The Perfect Skirt for Your Body Type
A-Line
This skirt steadily tapers out from the waist to the hem in strong, straight lines, revealing a silhouette like the edges of a capital letter A.
Asymmetrical Hem
Rather then running straight across the skirt bottom in an even line, this hem is slanted on the diagonal, revealing more leg on one side then the other.
Circle
Named for the fact that the hem of the skirt, stretched out, forms a large, complete circle, this style is very full. (A less-full version of this is called a semi-circle skirt.)
Denim
Made from cotton denim, this casual skirt shares the hip-styling of a pair of jeans: belt loops, angled pockets and a button or zipper closure.
Gathered
The waistband of this skirt consists of small fabric folds gathered and sewn together into an elastic waistband or separate fabric waistband.
Godet
Similar to the gored skirt, this style hugs the hips, then features triangle swatches of fabric, called godets, sewn between the panels to create more fullness at the hem.
Gored
This skirt is constructed from any number of vertical panels of fabric, called gores. Fitted through the hip, the panels have flare on the bottom to create a flirty flounce at the hem.
Handkerchief Hem
Rather than running straight across the skirt bottom in an even line, this hem falls in various-length pints around the base, the way a handkerchief would looks when held in the center.
High-Waisted
The fastening button or snap of this skirt hits above the navel, making one's waist appear higher than it is.
Pleated
Though there are varied types of pleated skirts, the general style features permanent vertical folds in the fabric. (This illustration shows a box pleat from the waist to the hip, where the pleat then releases).
Prairie
A western-inspired skirt made from tiers of ruffles. It comes in various lengths and can be either a knit or a woven fabric for a variety of effects.
Trumpet
This style is slim fitting from the waist through the hips, then flares or ruffles outward, like a trumpet, at the knee. (One that tapers in just slightly before flaring out is called a tulip skirt.)
Wrap
This skirt is created by cross-wrapping fabric and securing it (usually with a
tie or a belt) on the side, back or front of the skirt, thus creating a soft
flare or an A-line silhouette.
