Types of Skirts

Types of Skirts and Skirt Style Guide For Busy Women

Types of Skirts and Skirt Style Guide For Busy Women

Skirts are frequently connected with ladies in today’s fashion. However, they’ve largely been worn by men throughout history. Learn more about the various varieties of skirts available. How many have you worn so far?

I’m sure every girl has at least one skirt in her closet, whether as a petticoat, a divided skirt, a half-slip, or whatever. This piece of fabric has been made into a variety of shapes and sorts to suit the body form and fashion style of the time.

Skirts are available in a wide range of styles and lengths. This in-depth explanation covers the distinctions as well as how to wear them. Skirts come in a range of fabrics, which decides whether they are informal, professional, or appropriate for evening wear.

History of Skirts

According to Bustle, skirts are really older than pants in terms of fashion history. Consider how ancient civilizations are depicted. Skirts were worn by Roman troops. Long togas, or garments, were worn by the Greeks. The Aztecs wore loincloths, which are similar to skirts. Even the Egyptians wore short skirts, both men and women.

For most of human history, pants were not even trendy. When the Romans first entered Britain, they were startled to see that people wrapped their legs in cloth.

As a result, skirts were one of the first fashion items designed, which makes sense. After all, wrapping something around your waist is a lot easier than shaping and cutting leather to wrap around your legs.

Skirts have taken on a symbolic meaning for women over the years. Long, tiered skirts became a symbol of wealth. Fabric is, after all, costly. Later on, women exploited the length of their skirts to demonstrate their own empowerment and assert their own identities.

Skirts are one of the oldest items of clothing ever made, and they can have meaning and power. Maybe that’s why there are so many different kinds of skirts to pick from nowadays!

Types of Skirts

Skirts have changed and evolved many times over the course of history as fashion trends came and went. Some skirts are almost ageless, while others were only worn for a short period of time.

How many of the many varieties of skirts will you be able to identify?

A-Line Skirts

The A-line skirt is the way to go when it comes to choosing a skirt for versatility. A-line skirts are designed to flatter a shape by fitting at the waist and hips then flaring out as the skirt approaches the hem. This design allows for free movement and looks well as a professional look for the office or a casual look for a night out on the town. The A-line skirt gets its name from the shape of the silhouette, which resembles the letter A.

In the 1950s, the A-line made its debut. It was first launched by Christian Dior and quickly became popular among women who appreciated the skirt’s clean, beautiful lines. Millions of women bought A-line skirts after seeing Jackie Kennedy wearing one.

Asymmetrical Skirts

Asymmetrical skirt styles are really trendy right now, and they appear very modern and cool. All of the hot celebs are flaunting their style with asymmetrical hemlines, a significant departure from previous trends.

Asymmetrical skirt styles aren’t exactly new. They’ve been around for 150 years, in fact. Who’s to argue that Victorian ladies weren’t outspoken? In the 1870s, the asymmetrical fishtail skirt was all the rage… in the 1880s, 1920s, and 1930s, and again in the 1880s, 1920s, and 1930s.

Even though it’s equally as old as the hoop skirt, the asymmetrical skirt is undoubtedly one of the most popular skirt styles. So remember that the next time you put on an asymmetrical skirt, you’re paying homage to fashion history.

Balloon Skirts

Some skirts are difficult to distinguish from others. With the balloon skirt, however, this is not the case. This is a distinct silhouette that will not be mistaken for anything else. At the waist, the balloon skirt is form-fitting. The skirt is full and is folded upward and gathers at the hem to make it even fuller. This gives the skirt its name, as it creates a poofy effect.

Balloon skirts come in a variety of lengths and styles. They might be asymmetrical or pleated. In a single, eye-catching design, balloon skirts sometimes blend several different skirt types.

Bell Skirts

The crinoline, or bell skirt, has become a defining look of mid-nineteenth-century fashion. This colossal skirt is practically Scarlett O’Hara’s co-star in “Gone With the Wind,” and it’s so inconvenient that it’s a potential fire danger. While many fashion trends come and go, the big bell skirt is unlikely to resurface in the near future.

Women had been wearing huge, voluminous skirts for a long time before the 1840s when the bell skirt style became popular. But, for whatever reason, it was during this decade that skirts grew larger and larger…until they reached the colossal bell skirts that we see today. To achieve the big bell effect, women had to wear many layers of petticoats, which could weigh up to 14 pounds.

Everything changed in 1856. This is when the crinoline known as the “cage” was created. It was essentially a steel wire petticoat. This might give women the great volume that was popular in skirts but without the added weight of petticoats. This is the gadget that women wear in all Civil War movies, and it has a distinct style from the mid-nineteenth century. The bell skirt is also known as the hoop skirt because of this.

The bell skirt is possibly the riskiest skirt on the list. These skirts were created with very flammable fabrics back when there was no power. Candles lighted the room, and there were open flames everywhere. Around 3,000 women died in crinoline-related fires in England alone during the two decades when the bell skirt was popular. That’s a lethal skirt.

