There are more than 20 types of skirts, and they fall into three main families: length (mini, midi, maxi), silhouette (pencil, A-line, pleated, wrap) and fabric (denim, leather, satin, sequin). Once you understand these three families, choosing the right skirt becomes simple. This guide walks you through every major skirt style, what it looks like, who it flatters and when to wear it.
Table of Contents
- Skirt Types by Length
- Skirt Types by Silhouette
- Skirt Types by Fabric
- Quick Comparison Table
- How to Choose the Right Skirt for You
- FAQ
Skirt Types by Length
Length is the first thing you notice about any skirt, and it changes everything: the mood of the outfit, the shoes you pair it with and the occasions it suits. British wardrobes tend to rotate between three core lengths through the year, with midi skirts dominating autumn and winter and shorter styles taking over from late spring.
Mini Skirt
A mini skirt ends well above the knee, typically at mid thigh. It is the most youthful and playful length, made famous in 1960s London and never really out of fashion since. Minis work brilliantly with opaque tights and ankle boots in winter, or bare legs and trainers in summer. If you are new to short lengths, an A-line cut in a structured fabric feels far more secure than a clingy one. Browse our full mini skirt collection for pleated, denim and tailored options.
Short Skirt
Slightly less extreme than a true mini, a short skirt sits a few centimetres above the knee. It is the everyday version of the short length: easy to cycle in, easy to sit in, easy to wear to a casual office. High waisted short skirts are particularly flattering because they lengthen the leg line without revealing more thigh. See the short skirt collection for versatile styles that work from brunch to Friday drinks.
Midi Skirt
The midi skirt falls anywhere between just below the knee and mid calf. It is the most versatile length in modern fashion and the one UK women buy most for work. A satin midi with trainers reads casual, the same skirt with heeled boots reads evening. The key is proportion: because a midi covers a lot of leg, pair it with a fitted or tucked in top so the outfit does not swallow you. Explore our midi skirt collection for satin, pleated and pencil versions.
Maxi Skirt
A maxi skirt reaches the ankle or the floor. It is the length of holidays, festivals and effortless summer dressing, but a knitted or jersey maxi is equally a winter staple with boots underneath. Petite? Choose a maxi with a high waist and a front slit to keep the leg line visible. Discover flowing, pleated and denim styles in the maxi skirt collection.
Long Skirt
People often use long skirt and maxi interchangeably, but a long skirt is really any style below the calf, including ankle grazing cuts that stop short of a true maxi. This length has surged since the return of boho and column silhouettes. It pairs beautifully with tucked in knitwear and western boots. Shop the long skirt collection for the current season's edit.
Skirt Types by Silhouette
Silhouette is the shape a skirt draws around your body. Two skirts of identical length can look completely different depending on the cut. These are the eleven silhouettes worth knowing.
Pencil Skirt
The pencil skirt is slim, straight and fitted from waist to hem, usually ending at or below the knee. It is the definitive workwear skirt and the most polished silhouette you can own. A back vent makes walking comfortable, and a woolen version will carry you through British winters at the office. Find tailored cotton and wool styles in the pencil skirt collection.
A-Line Skirt
An A-line skirt is fitted at the waist and gradually widens towards the hem, tracing the letter A. It is widely considered the most universally flattering cut because it skims rather than clings, balancing wider hips and creating curve on straighter figures. It suits every length from mini to maxi. Browse the A-line skirt collection for everyday and occasion styles.
Pleated Skirt
A pleated skirt features permanent folds pressed into the fabric, from sharp knife pleats to soft sunray pleats. The movement they create is what makes pleats so loved: the skirt sways as you walk. Pleated midis in satin or chiffon are a UK office favourite, while pleated minis nod to tennis and preppy style. See every fold in the pleated skirt collection.
Skater Skirt
The skater skirt is a short, flared circle cut that flips out from the waist, inspired by figure skating dresses. It is playful, easy to wear and forgiving around the tummy because nothing is fitted below the waistband. Perfect with a tucked in tee in summer or tights and a jumper in winter. Shop the skater skirt collection.
Bodycon Skirt
A bodycon skirt is cut from stretch fabric and hugs the body from waist to hem. It is the go to for nights out and occasions where you want to show your shape. Ribbed knit versions are the daytime friendly take. Pair with an oversized blazer to balance the fitted line. Explore the bodycon skirt collection.
Wrap Skirt
A wrap skirt closes by wrapping one panel of fabric over the other, tied or buttoned at the waist. The diagonal line it creates is extremely flattering, and the adjustable waist makes it one of the most comfortable styles ever designed. A floral wrap midi is a summer classic. Find yours in the wrap skirt collection.
Rara Skirt
The rara skirt is a short, tiered style with layered frills, born in the 1980s and revived by the Y2K trend. It brings instant energy to an outfit and looks brilliant with chunky boots to cut the sweetness. See current styles in the rara skirt collection.
Bubble Skirt
A bubble skirt has a hem that tucks back under itself, creating a rounded, puffed silhouette. Once a party piece of the 80s, the bubble hem returned as one of the standout trends of recent seasons, especially in mini and midi lengths. Browse the bubble skirt collection for the modern take.
Asymmetric Skirt
An asymmetric skirt has an uneven hemline, longer on one side or cut at an angle. It adds instant interest to plain fabrics and photographs beautifully. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the hemline do the talking. Discover the asymmetric skirt collection.
