Skirt Silhouettes & Fit
Silhouette is the outline a skirt makes on the body -- where it clings, where it flares and how it moves. This hub explains the named shapes so you can match a skirt to your figure. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).
Fitted shapes
Pencil
A close, tapered outline narrowing to the knee.
What it looks like
A pencil silhouette follows the hips and thighs then draws in to a narrow knee-length hem, the sleekest skirt shape.
Who it suits
It suits a tailored, defined look and needs a vent or split to walk freely. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).
Straight
A vertical outline with equal width top to bottom.
What it looks like
A straight silhouette falls in a clean line from hip to hem with no taper or flare, tidy and understated.
Who it suits
It suits smart-casual and work wear wanting simplicity.
Bias Cut
A skirt cut on the diagonal for a fluid, clingy drape.
What it looks like
A bias-cut skirt is cut across the grain so it moulds softly to the body and swishes as you move, without needing stretch.
Who it suits
It suits an elegant, liquid look for evening and occasion.
Tulip
A shape with panels that curve and overlap like petals.
What it looks like
A tulip skirt rounds out over the hips then curves back in at the hem, with front panels that overlap like a tulip flower.
Who it suits
It suits a soft, feminine take on a fitted skirt.
Flared and full shapes
A-Line
A shape fitted at the waist that widens to the hem.
What it looks like
An A-line silhouette is narrow at the waist and widens steadily into an A, skimming the hips without clinging.
Who it suits
It suits nearly every figure and is the most forgiving flared shape. Browse women's skirts (/collections/womens-skirts-shorts).
Full Circle
A skirt cut from a full circle for maximum swing.
What it looks like
A full-circle skirt is cut so the fabric forms a complete circle, giving huge flare and a dramatic swirl when you turn.
Who it suits
It suits statement, retro and occasion looks.
Skater
A short, high-waisted shape that flares from the waist.
What it looks like
A skater silhouette sits high and flares quickly into a short, full skirt, defining the waist then kicking out.
Who it suits
It suits a playful, youthful look.
Peplum
A short flared frill at the waist over a fitted skirt.
What it looks like
A peplum adds a short, flared ruffle at the waistline, sitting over the hips for shape and structure.
Who it suits
It suits anyone wanting to add curve and definition at the waist.
Bubble
A skirt that balloons out then tucks back under at the hem.
What it looks like
A bubble skirt puffs out through the body then gathers back under at the hem, giving a rounded, sculptural shape.
Who it suits
It suits a bold, fashion-led statement look.
Godet
A fitted skirt with triangular inserts that add flare low down.
What it looks like
A godet skirt sets triangular panels into the seams lower down, so it stays fitted through the hip then flares at the hem.
Who it suits
It suits an elegant fit-and-flare look for occasion wear.
Frequently asked questions
Which skirt silhouette is most flattering?
The A-line silhouette flatters the widest range of figures because it defines the waist then skims over the hips and thighs rather than clinging. It balances the body and suits casual and smart wear alike.
What does bias cut mean on a skirt?
Bias cut means the fabric is cut on the diagonal of the grain rather than straight. This lets a skirt drape and cling softly to the body and swish as you move, giving an elegant, fluid look without needing stretch fabric.
What is a godet skirt?
A godet skirt has triangular fabric panels set into its lower seams. The skirt stays fitted through the waist and hips then flares out at the hem where the godets open, creating a graceful fit-and-flare shape popular for occasion wear.