he Ultimate Guide to Skirts: Styles, Lengths & Fit for Every Body Shape (Plus Size Edition – UK & USA)

By Tellar Stylists & Personal Shopper  | July 2025

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Skirts are a foundational piece in any wardrobe—offering endless options for style, comfort, and shape-flattery. From office-ready pencil skirts to romantic midis and edgy asymmetric cuts, choosing the right skirt can enhance your silhouette and showcase your personality. In this guide, we’ll walk through every key skirt style and length, how to choose the right one for your body shape, and where to find the best plus size options across UK and USA high street and designer brands.

Plus, we’ll show you how Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s leading free sizing tool, helps you find your perfect fit in every skirt—regardless of the brand.

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👗 Skirt Lengths Explained

1. Mini Skirt

• Hemline: Above the knee, typically mid-thigh.

• Best for: Petite figures, hourglass shapes, or those wanting to elongate the legs.

• Styling Tip: Pair with tights and structured blazers for cooler seasons.

2. Knee-Length Skirt

• Hemline: Just at or slightly above the knee.

• Best for: Apple shapes and plus size pear shapes—balances the lower half.

• Style Uses: Office wear, casual day looks, structured suiting.

3. Midi Skirt

• Hemline: Between knee and ankle—usually mid-calf.

• Flattering for: All body types. Perfect for plus size wearers wanting elegance and movement.

• Pro tip: Tuck in your top to define the waist and prevent visual bulk.

4. Maxi Skirt

• Hemline: Floor-skimming or ankle-length.

• Great for: Tall body types and plus size hourglass or pear shapes.

• Fabric matters: Choose fluid fabrics for movement, avoid stiff materials that cling.

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🔄 Skirt Styles & Who They Suit

🖊️ Pencil Skirt

• Fit: Narrow and tailored, hugs hips and thighs.

• Best for: Hourglass and rectangle figures; accentuates curves.

• Plus size tip: Stretch fabrics or side slits improve comfort and mobility.

🔔 A-Line Skirt

• Shape: Fitted at the waist, flares out slightly.

• Universally flattering: Ideal for pear, apple, and hourglass shapes.

• Style it with: Fitted tops or belted blouses.

🌊 Wrap Skirt

• Closure: Ties at the waist, overlaps in front.

• Ideal for: Apple and hourglass body types—adjustable fit and natural shaping.

• Plus size note: Look for secure fastenings and sufficient wrap width.

🧁 Tulip or Bubble Skirt

• Volume: Full through the hips, tapered at the hem.

• Best for: Straight or rectangle figures; adds shape.

• Not ideal: For wider hips or pear shapes—it may exaggerate volume.

🌀 Asymmetric Skirt

• Design: Uneven hemline or angled cut.

• Best for: Rectangle and apple shapes; visually elongates and slims.

• Wear it with: A tucked-in top and minimal accessories to let the shape shine.

💃 Tiered or Pleated Skirt

• Texture: Adds volume, movement, and personality.

• Good for: Inverted triangle and rectangle shapes.

• Plus size styling: Go for vertical pleats or soft tiers that flow, not puff.

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📐 What Works Best for Each Body Shape

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🌍 UK & USA Plus Size Brands to Know

High Street Picks

• Simply Be (UK) – Exceptional variety from sizes 14–32.

• New Look Curve (UK) – Affordable trend-led pieces.

• Marks & Spencer Curve (UK) – Everyday midi and A-line staples.

• Torrid (USA) – Feminine silhouettes and modern fits.

• Target / Ava & Viv (USA) – Reliable casual options.

• ASOS Curve (UK/US) – Extensive plus sizing up to size 30.

Designer & Premium Brands

• Marina Rinaldi – MaxMara’s luxury plus label.

• Universal Standard (USA) – Modern essentials in sizes 00 to 40.

• Eloquii (USA) – Contemporary styles with waist emphasis.

• Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus – Timeless, elegant cuts.

• Whistles Curve (UK) – Understated tailoring and structure.

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 Technical Fit Advice for Plus Size Skirts

• Waistbands: Go for high-rise with stretch for security and support.

• Fabric: Look for viscose, cotton blends, or lightweight crepe for flow without bulk.

• Closures: Side zips, tie-waists, or elastic panels give flexibility.

• Lining: Reduces clinging and improves drape.

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🧵 Discover More Styling Tips on Tellar

Explore Tellar’s fashion hub for more body-shape styling guidance, fabric comparisons, and brand reviews:

• What material should I buy for skirts? The complete fabric guide

• The best non-crease dresses: materials, styles & brands that stay flawless

• How to style a wrap dress: flattering fits, body shapes, best materials

• Best style choices for summer clothes: cut, fabric, fit, and brand recommendations

• What material should I buy for shorts? Fabric guide for body type and weather

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📏 How Tellar.co.uk Works

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your exact body measurements to sizing across 1,500+ brands—including skirts, trousers, and dresses in both UK and US sizing systems.

Here’s how it works:

• 🔹 Measure once using bust, waist, hip—or even use your size in a brand you already know.

• 🔹 Get matched instantly with accurate size recommendations for COS, Reiss, Arket, Everlane, and more.

• 🔹 Use the Store Size Lookup Tool to check your ideal size before purchasing.

• 🔹 Explore the Free Fashion Hub—thousands of expert-written posts on style, materials, brands, and body shapes.

• 🔹 No downloads or fees—always free, always unbiasedInstruction on Posts

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Get started here:

➡️ Create your free Tellar profile

➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup

➡️ Browse the Tellar Fashion Hub

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📣 Join the Tellar Community

Follow us for daily fashion insights, body fit science, and expert wardrobe advice:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

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