Slit Skirt
A slit skirt features a deliberate opening, usually at the front or side, that reveals leg as you move. On a maxi or midi, a slit is what keeps the look light and makes walking easy. It is the detail that turns a simple satin skirt into an evening one. Shop the slit skirt collection.
Tailored Skirt
A tailored skirt is constructed like suiting: structured fabric, clean darts, often with a matching blazer in mind. It sits between the pencil and the A-line in formality and is the backbone of a smart capsule wardrobe. See the tailored skirt collection and pair it with pieces from our work skirt edit.
Skirt Types by Fabric
Fabric decides how a skirt feels, how it drapes and which season it belongs to. The same pencil cut in wool, satin or leather gives you three entirely different outfits.
Denim Skirt
The denim skirt is the most searched skirt in the UK and the hardest working piece in any casual wardrobe. From short A-line cuts to ankle length column styles, denim goes with everything you already own. Dark washes read smarter, lighter washes read weekend. Start with the denim skirt collection.
Leather Skirt
A leather skirt, or its cruelty free twin the faux leather skirt, adds instant edge and polish at the same time. A black leather midi with a fine knit is one of the most reliable autumn outfits in existence. Explore the leather skirt collection.
Satin Skirt
The satin skirt is defined by its liquid shine and fluid drape. Bias cut satin midis became a modern classic because they work with trainers, boots and heels alike. Champagne, chocolate and black are the shades to own first. See the satin skirt collection.
Tulle Skirt
A tulle skirt is made of layered fine net, giving volume without weight. It is romantic, a little theatrical and surprisingly wearable when paired with something plain like a grey jumper. Browse the tulle skirt collection.
Velvet Skirt
Rich, soft and light catching, the velvet skirt is the fabric of British winters and festive parties. A velvet midi with knee high boots is a December uniform. Find seasonal styles in the velvet skirt collection.
Sequin Skirt
The sequin skirt exists for one reason: to be seen. Searches for sequins explode every November in the UK as party season approaches. Balance the sparkle with a plain knit or tee and let the skirt carry the outfit. Shop the sequin skirt collection alongside our party skirt edit.
Knitted Skirt
A knitted skirt is the comfort champion: stretchy, warm and perfect for co ord sets with a matching jumper. Ribbed midi versions are a winter workwear secret weapon. See the knitted skirt collection.
Lace Skirt
Delicate and openly romantic, the lace skirt layers beautifully over a slip lining and dresses up instantly. White lace for summer, black lace for evening. Browse the lace skirt collection.
Cotton Skirt
The cotton skirt is the breathable everyday essential, from poplin minis to full midi shapes. It is the fabric to reach for from May to September. Explore the cotton skirt collection and the wider summer skirt edit.
Quick Comparison Table
| Skirt type | Best for | Season | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pencil | Office, smart events | All year | High |
| A-line | Everyday, all figures | All year | Medium |
| Pleated | Work and weekend | All year | Medium |
| Skater | Casual days | Spring, summer | Low |
| Bodycon | Nights out | All year | Low to medium |
| Wrap | Holidays, comfort | Spring, summer | Low to medium |
| Denim | Casual everything | All year | Low |
| Leather | Autumn polish | Autumn, winter | Medium to high |
| Satin | Day to night | All year | Medium to high |
| Sequin | Parties | Winter | Occasion |
| Maxi | Holidays, festivals | Summer | Low to medium |
| Midi | The most versatile length | All year | Any |
How to Choose the Right Skirt for You
Start with the occasion, then the length, then the silhouette. For the office, a pencil or tailored midi in a dark neutral is the safest first buy. For weekends, a denim skirt earns its place faster than anything else in your wardrobe. For events, satin and sequins do the heavy lifting.
Then consider your shape. A-line and wrap cuts flatter virtually everyone. Pencil and bodycon celebrate curves. Pleats add volume, which is a gift on straighter figures and something to place carefully on fuller hips. And remember the one styling rule that never fails: balance the volume. Fitted skirt, relaxed top. Full skirt, fitted top.
Finally, think in colours you will actually wear. A black skirt is the foundation, then build with seasonal shades from brown and navy to statement red.
FAQ
What are the main types of skirts?
The main types of skirts are classified by length (mini, midi, maxi), by silhouette (pencil, A-line, pleated, skater, wrap, bodycon) and by fabric (denim, leather, satin, sequin, knitted). Most skirts combine one element from each family, such as a pleated satin midi.
Which skirt style is the most flattering?
The A-line skirt is generally considered the most flattering style because it fits at the waist and skims over the hips and thighs, suiting almost every body shape. The wrap skirt is a close second thanks to its adjustable waist and diagonal line.
What is the most popular skirt in the UK?
The denim skirt is the most searched skirt in the UK, followed by maxi and midi styles. Sequin skirts see the biggest seasonal spike, with searches peaking every November and December during party season.
What is the difference between a midi and a maxi skirt?
A midi skirt ends between the knee and mid calf, while a maxi skirt reaches the ankle or the floor. The midi is the more versatile length for work and everyday wear, while the maxi leans towards summer, holidays and relaxed occasions.
How many skirts should I own?
A functional capsule needs around five skirts: one smart midi for work, one denim skirt for weekends, one black skirt that works day to night, one seasonal statement such as satin or leather, and one occasion piece like a sequin or velvet skirt.