Skirt Fabrics

Skirt fabrics close up

Skirt Fabrics

Denim, cotton, jersey, satin, tweed and more

OD's Designer Clothing · Knowledge Hubs

Fabric decides how a skirt drapes, holds its shape and wears. This hub covers the materials you will meet across our range, so you know what to expect from feel to care. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).

Structured fabrics

Denim

A sturdy woven cotton twill, the classic casual skirt fabric.

How it behaves

Denim is a firm cotton twill that holds its shape, resists wear and softens with washing, ideal for casual minis and A-lines.

Care note

Wash cool and inside out to protect the colour. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).

Cotton Drill

A tightly woven cotton with a smooth, firm hand.

How it behaves

Cotton drill is a strong, closely woven cotton that keeps a crisp, structured shape, good for A-line and utility skirts.

Care note

Machine washable and hard-wearing.

Tweed

A textured wool weave with a heritage, tailored feel.

How it behaves

Tweed is a rough-surfaced wool weave that holds structure and warmth, giving skirts a smart, heritage character.

Care note

Usually dry clean to keep the texture.

Ponte

A firm double-knit jersey that holds and smooths.

How it behaves

Ponte is a dense, stable knit with a little stretch that skims the body and holds its shape, popular for tube and pencil skirts.

Care note

Machine washable and crease-resistant.

Soft and flowing fabrics

Jersey

A soft stretch knit for easy, pull-on skirts.

How it behaves

Jersey is a comfortable stretch knit that moves with the body, used for tube, wrap and casual skirts.

Care note

Wash cool and reshape while damp. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).

Satin

A glossy, fluid fabric with an elegant sheen.

How it behaves

Satin has a smooth, shiny face and drapes in a liquid way, ideal for bias and slip-style occasion skirts.

Care note

Handle gently and often dry clean.

Chiffon

A sheer, floaty fabric usually layered over a lining.

How it behaves

Chiffon is light and semi-sheer, floating over a lining to add softness and movement on maxi and occasion skirts.

Care note

Delicate; hand wash or dry clean.

Viscose

A soft, drapey fibre with a cool, fluid feel.

How it behaves

Viscose drapes softly and feels cool, giving flowing summer and midi skirts a relaxed swing.

Care note

Wash cool; it can shrink if handled hot.

Structured fabrics

Corduroy

A ridged cotton pile with a warm, retro feel.

How it behaves

Corduroy has raised vertical ribs of soft pile, giving skirts warmth, texture and a heritage look for autumn and winter.

Care note

Wash inside out to protect the pile.

Leather and Leather-Look

Real or faux leather for a sleek, edgy skirt.

How it behaves

Leather and coated leather-look fabrics are firm and smooth, holding a sharp shape for minis and pencil skirts with an edge.

Care note

Wipe clean; never machine wash.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best fabric for a summer skirt?

Light, breathable fabrics like viscose, cotton and chiffon suit summer, giving airflow and soft movement. Viscose and cotton flow well on midi and maxi skirts, while denim minis stay cool and casual for hot days.

Which skirt fabrics hold their shape best?

Structured fabrics like denim, cotton drill, tweed and ponte hold a defined shape, keeping A-line and pencil skirts crisp. Softer fabrics like satin, chiffon and viscose drape and flow rather than holding structure.

How do I care for a satin or chiffon skirt?

Satin and chiffon are delicate, so handle them gently, hand wash cool or dry clean, and avoid wringing. Hang to dry away from direct heat and press on a low setting with a cloth between the iron and the fabric if needed.

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