How Do You Measure Different Skirt Lengths?

Before shopping for skirts online, it’s important to know the different lengths available and how to measure skirts for the best fit. This prevents the unfortunate situation of purchasing a skirt and later realizing it doesn’t fit how you expected it to. Knowing the lengths of popular types of skirts can help you find the perfect one for you. Skirts generally fall into three length categories: mini, midi and maxi. Within these length categories, you’ll find a variety of styles, including the pencil skirt, A-line skirt, pleated skirt, boot skirt, tea length skirt and skater skirt.

What Different Skirt Lengths are There?

The first thing you’ll want to understand is what different skirt lengths there are. Mini or micro skirt length typically sits mid-thigh, midi skirt length hits over or below the knee, and maxi skirt length will go to your ankles or to the floor. Let’s take a deeper look at these different skirt lengths and how to measure them!

What is the Length of a Mini Skirt?

Mini skirts have a hemline that sits mid-thigh, well above the knee. They range between about 10 inches and 20 inches long. Mini skirts are generally ideal for women with slim legs and can make legs appear longer. They can be paired with tights or leggings if the wearer wants more coverage or warmth. It’s important to take the length into consideration when purchasing mini skirts to make sure you stay comfortable and confident.

Measuring Mini Skirts

Mini skirts are usually listed with a length measurement in the product description. This lets you know how long the skirt is from top to bottom. When purchasing a mini skirt, use a tape measure to estimate exactly where the skirt will stop on your body. Start the measurement where you want the skirt to sit, usually beginning at your natural waistline (around one inch above your belly button). In general, a mini skirt should extend about 4 inches below the wearer’s bottom in order to ensure that they can move and bend comfortably.

One popular type of mini skirt is a skater skirt. Skater skirts are fitted at the waist and flare into an A-line silhouette. The skirts resemble the costumes of figure skaters, hence the name. How do you measure a skater skirt? Measure a skater skirt the same way you would measure any mini skirt, starting with a tape measure at your waistline and extending to mid-thigh.

What is the Length of a Midi Skirt?

Midi skirts extend over or below the knee, but not past your ankles. They come in several different styles, including pencil skirts, A-line skirts, pleated skirts, boot skirts and tea length skirts.

Measuring Midi Skirts

When measuring for a midi skirt, extend a tape measure from your waistline, or where you expect the skirt to begin, to the hemline, at or below the knee. Most skirts on the Lands’ End website include the skirt length in inches in the product description.

How long is a pencil skirt? Pencil skirts, named for their straight and narrow shape, generally sit at the waist and extend to the knee or below. They range from about 20 to 25 inches long.

How do you measure an A- line skirt? Always measure a skirt from the waistline to the bottom of the hem. An A-line skirt is a type of skirt that cinches in at the waist and then flares out towards the bottom. Most A-line skirts sit below the knee.

How do you measure a pleated skirt? Always measure a skirt from the waistline to the bottom of the hem. Pleated skirts consist of vertically folded fabric from the cinched waistline to the hem. These skirts are popular for their classic feminine, feminine style and are usually found in a midi length.

What is the length of a boot skirt? Boot skirts are usually longer midi skirts that have a flare shape frame and sit right above the ankles, exposing the wearer’s boots.

How long is a tea length skirt? Tea length skirts are a type of midi skirt with a hemline that stops a few inches above the ankles. Tea length skirts come in both casual and formal styles. Tea length skirts can be dressed up to become a great alternative to formal evening gowns, or they could be dressed down with boots or sneakers for a stylish weekend look.

What is the Length of a Maxi Skirt?

Maxi skirts are skirts that stop at the ankle or at ground level. It is important to accurately measure maxi skirts in order to get one that fits your height and won’t drag on the floor. When worn with sandals or other flat shoes, maxi skirts should sit at the ankle or slightly below the ankle. You can opt for slightly longer skirts if you plan on wearing heels with your maxi skirt.

Measuring Maxi Skirts

Just like mini skirts, maxi skirts come with a length measurement. You can use this length measurement to figure out exactly where the maxi skirt will stop. If the maxi skirt seems too long, try to look for petite sizing, which is made specifically for shorter women.