Bell skirts, which were excessively big for practical wear, are no longer worn. Skirts grew so large that women had problems passing through entrances, and even small social gatherings were crowded. Even sitting was difficult with the big bell skirt, and climbing into and out of a carriage was a challenge.

Fashion began to thin down in the late 1800s, and skirts became much more bearable. The bell skirt was a one-time fashion craze that is unlikely to resurface anytime soon. Whew!

Flared skirts with a bell-shaped style are commonly flared on both ends. This flare on both sides of the skirt gives it a more beautiful look while also giving it the appearance of being layered. Bell skirts are available in a variety of lengths and hues. Whether the skirt is made of a solid color, print, or plaid, the design of a bell skirt makes it look formal.

Box Pleat Skirt

Because box pleats are usually utilized to produce this garment, you might think of it as a cheerleading skirt. Box pleats are a prominent pleat pattern that produces a unique look. You’ll always be able to spot a box pleat once you’ve learned how to distinguish it.

The box pleat is made up of two pleats that are folded inwards. This is different from traditional pleated skirts, which have pleats that all face the same way. Box pleat skirts can be constructed with just a few box pleats to add definition, or they can be utilized all the way around to produce a playful, flared effect like cheerleading skirts.

Broomstick Skirts

The broomstick skirt has a traditional fashion aspect to it. You’ve definitely seen broomstick skirts and maybe even worn one, but you’re probably unaware of the name for this unique, casual skirt.

The broomstick skirt is a long, voluminous skirt with numerous little pleats running the length of it. The wrinkled texture of the pleats is the design’s most noticeable feature. The pleats aren’t lengthy and straight. Instead, they have a crinkled appearance. This effect is created in a very unique manner. Yes, there’s a broomstick involved!

The creases on this skirt are made by thoroughly soaking the fabric and rolling it around a broomstick, which is then left to dry. When the skirt is untied from the broomstick, it bears the distinct appearance of a broomstick skirt.

The majority of broomstick skirts are made to be comfortable. They come in a variety of lengths, but the most popular is long enough to reach the ankles. An elastic waistline is nearly always present, allowing for even more comfort and flexibility. The pleats in this sort of skirt run the length of the skirt, which helps to boost its mobility.

It does not exude a formal or refined air, but rather one of comfort, casual, and coziness. A broomstick skirt is ideal for relaxing around the house, going to the park, or going to the movies.

Bubble Skirts

Without the bubble skirt, what would 1980s fashion be like? Yes, it appears to be unsettling. Yes, the first time you see it, it’s a little weird. And, certainly, that is a fantastic piece of fashion history.

The bubble dress is a classic style that is instantly identifiable. The bubble shirt is a large, wide skirt with a pleated bottom that bunches up the upper half of the skirt and gives it a distinct form. According to CR Fashion Book, while this skirt has a completely amazing ’80s vibe to it, the shape originated in the years following WWII.

That’s correct, this is a skirt from the 1950s. During this decade, it was a popular look, and several designers designed cocktail dresses with bubble skirts. Many A-list glamor girls donned bubble skirted evening gowns.

Bubble skirts resurfaced in the fashion world in the 1980s, and they’ve just made a comeback. More bubble skirt styles have lately appeared on runways, demonstrating that this is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Because of their shape, bubble skirts are also known as puffball skirts. Harem skirts are another name for them.

Bustle Skirts

The bustle skirt, also known as a bustled skirt, is possibly the most uncomfortably designed skirt on the list. After the large and impractical bell skirt fell out of favor, fashion gave women another dreadful option: the bustle skirt.

A bustle skirt can be seen by everyone in a matter of seconds. The rear of the skirt was gathered, right below the small of the back. The skirt’s sides were also brought back, allowing all of the skirt’s material to be collected right over a woman’s rear end. It resulted in a distinctive shape that is frequently seen in late-nineteenth-century films.

The bustle at the rear of some dresses was extremely massive, emphasizing this unusual skirt silhouette.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, women couldn’t sit in a conventional sitting position while wearing bustled skirts for obvious reasons. And, as ridiculous as it may appear, this fashion trend is still alive and well. Wedding gowns with bustle skirts are still fairly popular.

Button up Skirts

Button-up skirts are those with buttons running the length of the front or side of the skirt. Button-up skirts are typically used in casual settings. Skirts can be manufactured from a variety of materials. They are, however, more usually constructed of denim.

Any type of skirt can be called a button-up skirt, button-down skirt, button skirt, or button-front skirt. A button-front can be used on mini skirts, maxi skirts, and any other form of skirt. This gives a skirt a little more style and personality, but it’s also considered a more casual look. Buttons can be both utilitarian and decorative.

Cargo Skirts

Cargo skirts, like the cargo pants that inspired this trend, include cargo pockets. They are distinguished from other types of skirts by their big patch pockets. Cargo skirts are often casual skirts that are rugged and composed of durable, easy-to-clean fabrics.

Cargo skirts come in a variety of lengths and styles. The patch pockets are the most significant aspect.

Circle Skirts

The circle skirt pattern dates back to at least the early 1900s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it became fashionable. And, given how simple the circle skirt is, it’s safe to assume that this skirt style has been around for quite some time.

