Skirt Waistbands & Rise
The waistband sets where a skirt sits and how it holds you. This hub explains the rises and waistband styles so you can judge comfort and proportion from the product name. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).
Where it sits
High Waist
A waistband that sits on or above the natural waist.
Where it sits
A high-waisted skirt fastens at or above the narrowest part of the waist, lengthening the legs and defining the middle.
Who it suits
It suits most shapes and pairs neatly with tucked-in tops. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).
Mid Rise
A waistband sitting just below the natural waist.
Where it sits
A mid-rise skirt sits a little below the natural waist, the most common and easy-to-wear rise.
Who it suits
It suits everyday wear and works with most tops in or out.
Low Rise
A waistband that sits on the hips below the waist.
Where it sits
A low-rise skirt sits down on the hips, well below the natural waist, for a relaxed, hip-led line.
Who it suits
It suits a casual, fashion-led look.
Drop Waist
A seam that sits on the hip rather than the waist.
What defines it
A drop-waist skirt or dress places the waist seam down on the hip, so the fullness starts lower for a straight, elongated shape.
Who it suits
It suits a vintage, twenties-leaning look.
How it fastens and finishes
Elasticated Waist
A stretch waistband that pulls on with no fastening.
What defines it
An elasticated waist uses hidden or shirred elastic so the skirt stretches to pull on and sits comfortably with no zip or button.
Who it suits
It suits comfort-first and relaxed wear. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).
Paperbag Waist
A gathered waist with fabric frilling above a tie.
What defines it
A paperbag waist gathers the fabric above the waistline, usually over a tie belt, so it ruffles like the top of a paper bag.
Who it suits
It suits a relaxed, on-trend look that cinches the waist.
Fitted Waistband
A structured band fastened with a zip and hook.
What defines it
A fitted waistband is a firm, sewn-on band closed with a zip and hook-and-bar, holding a tailored skirt precisely in place.
Who it suits
It suits pencil, straight and smart skirts.
Faced Waist
A clean waist finished inside with no visible band.
What defines it
A faced waist turns the raw edge to the inside with a facing, giving a smooth, band-free finish at the top of the skirt.
Who it suits
It suits minimalist and higher-end tailored skirts.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high-waisted skirt more flattering?
For many people yes, because a high waist sits at the narrowest part of the body, defines the waist and makes the legs look longer. It also pairs cleanly with tucked-in tops. Mid rise is the easier everyday alternative.
What is a paperbag waist?
A paperbag waist gathers extra fabric above the waistline, usually cinched with a tie belt, so it frills out like the top of a paper bag. It adds a relaxed, fashion-led detail and helps define the waist on softer skirts.
Are elasticated waist skirts less smart?
Not necessarily. Many tailored skirts use part-elasticated or hidden-elastic backs for comfort while keeping a smart front. A fully elasticated pull-on waist reads more casual, so choose by how dressed-up you need the skirt to be.