I Tried the Best Skirt Brands So You Don’t Have To

If you’ve ever ordered a skirt in your usual size only for it to pinch at the waist, gape at the hips, or ride up awkwardly, I completely understand. That’s exactly what pushed me to build Tellar.co.uk—because I got tired of size charts that don’t reflect real bodies and brands that treat a UK 12 like a vague suggestion.

Skirts are one of the most deceptively difficult items to shop for. Unlike jeans, there’s no inseam to help with length, and unlike dresses, they don’t always flex with your shape. You need that perfect waist-to-hip ratio—and let’s be honest, most brands don’t make that easy.

So, I decided to take the guesswork out of it. I tried dozens of skirts across high street, designer, and sustainable brands—measuring, comparing, and using Tellar’s sizing tool to validate fit. If you’re wondering which brands get it right, here’s what I found.

High Street Skirts: Affordable, Stylish—and Often Inconsistent

ZARA

Let’s start with one of the most loved and most frustrating: ZARA. Their skirt designs are always sharp—bias-cut midis, asymmetric hems, tailored pencil styles—but the sizing? Inconsistent at best. I’ve found their skirts to run small, especially around the hips. If you’ve got curves, it’s worth checking your measurements on Tellar.co.uk before ordering. I usually have to size up in rigid fabrics.

H&M

H&M’s sizing varies wildly depending on the collection. The Conscious line is better made and more generous, but the Divided range runs quite small, particularly in the waist. That said, I love their ribbed knit skirts and satin slips for layering. I always use Tellar’s lookup tool to confirm the right size before I hit checkout—it’s saved me from a few tight-waist regrets.

Marks & Spencer

M&S is my go-to when I want reliable quality without fuss. Their structured pencil skirts, linen midis, and pleated classics are always well-constructed. Their sizing tends to run slightly generous, which works well for hourglass and curvy figures like mine. I’ve never needed to size up, and the fit rarely surprises me.

River Island

If you like trend-driven pieces—think faux leather, wrap skirts with chunky belts, or mini cargo styles—River Island delivers. But be warned: their cuts are narrow through the lower hip. For me, the fit is flattering but unforgiving, so I use Tellar to double-check my measurements before buying anything with structure.

Next might not be the first name you think of for style, but their skirts are surprisingly well-cut. Their wrap skirts and tailored A-lines suit a range of shapes, and they offer petite and tall options that actually work. I’ve found their sizing to be one of the most consistent on the high street.

Designer Skirts: Premium Construction, Tailored Fit

Reiss

Reiss skirts are beautifully cut, especially their high-waisted pencil and asymmetric styles. The tailoring is sharp and clean, but they definitely run slim—particularly through the hips. I’ve found that sizing up often gives a better fit, unless the fabric has stretch. Either way, I always check with Tellar.co.uk before investing.

Massimo Dutti

This is one of my favourite brands for timeless, minimalist skirts. Their linen blends and mid-length satin pieces look far more expensive than they are. But take note: the fit is better for straight body types. Their skirts are narrow at the hip, so if you’re curvier like me, a size up might be needed—or better yet, just plug your hip measurement into Tellar and get your exact match.

& Other Stories

I’ve had mixed results with & Other Stories. Some of their skirts fit beautifully—especially the pleated or wrap styles—but others are clearly cut for taller frames. They’re one of the few brands where I regularly switch between two sizes, so I rely on Tellar’s size match tool to guide each purchase.

Ganni

Ganni wins big on creativity and comfort. Their wrap skirts, tiered midis, and soft organic cottons all work well across body shapes. Many of their styles have elasticated waists or adjustable fastenings, which makes them far more forgiving than most designer brands. I tend to size down in anything oversized.

Whistles

For refined workwear and elevated casual looks, Whistles is consistently strong. Their skirts are well-structured and fall beautifully, especially the bias-cut satin and tailored wrap styles. The only caution: they’re often cut slim at the waist, so Tellar has been invaluable for getting the size right without needing a return.

Sustainable Skirts: Eco-Friendly and Fit-Friendly

Nobody’s Child

Nobody’s Child does an excellent job of balancing sustainability, affordability, and fit. Their floral midis and smocked waist skirts are easy to wear and easy to love. I’ve found their sizing true to form and very friendly for curvy figures. The waistbands are often elasticated, which means more comfort without compromising style.

Baukjen

If you’re after stretch-friendly fabrics and day-to-night versatility, Baukjen is worth a look. Their organic cotton pencil skirts and jersey midis have just the right amount of give. I’ve never had to size up here—Tellar confirms their consistency across the board.

Thought Clothing

Thought’s skirts are gentle, modest, and incredibly comfortable. Made with bamboo and hemp blends, they tend to have a more relaxed fit. I’d recommend sizing down if you prefer structure, but for comfort and breathability, they’re excellent.

Choosing the Right Skirt for Your Shape

Over time—and after a lot of mistakes—I’ve learned that skirt shopping isn’t just about size. It’s about proportion. Here’s what I’ve personally found works best:

Hourglass: High-waisted pencil skirts or stretch midis. They hug and define without distorting.
Pear-shaped: A-line and wrap skirts balance out wider hips. Bias cuts are also kind.
Rectangle: Tiered or pleated skirts create shape. I add volume up top to balance.
Apple-shaped: Empire line and fluid midis work wonders. Avoid clingy elastic at the midsection.
Petite: High-rise mini or vertical-seam midis help elongate your frame without drowning it.

No matter your shape, Tellar.co.uk takes the guesswork out. Just enter your waist and hip measurements, and we’ll tell you exactly which brands (and which sizes) to shop.

👉 Create your free Tellar profile now

Why I’ll Never Shop Skirts Without Tellar Again

Before launching Tellar, I wasted time, money, and confidence trying to figure out skirt sizing across retailers. Now, I simply input my body data once and get exact size recommendations for ZARA, Reiss, H&M, and 1,500+ other brands.

It’s free. It’s fast. And it actually works.

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Final Thought

There’s no reason to guess your size anymore. Whether you’re investing in a designer silk midi or grabbing a weekend-friendly cotton wrap skirt, Tellar.co.uk helps you get it right the first time.

You deserve skirts that fit—not ones that sit in your return pile.

👉 Find your perfect skirt size today

I Tried the Best Skirt Brands So You Don’t Have To—Here’s What Actually Fits