The circle skirt, also known as the circular skirt or swing skirt, is one of the most basic skirt types on the list and one of the easiest to construct if you’re in the mood for a DIY project. The circle skirt is constructed from a single piece of cloth that has been cut into a huge circle. In the exact center, a tiny circle is cut off. This is meant to be worn around the waist. The skirt is finished with a few buttons or a zipper at the waist.

The circular skirt falls to around mid-calf in the traditional 1950s style and can be worn with a slip to add fullness to the skirt. The circle skirt is a full, flared skirt due to the manner it’s manufactured. It’s a very versatile style that, depending on the fabric and design, may be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

Skating skirts are circle skirts that are constructed in a short, above-the-knee design. The skater skirt, also known as the skating skirt, was inspired by 1980s ice skating costumes. This skirt has a high waist and is short and flared. This skirt style from the 1980s is still popular today. You almost certainly have a skater skirt in your closet right now.

Cowl Skirts

The cowl skirt is gathered at the hips, creating a cowl effect similar to that of the cowl neckline. The rest of the cowl skirt tapers to wrap tightly around the legs beneath the gathered part over each hip.

Denim Skirts

Denim skirts originally appeared in mainstream fashion lines in the 1970s, and their popularity has expanded since then. A denim skirt, sometimes known as a ‘jean skirt’ or a ‘jeans skirt,’ is a skirt constructed of the same material as blue jeans. Denim skirts are available in a wide range of styles and lengths to accommodate a wide range of people and circumstances.

Dirndl Skirts

A dirndl skirt (pronounced durn-dull) was a trendy skirt in the 1950s. This skirt is voluminous and long, usually knee-length or longer. The dirndl is a classic Austrian skirt that is being worn today, but most people are unaware of this fact.

The simple dirndl skirt was popular in the 1800s as traditional folk clothing in the Alps region. It can be seen in the film “The Sound of Music.” The dirndl has a short apron and shoulder straps in traditional styles, although, in current styles, the skirt is usually produced without these characteristics.

A knot is also made at the waistline of a classic dirndl skirt. The knot’s position truly delivers a message. The knot would be worn on the front and to the left of the body by a single girl. It was worn on the right side of the waistband by married women. The knot was tied in the back of the waistband by widows.

Draped Skirts

Draped skirt types are designed to be draped about the body, as the name implies. This can be done in a symmetrical or asymmetrical style, with any length skirt. The draped skirt is an antique skirt style that may be traced back to ancient Greece and other ancient cultures. The draping style has been used by many modern designers. Cowl skirts are a variation of draped skirts.

Flared Skirts

Flared skirts are a broad category that includes a variety of styles. A flared skirt extends out from the body and has a lot of volume. This is in contrast to pencil skirts, which are extremely form-fitting and hug the legs. Flared skirts are any skirt that flares out from the hips. Flare skirts come in a variety of lengths.

Full Gathered Skirts

A full or gathered skirt can be found in a variety of skirt styles. The bell skirt, like the dirndl skirt and the prairie skirt, is a gathered skirt. A full or gathered skirt is one that is fashioned with a large amount of fabric in a style that is gathered at the waist, usually with an elastic or drawstring waistline.

Godet Pleat Skirts

Cheerleader skirts frequently employ the godet pleat skirt, also known as the godet skirt. This look is ideal for folks who enjoy wearing a lot of colors. Extra triangular pieces of fabric are put into the pleats at the bottom of the skirt to create the godet pleat. The extra fabric is in a color that contrasts or complements the skirt’s main body. This results in a flared skirt with two colors.

Godet pleat skirts come in a variety of lengths, although they’re most typically seen in shorter, above-the-knee designs.

Gored Skirts

The gored skirt has a distinct design that distinguishes it from the other skirts on this list. Triangular pieces of fabric are stitched together in a gored skirt style. The waist is formed by the tips of the triangles, which widen as the skirt progresses, with the bases of the triangles forming the skirt’s bottom.

Because both use triangular pieces of fabric, the gored skirt is comparable to the godet pleated skirt in terms of construction. The triangles of the gored skirt design, on the other hand, run the entire length of the skirt. The triangles in the godet skirt are inserted near the bottom of the skirt.

Gored skirts come in a variety of lengths and are usually constructed from a single shade of the same cloth.

Gypsy Skirts

The gypsy skirt is a bright and colorful skirt that is simple to make as a DIY project. The skirt’s attractiveness stems from its handcrafted appearance. The gypsy skirt is a long, voluminous skirt with a wide, flared design made with a lot of fabric.

The tiered design of the gypsy skirt is its most distinguishing feature. It’s made up of sewn-together fabric bands, each of which is larger in circumference than the one above it. The flared design is the result of this.

To generate a variety of styles, the multiple tiers of the skirt can be fashioned with the same fabric or different colors of cloth. Gypsy skirts come in a variety of colors, ranging from black to pink.

