Quick Answer
You should size up in skirts when you are between sizes and the skirt is fitted, structured, non-stretch or close through the hips. You can usually stay with your usual size when the skirt is relaxed, elasticated, flowy or adjustable, as long as your waist and hip measurements still match the Size Guide.
The right skirt size depends less on the number on the label and more on where the skirt sits, how closely it fits, and whether the fabric or waistband gives you room to move. A pencil skirt, satin skirt or fixed-waist midi skirt needs a more exact size choice than a pull-on, wrap or flowy maxi skirt.
If you are between two sizes, use this rule
If the skirt is fitted, structured, zip-up or made from fabric with little stretch, choose the larger size. If the skirt is relaxed, elastic-waist, pull-on, wrap or flowy, choose your usual size if your measurements sit comfortably within the size guide.
This is the simplest way to avoid buying a skirt that looks fine standing up but feels tight when you sit, walk or move.
What skirt size am I?
To work out your skirt size online, use a simple three-step method.
First, measure your waist. For high-waisted skirts, A-line skirts, pencil skirts and most fixed-waist styles, your waist measurement is the starting point.
Second, measure your hips. This matters most for skirts that sit close through the hips, such as pencil skirts, straight skirts, satin skirts, slip skirts and fitted midi skirts.
Third, compare both measurements with the Size Guide, then choose based on the part of the skirt that fits closest to your body. If the waistband is fixed, the waist measurement matters most. If the skirt is fitted through the hips, the hip measurement matters most.
For example, if your waist points to one size but your hips point to the next size up, a fitted pencil skirt is usually safer in the larger size. If the same measurements apply to a flowy A-line skirt with room through the hips, your usual waist size may still work.
When This Advice Applies
This advice applies when you are buying a skirt online, comparing two sizes, trying a new silhouette, or unsure how a skirt should fit before ordering.
Use this decision table before choosing a size:
| Skirt situationBest size decisionWhy it matters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Between sizes in a fitted skirt | Size up | Gives more room through the waist, hips and seat |
| Between sizes in a relaxed skirt | Usual size may work | The shape already has more ease |
| Fixed waistband or zip closure | Follow waist measurement carefully | There is less room to adjust |
| Pencil, straight, satin or slip skirt | Check hip measurement closely | These styles can pull across the hips |
| Elastic-waist or pull-on skirt | Check the size guide, but expect more flexibility | The waistband gives more comfort |
| Wrap skirt | Choose the size with enough overlap and coverage | Adjustable fit still needs secure coverage |
| Flowy maxi or A-line skirt | Choose mainly by waist and length | The hip area is usually less restrictive |
| Work, travel or sitting all day | Consider the larger size if unsure | Comfort matters once you sit and move |
The goal is not to size up every time. The goal is to choose the size that lets the skirt sit smoothly, move naturally and feel comfortable for the way you plan to wear it.
Recommended Skirt Styles
A-line skirts
A-line skirts are a helpful starting point if you are unsure about hip fit. They usually sit at the waist and move away from the body, so they give more room through the hips and thighs than pencil or straight skirts.
This makes them practical for first online orders, casual weekends and days when you want a skirt that feels easy without looking shapeless. If your waist measurement is clear but your hip measurement makes you nervous, an A-line shape is usually a lower-risk choice.
Wrap skirts
Wrap skirts work well when your main concern is waist flexibility. Because the waist can be adjusted, they are useful if you often fall between sizes or if you want a skirt that can sit slightly tighter or looser depending on the outfit.
They are especially useful for holiday dressing, casual lunches and relaxed event outfits where comfort matters but you still want shape. The key fit check is overlap: the skirt should wrap securely enough to give coverage when you walk or sit.
Pull-on skirts
Pull-on skirts are a good option when comfort is the priority. An elastic waistband usually gives more room than a fixed zip or button closure, which makes this style easier to wear for long office days, errands or travel.
If you sit for most of the day, a pull-on skirt can feel more forgiving at the waist. It should still sit securely, but it should not dig in, roll down or feel tight after a few hours.
Flowy maxi skirts
Flowy maxi skirts are useful when you want coverage, movement and a less restrictive fit through the hips. The shape usually gives more ease below the waistband, so the main things to check are waist fit and length.
This style works well for casual weekends, warm-weather outfits, modest dressing and relaxed occasions where you want comfort without constantly adjusting your skirt.
Pencil and straight skirts
Pencil and straight skirts need the most careful size choice because they sit closer to the body. If you are between sizes, the larger size is often safer, especially when the fabric is structured or has limited stretch.
