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What Are Different Types of Skirts Called? A Style Guide
An A-line skirt fits closer at the waist and gradually widens toward the hem, while a pencil skirt has a straighter, narrower silhouette that generally follows the body. A flared skirt widens more noticeably from the waist or hips, and a circle skirt is cut to create a particularly full, rounded shape.
For a more fitted look, you might choose a pencil skirt; for more room around the legs, you might prefer an A-line or flared style. A mermaid skirt is fitted through the hips and upper legs before flaring near the hem, making it a different choice from a skirt that widens gradually.
Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating skirts named for their shape.
A mini skirt ends above the knee, a knee-length skirt falls around the knee, and a midi skirt falls below the knee but above the ankle. A maxi skirt is long, typically reaching near the ankles or floor, although the exact position of any hem depends on your height and the garment’s measurements.
When choosing a length, think about where the hem will fall on you and what footwear you plan to wear. You can also consider the setting: a mini may suit a casual outing, while a knee-length or midi skirt can work for many office and dressier outfits.
Featured in this guide
Asymmetrical Pleated Knee-Length Skirt
A pleated skirt has folds in the fabric, while a wrap skirt overlaps at the front or side and fastens around the body. A tiered skirt is made with horizontal sections, and a gathered skirt has fabric drawn together, often at the waist, to create fullness.
An asymmetrical skirt has an uneven hem or another intentionally unbalanced detail, and a slit skirt has an opening that allows more room for movement. These names can overlap: our Asymmetrical Pleated Knee-Length Skirt combines an asymmetrical design, pleats, and a knee-length cut.
A denim skirt is named for its fabric and can come in several lengths and shapes, while a satin skirt is identified by its material’s smooth appearance. A slip skirt often has a simple, fluid shape, and a skater skirt is typically fitted at the waist with a short, flared silhouette.
Fabric affects how a skirt looks and feels, so consider whether you want a structured appearance or a softer drape. For ideas on combining a distinctive hem and pleats with the rest of your outfit, explore our guide to asymmetrical pleated knee-length skirt outfits.
Common styles include A-line, pencil, flared, wrap, pleated, tiered, and asymmetrical skirts. You can also describe a skirt by its length, such as mini, midi, or maxi.
There is no single complete list because skirt names can describe shape, length, fabric, or construction, and new variations combine those features. Along with the common styles, you may encounter circle, mermaid, skater, slip, denim, and gathered skirts.
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