Handkerchief Skirts

It is not required that the handkerchief skirt be constructed of handkerchiefs, although it can be. This is a layered skirt with a zigzagging hem that is formed from many square cloth pieces stitched together with the points facing downward. This skirt is usually at least knee-length, but it can be longer.

This flared skirt may be dressed up or down depending on how it’s styled. Handkerchief skirts can be worn with a variety of tops.

High Low Skirts

Because it is short in the front and long in the back, the high low skirt is also known as the mullet skirt. This skirt, unlike the hairstyle, is truly fashionable. This look, according to Vogue, first debuted in the 1920s…and may not have been well-received at the time.

The author’s experience with a high low dress in 1920 is recounted in a 1945 narrative. The skirt was odd-looking and the target of a joke, according to her tale. This style, on the other hand, is no laughing matter any longer. This skirt style, which was probably a touch ahead of its time in 1920, has been seen on a slew of celebrities.

High waist Skirts

The high waist skirt, also known as an empire waist, sits higher than the natural waist, right below the bustline. In the early 1800s, the empire waist was quite popular, and it was seen again a century later. In the 1970s, it reappeared for the second time.

It has recently been seen on the catwalks. High waist skirts can look fantastic when done correctly. Pair it with a halter, tube top, or brief crop top.

Hobble Skirts

Several skirts throughout history have proven to be not only impractical but also incredibly difficult to wear. The hobble skirt is possibly the most difficult to wear of the bunch. At the turn of the century, this skirt was popular for a brief period of time. The hobble skirt was incredibly difficult to walk in due to its design…which is definitely not what you want in a skirt.

A full-length skirt with full hips and thighs is known as a hobble skirt. But, for some reason, the skirt’s bottom is extremely tight around the ankles. These skirts were so tight that women could only walk with extremely little, shuffling steps in them. And sure, ladies did, for some reason, wear this. It was well-liked. Fashion can be a little odd at times.

To make matters worse, women paired their skirts with a hobble garter. To keep the legs together, there was a fabric band that looped around each leg just below the knee. This kept women from ripping their hobble skirts by taking too large steps.

Needless to say, this fashion fad was short-lived. In the 1920s, women moved away from the confining trends of the 1910s and toward considerably shorter skirts, and fashion changed dramatically.

In the early 1900s, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures were increasingly popular. People in the Western world became enthralled by these locales, which at the time seemed exotic and mysterious. Paul Poiret, a French fashion designer, drew inspiration from this region and popular taste at the time, incorporating Eastern cultures into his designs. The billowy harem pant design that was prevalent in the east inspired him to create the hobble skirt.

Inverted pleat Skirts

Inverted pleat skirts, also known as inverted pleated skirts, are similar to pleated skirts but differ in one keyway. The pleats are folded such that the folded edges face outward with conventional pleats. The pleats folds face inward with inverted pleats. This gives the pleats a different look than ordinary pleats. Inverted pleats, including box pleats, are possible.

Layered Skirts

Layered skirts are any skirt with many pieces along the length of the skirt. The layers of this sort of skirt are frequently composed of the same materials, patterns, and colors. They are available in both long and short styles. Layered skirts have a simple pattern and were made to be comfortable. These skirts are sometimes found with layers formed of a different pattern, material, or color.

Lehenga Skirts

In India, the lehenga skirt is a traditional garment worn by women. This is a long, heavily embellished skirt. There are four primary designs of lehenga skirts: a straight skirt with no flare or tapering that falls from the hips; a flared skirt; a pleated skirt; and a mermaid-style skirt that flares below the knees. The choli, the traditional bodice that accompanies this skirt, is frequently worn with the lehenga.

Maxi Skirts

Any long skirt that extends past the middle of the calf but terminates above the ankle is known as a maxi skirt. Maxi skirts are typically voluminous skirts with pleats, frills, and asymmetrical hemlines. Slits, tiers, and other decorations may be seen on some maxi skirts. Maxi dresses have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Mermaid Skirts

In the 1930s, designer Marcel Rochas created the first mermaid gown. This is a striking silhouette that is immediately noticeable. The mermaid skirt is a full-length skirt with a fitted waist and thighs that extend out past the knee. This skirt style is still popular in fashion, and it may be found in both formal and more casual skirts. Styles of mermaid skirts are also known as trumpet skirts.

Midi Skirts

The midi skirt is an outlier in the fashion world. Although it appears to be a 1950s style, it did not become popular until the late 1960s. It went out of style quickly after that, with stores selling it out in the early 1970s as women moved on to new fashions. However, the midi is back in style…and this time, it appears to be here to stay.

The length of a midi skirt varies in modern fashion. However, this skirt is normally worn to the mid-calf, about four inches below the knee. It has a voluminous skirt that spreads outward from the waist. The real star of the midi skirt isn’t its appearance. It was then that the midi skirt became popular, after the fashion juggernaut that was the miniskirt.

Mini Skirts

Have you ever worn a really short skirt? You’ve worn a miniskirt or tiny skirt at least once if you’ve lived long enough as a woman. Wearing short skirts isn’t a big concern for women of all ages. These skirts, however, were shocking when they first arrived on the fashion scene.

