skirt

A skirt is a garment that hangs from the waist and covers the lower part of the body, typically extending over the hips and legs. While it is most commonly associated with women’s fashion in many cultures, skirts appear in a wide range of styles and may be worn by people of different ages and genders in various contexts. Skirts can be made from a single piece of fabric or from multiple panels and may include linings, waistbands, and fastenings.

Design and variation: Skirts are cut at the waist and can be tailored or draped. Common silhouettes include A-line, pencil, straight, circle, and bias-cut. Pleated, gathered, and layered forms add fullness or movement. Lengths range from mini (short) to knee-length, midi (mid-calf), and maxi (ankle or floor-length). Variants such as the wrap, slit, and asymmetrical skirts offer additional styling options.

Materials and construction: Fabrics used for skirts include wool, cotton, silk, denim, rayon, and synthetics. The choice of fabric affects drape, weight, and durability. Skirts may have zippers, hooks, buttons, or elastic waistbands, and can be lined for opacity and comfort.

Context and use: Skirts appear in casual, formal, school, and ceremonial attire, as well as traditional dress in many cultures. They are often designed to pair with blouses, sweaters, or tops and can serve as a versatile element in both everyday and special-occasion wardrobes.