skirts are typically made with thicker fabrics to give shape to the skirt.

Woman in box pleat skirt set

Bell

Bell skirts feature extra structure at the waistline to create a full, round, princess-like shape. This silhouette works perfectly for people wanting to deemphasize their waist, as it adds volume to your hips while shrinking your waist. This type of skirt is popular for formal events.

Woman in Bell Skirt

Asymmetrical

Another common skirt type, asymmetrical skirts come in a variety of shapes – usually with a hemline higher on one side than the other. Asymmetrical are great because they’re so versatile and work for all shapes and sizes. You can also wear them for pretty much any occasion. 

Catwalk women walking in flannel

Bubble

Bubble skirts are best for ladies looking for a little more volume around the hips. That’s because they fit at the waist and flare out near the hips. It’s a very feminine skirt style that works for all kinds of occasions.

Maxi

A maxi skirt is the kind of skirt you’d wear on beach vacations and laid back walks through the park. They’re floor-length, breezy, and extremely comfortable. Best of all, they work for all shapes and sizes, making them a highly versatile wardrobe choice. Plus, you can dress them up by pairing them with high shoes and statement jewellery.

Woman in maxi skirt

Midi

These medium-length skirts end anywhere from just below the knees to just above the ankles. They’re an elegant option that suit all shapes and sizes.

Woman in skirt with sunglasses and camera.

Miniskirt

Miniskirts are pretty much how they sound: mini skirts. They’re a short skirt that ends above the knees and are usually considered party wear.

Woman in red miniskirt

Mermaid

If you’re looking for a skirt to emphasize your curves, this is it. A mermaid skirt is a slim-fitting style that flares out just above the hem to create a fishtail shape – like that of a mermaid! This type of skirt is ideal for elegant looks and is most commonly worn for formal events. It’s a common shape for brides, too.

Woman wearing mermaid dress

Pencil

A pencil skirt is fitted from waist to hips to hem. Some designs feature a slip for more ease of movement. Since it’s a very snug design, pencil skirts work best for women who are confident in their bodies and more than happy to emphasize their curves. This silhouette is common in office wear, although it can also be prominent at formal events.

Woman in red pencil skirt

As you can see, there are many different types of skirts to choose from. Take your pick, and have fun experimenting with all the different shapes.