Mary Quant is credited with inventing the miniskirt, which became The 1960s fashion trend. The miniskirt must fall to about mid-thigh and be no longer than this, according to Quant. It was a symbol of women’s empowerment and fashion independence.

Mini Skirt was doomed to change the face of fashion forever. It was also a design that dated back thousands of years.

Miniskirts were worn by ancient Europeans between 5400 and 4700 B.C.E. Female acrobats can also be seen wearing miniskirts in ancient Egyptian frescoes. Given that skirts were one of the first fashion items to be invented in human history, it’s understandable that hemlines went shorter before 1960.

But, isn’t it true that Mary Quant invented the contemporary version of this skirt style? That, of course, depends on how you look at it. In the 1920s, glamorous entertainer Josephine Baker was known to wear a miniskirt. During the same decade, the “flapper” style gained popularity, and many women experimented with shorter skirts.

Very short skirts did make an appearance in science fiction films in the 1950s. The movies depicted a future in which women wore short skirts…very short skirts. In 1964, that future became a reality thanks to Mary Quant.

The micromini is a miniskirt that is even shorter than the miniskirt. This is an extremely short skirt with so little fabric that it’s not even a miniskirt… It’s a scaled-down version. Wear a micromini as part of a summer skirt outfit if you’re feeling brave.

Paneled Skirts

A panel skirt, also known as a paneled skirt, is made consisting of panels that may be enlarged or narrowed at the bottom for a nearly straight or twirly full skirt. This is perfect for people who wish to look like they have a tiny waist.

A panel skirt is created by sewing together many fabric panels to create any sort of skirt. A panel skirt can be made out of almost any skirt. It is a great option if you don’t have a lot of fabric to work with.

Peasants Skirts

The peasant skirt is a broad, long skirt with plenty of fabric. This skirt is at least ankle-length and may go all the way to the floor. These are free, flowing skirts with tiers, ruffles, or pleats that can be decorated.

Pegged Skirts

Men’s pants inspired the pegged skirt, often known as the peg-top skirt. In the early 1900s, men’s fashion adopted the peg-top design. To produce a more distinctive silhouette, this style adds extra fabric to the hips of the pants, frequently in the form of pleats. The trousers constricted down to the ankle from the expanded hips.

They resembled the original Hammer pants, but they weren’t quite as baggy. The peg-top form was quickly adopted by ladies since the larger hip style was more flattering on women than on males.

Pegged pants were initially, but soon after, pegged hiplines were added to skirts. The style immediately gained popularity and became the rage in the 1910s. This silhouette is still a good method to emphasize the feminine body, minimizing the waist and legs while accentuating the hips, and it’s still a part of the current skirt arsenal.

Pencil Skirts

Because of its shape, the pencil skirt is also known as the fitting skirt, the straight skirt, and the tube skirt. It was a defining appearance of the 1950s and 1960s because it was elegant, glamorous, and seductive. The tight-fitting skirt, which skimmed the legs from hip to hem, was worn by women all over the world. The pencil skirt is available in a variety of lengths, ranging from knee-length to mid-calf.

The pencil skirt first gained popularity in the 1950s, and it has never completely disappeared from the fashion landscape. Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly, among other glamorous women of the 1950s, wore them. Pencil skirts are still worn by royalty, such as Meghan Markle, and sophisticated ladies, such as Michelle Obama. They’re still sultry and alluring, and they’re a major fashion statement.

Peplums Skirts

The peplum skirt is surely a unique style. It’s tapered and close-fitting around the waist and thighs, and it usually ends at the knee. That’s not all, though. Without an extra ruffle of fabric at the waist, the peplum shirt wouldn’t be a peplum skirt. This extra piece of fabric, which is the same color as the rest of the skirt, is what gives this style its distinguishing appearance.

During the 1940s, the peplum was immortalized on the silver screen, when it was worn by all the most fashionable ladies. It was the ideal skirt to pair with a tailored jacket for a professional look, but it also worked well as evening attire at a fancy party or restaurant. However, the peplum, like so many other things, can be traced back to ancient Greece.

Around 500 B.C.E., stylish Greeks wore peplos, a type of garment. The word peplum is derived from this. A long tube of fabric was draped and fastened at the waist to produce an extra fold of fabric for the top half of the torso in this garment. This was then cinched a second time to create a peplum shape by adding an extra flap around the waist. This was a popular look among Greek women.

During the Renaissance, some 1,000 years after the peplos was popular in Greece, a more modern version of the peplum that didn’t require draping developed for a brief while. This skirt style was worn by both men and women, and it was revived 300 years later in the Victorian Era.

The peplum didn’t get its contemporary look until the 1940s when it exploded into the fashion scene. Peplums can still be seen nowadays. It’s now a timeless aesthetic that’s still flirtatious and fun.

Pleated Skirts

Pleats are used to create pleated skirts. Any skirt with pleats can be called a pleated skirt, even if it simply has a few pleats rather than being pleated all the way around. Skirts of any length benefit from the pleats, which provide volume and flair. Pleats are formed by folding the fabric in half diagonally. Pleats can be little or large, and they can be spaced widely or closely.

The accordion skirt, which is extensively pleated with many little pleats, is one version of the pleated skirt. The accordion skirt is often a long skirt with tightly pressed pleats that are placed on top of one another to create an accordion illusion. The bottom of the skirt is usually circular, which helps the skirt move around more easily. The accordion skirt is available in a wide range of colors and lengths.

Knife pleated skirts are the most popular form of pleated skirts. Knife-pleated pleats are characterized by sharp folds that run in and out and overlap each other, making this skirt stand out from the others. Knife-pleated skirts, depending on the length and type of material used, can be worn in both formal and casual contexts.

Poodle Skirts

Although the poodle skirt is a version of the circle skirt, it is so iconic that it warrants its own spot on any list. Juli Lynn Charlot made the poodle skirt the ubiquitous look of the 1950s. She was an actress and fashion designer who couldn’t sew. She created fashion history in 1947 when she put some cute poodle appliques to a felt circle skirt.

Circle skirts are simple to create, felt is inexpensive, and appliques may be applied to the fabric by anyone. This is how the poodle skirt craze began and quickly grew. The poodle skirt was soon all over the place. It’s the most classic 1950s look when paired with ankle socks and saddle shoes.

The poodle skirt will always be a throwback to a bygone era of fashion. And who knows what might happen? It’s possible that it’ll catch on again.

Prairie Skirts

Long, flared skirts are known as prairie skirts. Some prairie skirts are very full, while others are merely slightly flared. There are one or more deep ruffles or layers on the prairie skirt. They’re named after a common type among early homesteaders in the 1800s. Cotton feed sacks or homespun cotton were used to make the skirts back then.

Cotton feed sacks are no longer used to make modern prairie skirts. They are, however, frequently fashioned of cotton and cotton blends, as well as other soft textiles. Prairie skirts have a great natural drape and a flowy aspect to them that makes them a favorite style for casual wear.

The prairie skirt is a version of the current boho skirt. Prairie skirts are similar to boho skirts in that they are long and voluminous. They’re made of calico, which is a lightweight fabric. This is a nice cotton fabric with a pattern design printed on it. These skirts may be used to create a variety of outfits for everyday wear.

Ruffle Skirts

A ruffle skirt, also known as a ruffled skirt, is a form of skirt that comes in a variety of styles. A ruffle skirt is any skirt with a ruffle.

Sarong Skirts

The sarong skirt is an Asian traditional garment that wraps around the body. Lightweight materials are used to make sarongs. According to Fashion History, the sarong skirt is wrapped around the body in a narrow tube.

Sarong skirts are skirts that are designed to wrap around a person’s body as a skirt, scarf, or any other form of clothing item that one may imagine. Sarongs are most commonly associated with bathing suits. They are available in a variety of colors, sizes, patterns, and designs.

Scooter Skirts

Scooter skirts are more commonly referred to as skorts. They are shorts with a skirt overlay on top of them. Shorts are usually just a smidgeon shorter than the skirt, which is already rather short (at least several inches above the knee).

Skorts were originally known as trousers skirts when they were initially introduced. Divided skirt styles, which are pants that are meant to look like a flared skirt, are not the same as skorts.

Slip Skirts

Slip skirts are often light, airy skirts composed of silky or satiny fabrics. These skirts resemble slips and can be produced in any skirt length, from mini to maxi. Slip skirts may be both elegant and seductive.

Tea Length Skirrts

The tea-length skirt falls three to four inches below the knees, exposing the ankles completely. After the 1920s, this was a popular skirt style, and tea-length skirts are still popular today.

Tiered Skirts

The fabric is layered all the way down the skirt in a tiered skirt. The skirt appears to be made up of several tiers as a result of this. With a long skirt, this pattern produces a ruffled, layered effect. This sort of skirt can be casual or dressy, depending on the fabric and style.

Tulip Skirts

Tulip skirts get their name from the hemline at the bottom. This hem is asymmetrical and resembles the leaves of a tulip flower. Christian Dior invented the tulip skirt in 1953, and it rapidly became a fashion icon. Tulip skirts have recently resurfaced in the fashion world. Typically, these skirts are knee-length or longer.

Tulle Skirts

Tulle skirts come in a variety of shapes and lengths. The fact that they are made of tulle is crucial. This is a light, airy mesh fabric that is most commonly associated with tutus or ballerina skirts.

Tutu Skirts

Ballet and ballerinas are most closely identified with the tutu skirt. The tutu is a well-known style today, and thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker’s memorable walk down the street in the opening sequence of “Sex & the City,” it has achieved legendary fashion status. This skirt has a lengthy history in fashion and is unlikely to go out of style very soon.

Ballerina Marie Taglioni, according to Pointe magazine, was the first to perform in a tutu skirt. She danced the title role in “La Sylphide” in 1832, wearing the world’s first tutu, a frock with a bell-shaped skirt. Every other ballerina was inspired by her look.

The early tutus were constructed of cotton muslin and gauze, light textiles that gave the tutu its airy, ethereal appearance. Tulle was traditionally created entirely by hand, but developments in sewing technology made it considerably easier to make in the early 1900s. Muslin, gauze, and tulle were stiffened with starch and utilized to stiffen the layers of the tutu to make the ballerina appear to be floating.

The tutu’s appearance has also changed due to advancements in lighting technology. Because early tutus were lighted by candles, metallic thread and sequins were used to catch and reflect the fluctuating lights. However, gaslights were employed in the early 1900s. The lighting was significantly brighter in this room. It did, however, make things more perilous. Tutus’ lightweight textiles were extremely combustible. Many ballerinas died as a result of gaslights catching fire in their gowns.

Tutus became shorter as the decades passed. They began to fall almost to the ankles. They were trimmed to just above the knee by the end of the 1800s. In the 1930s, shorter tutus were fashionable, revealing the majority of the leg. Tutus became increasingly shorter in the 1960s, resembling modern tutus in appearance.

Tutus, on the other hand, is always developing, and designers are still experimenting with this now-classic look. The shape of the modern tutu is more important than the material. It’s a short, rigid, flared skirt that exposes practically all of the legs, and ballerinas all around the world still wear it.

Underskirt Skirts

The underskirt, often known as a petticoat, is a separate skirt worn below a dress or a skirt that will be visible to the public. This can be utilized to add extra warmth to your outfit or to keep others from seeing through thin clothes.

They can also be utilized to give a skirt more rigidity. Petticoats used to be worn in layers, and many women wore many at the same time. They reappeared in the 1950s to provide volume to flared skirts, which were fashionable at the period.

Wrap Skirts

Wrap skirts are often wrapped around the body and secured using a drawstring or the skirt’s material, though certain designs may include buttons or snaps. They come in a variety of lengths. Wrap skirts, such as sarongs, are a sort of wrap skirt.

They are still fashionable, yet they are one of the oldest skirt styles. Wrap skirts were popular among ancient Egyptians.

Yoke Skirts

The yoke skirt is slimmed down by using a yoke effect at the top and on the waistband. To complete the pattern, the yolk hugs the form, and the skirt is gathered or slipped onto the yolk. The yoke can be small or wide, and it’s cut on a curve to eliminate the need for darts in the back.

Types of Pleats for Skirts

Pleats are used to give interest to pants and skirts. They’re more common skirts, as you’ll see in the gallery below, where we’ve included a number of skirts to demonstrate the various sorts of pleats.

Pleats on skirts are in style in some shape or another, but pleats on pants come and go. I prefer pants with a flat front, but that may change in the future. One thing I’ll say about pleats is that they make pants more comfortable by creating a room.

You’ll encounter references to different pleats when shopping for skirts or pants. This page will explain what the various pleat names signify so you’ll know what to look for.

Accordion Pleat for Skirts

Because of its resemblance to the bellows of an accordion, this kind of shirt was given its name. A zig-zag pattern is created by thin, frequently heat-set pleats that expand out towards the bottom of an accordion-style blouse. They’re also known as “sunburst” pleats because of this.

Accordion pleated skirts are slimming and voluminous at the same time, giving them a balanced and feminine look. They are a go-to skirt style since they form fit well on most body shapes and frames, and they come in a variety of lengths, fabrics, and styles.

Box Pleat for Skirts

Around the 1940s, box pleat skirts began to acquire popularity. The box-pleated design created a bigger and more sensuous aspect, and women’s fashion was becoming more whimsical and exaggerated. With today’s diverse selection of skirt styles, the box pleat has a stiffer, more, well, boxier fit.

Box pleats are created by continuously folding a piece of cloth back over into itself to form a sequence of pleats. This creates a thicker-looking skirt that resembles an A-line or pencil skirt but flares out a little more at the end, giving it a more casual, looser fit.

Knife Pleat for Skirts

Knife pleats are perhaps the most popular pleat skirt style. They are made up of two equal-width folds on the exterior and interior. These tiny pleats go in one direction and usually overlap, before being pushed sharply.

They give the wearer a slender and sophisticated appearance while remaining loose on the body for comfort and movement. Knife pleated skirts are more versatile than most other forms of pleats, which is why they’re so popular among skirt connoisseurs.

FAQs – Types of Skirt Styles

Can you wear a skirt with a sweater?

In the fall or early spring, pairing a sweater with a skirt is a terrific look. In the winter, you can wear a sweater with a skirt if you have some warm tights to keep your legs warm.

As a nice fall outfit, a pleated plaid skirt looks wonderful with a sweater. Any skirt, from a long maxi to a short miniskirt, may look nice with a sweater if you put the correct pieces together. You’ll appear really attractive if you finish the look with a pair of heels or boots.

What kinds of shoes go well with skirts?

You should wear any shoe/skirt combination you choose if you’re creative and like the way you look. If you’re searching for a quick style hack, there are a few typical combinations you can attempt.

For a professional look, pair a pencil skirt with low heels. Try a pair of tall boots or strappy sandals for something a little more high-fashion. If you require a business casual look, a tulip skirt or wrap skirt looks wonderful with peekaboo heels. With a pair of strappy shoes, you can easily transform them into cocktail wear. If you want to go for a more laid-back style, opt for a pair of plain canvas sneakers or ankle-high boots.

With heels of any type, from tall boots to ankle boots to simple pumps, a flared skirt looks amazing. The A-line skirt complements a wide range of shoe types. To finish off this skirt, pair it with flats, heels, sneakers, or ankle-high boots. Any style of boot is ideal for the little skirt, which also looks excellent with high heels.

With a little skirt with sneakers, flats, or low heels, you may create a lovely casual outfit. According to Top of Style, a maxi skirt looks excellent with high heels or platforms.

How many skirts should you own?

If you enjoy wearing skirts and wear them for casual, office, and evening wear, you will have more skirts than someone who does not enjoy wearing skirts and prefers to wear pants.

Get a midi skirt for casual looks, a peplum skirt for cocktail parties and nighttime events, an all-occasion maxi skirt, and an A-line skirt for professional and elegant looks to have a basic skirt wardrobe where you may wear a skirt for any event that may arise.

Can skirts be taken in or let out?

A skirt can be altered in a number of different ways. Hemming the skirt, shortening it, and altering the waist are all options. Any skirt can be cinched in to make it smaller, but not all skirts can be let out to make them bigger.

Why do field hockey uniforms have skirts?

Field hockey is a sport with a long history. People playing games that look a lot like field hockey are seen in paintings and sculptures dating back 4,000 years, implying that this sport has been around for a long time. Field hockey, on the other hand, has only been a sanctioned sport in the United States for nearly a century.

Skirts are commonly worn by women’s field hockey teams as part of their official outfits. There is no single explanation for why this is the case. Players are not required to wear skirts according to the official rules. Many attribute the fact that women wear skirts as part of their official uniforms to “tradition,” however the first women’s field hockey team at a U.S. institution did not do so.

Why do women wear skirts while playing field hockey remains a mystery, and many people have spoken out against this trend in sports? While there is no official reason for field hockey players to wear this outfit, it has been the norm.

What kinds of skirts go well with sneakers?

More individuals are wearing skirts with sneakers, and it’s a very trendy appearance. Sleek canvas shoes go well with a variety of skirts, including minis. Combine athletic shoes with longer clothes, such as maxi dresses.

When worn with invisible socks, sneakers look especially good with skirts. To achieve the appearance, wear bootie-style socks or very low-cut socks that don’t show when worn with sneakers.

What are the different types of skirts worn by Royals?

Members of the royal family are required to adhere to strict fashion guidelines. The length of a royal’s skirt is one of many rules that must be followed. The majority of royal women wear skirts that are roughly knee-length.

According to Cosmopolitan, royal family members’ skirts should never be more than four inches above the knee, which means miniskirts and other skirt designs are prohibited. Many female members of the family dress in knee-length skirts.

According to fashion rumors, the Queen has someone sew small weights into the hems of her skirts to protect them from blowing up on windy days. Penny weights, as they’re known among royal fashionistas, keep her outfit in place so that even a fierce English breeze can’t blow it up!

How many types of skirts are there?

There are numerous varieties of skirts available. When you add in historical and ceremonial skirts from all across the world, the totals skyrocket. Designers are always producing new looks, therefore the variety of skirts changes almost every year.

At the moment, midi skirts are really fashionable. They’ve been seen on the runways on a regular basis. Denim has been seen all over the place in terms of material. It’s been seen by all the celebrities, so you know it’s in style. Longer wrap styles, according to Marie Claire, are another popular trend. Ruffled skirts are also very fashionable.

What types of skirts are easy to sew?

The circle skirt is a simple DIY project. Wrap skirts and gypsy skirts are two other types of skirts that are simple to construct at home. If you have a sewing machine, you can produce a variety of skirts in a reasonably short period of time.

What types of skirts are best for your body type?

There are numerous body types, and not everyone can wear each kind of skirt they like. So, what kinds of skirts will look well on you?

If you have an apple shape (also known as a round shape), high-waisted skirts will look great on you. Ruffles and flounces can also be used. When possible, wear shorter hemlines to draw attention to your legs.

Do you have a more straight figure? Miniskirts and, if you’re feeling daring, even microminis can be worn well. Hourglass figures look fantastic in pencil skirts, which highlight their contours.

Which plus-size skirts are the most flattering?

Big is stunning! If you have curves, there’s no reason you can’t flaunt them in any skirt you like, from a hip-hugging pencil skirt to a flowing maxi skirt to any other style that catches your eye.

Wearing clothes that fit you is the golden rule of dressing, whether you’re plus-sized or not. If you’re a plus-sized lady, don’t try to hide your curves. They should be honored!

Photo of author

Kiara Shailene

Kiara has branched out into freelancing after years of managing hundreds of fashion brands for a major store. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, we're connected to a number of fashion retailers and media platforms. As an editorial strategist for a number of online magazines, Kiara uses her experience to help growing fashion firms develop high-quality content. Her work in JazzyFeed consists of articles on Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle products.