For workwear, a pencil skirt should look smooth when standing and still feel comfortable when sitting. If the skirt pulls across the hips, twists while walking or strains at the zip, it is too small even if the label says it is your usual size.
Outfit, Fit or Buying Tips
Before buying, think about how the skirt needs to perform in real life. A skirt that works for a quick photo may not be comfortable for an office day, lunch, church, travel or an event where you will sit for hours.
For a workwear skirt, size for sitting, walking and a smooth waistband rather than the tightest possible fit. For event dressing, leave enough room to sit through a meal or ceremony without the skirt pulling across the hips. For casual weekends, relaxed shapes, elastic waists and flowy fabrics usually give you more freedom.
Check these fit signs:
| Fit check | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Waistband | Sits flat without digging in | Cuts in, rolls or feels tight |
| Hips | Fabric hangs smoothly | Pulls, creases or clings tightly |
| Sitting | Feels comfortable when seated | Feels restrictive or rides up |
| Walking | Allows a natural stride | Limits movement |
| Coverage | Feels secure for the occasion | Needs constant adjusting |
| Length | Matches how you plan to wear it | Feels too short, too long or awkward with shoes |
If you already own a skirt that fits well, measure it flat and compare it with the new skirt’s size information where available. This can be more useful than guessing from your usual jeans or dress size, because skirt fit depends on the waistband, rise, hip shape and fabric.
Avoid sizing down because you think a tighter skirt will look neater. A skirt that pulls across the hips, strains at the zip or digs into the waist usually looks less polished, not more. A better fit should skim, sit smoothly and let you move.
Shop the Related Collections
Before choosing between two sizes, check the Size Guide. Once you know your measurements, browse women’s skirts online to compare silhouettes, waistbands and lengths.
If you are still unsure, choose by your main fit concern:
| Fit concern | Best direction |
|---|---|
| Between sizes | Wrap, pull-on or elastic-waist skirts |
| Hip fit worries | A-line, flared or flowy skirts |
| Sitting comfort | Pull-on, knit, A-line or relaxed midi skirts |
| Workwear polish | Pencil, straight or structured midi skirts with careful measurements |
| Modest coverage | Midi, long or maxi skirts |
| First online skirt order | Adjustable or relaxed styles before very fitted styles |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I size up in skirts?
You should size up in skirts if you are between sizes and the skirt is fitted, structured, non-stretch or close through the hips. You may not need to size up if the skirt is elasticated, adjustable, flowy or relaxed.
Always check the Size Guide before deciding. The better question is not only “Should I size up?” but “Which part of this skirt needs the closest fit?”
What skirt size am I?
Your skirt size is based mainly on your waist and hip measurements. Measure both, compare them with the size guide, then choose according to the part of the skirt that fits closest.
For a fixed-waist skirt, focus on the waist. For a fitted skirt, focus on the hips. For a wrap or elastic-waist skirt, you usually have more flexibility.
How do I choose skirt size online?
To choose skirt size online, measure your waist, measure your hips, check the size guide, and consider the skirt shape. If one measurement falls into a larger size, look at where the skirt is most fitted before deciding.
A fitted skirt should not pull across the hips. A high-waisted skirt should not dig into the waist. A relaxed skirt should still sit securely without sliding or twisting.
How do I avoid buying the wrong skirt size online?
Avoid guessing from your usual size alone. Different skirt styles fit differently, even when the size label is the same.
Check the waistband, fabric, length and hip fit. If you are buying a fitted or structured skirt and you are between sizes, the larger size is usually the safer option.
Should I size up in a pencil skirt?
Yes, consider sizing up in a pencil skirt if you are between sizes or if your hip measurement falls into the larger size. Pencil skirts fit close to the body, so a small size can feel tight when sitting or walking.
Should I size up in an elastic-waist skirt?
Not always. Elastic-waist skirts are more forgiving, so your usual size may work if your measurements fit within the size guide. Size up only if you prefer a looser waistband or your measurements sit at the top of the size range.
Which skirt styles are easiest to buy online?
Wrap skirts, pull-on skirts, A-line skirts and flowy maxi skirts are usually easier to buy online because they offer more flexibility than very fitted skirts.
If you are unsure of your size, start with a style that gives you movement and adjustability before choosing a strict tailored fit.
Final Takeaway
When in doubt, size for the tightest part of the skirt, not the label. For fitted skirts, that is often the hips. For fixed-waist skirts, it is usually the waistband. For relaxed, wrap or elastic-waist skirts, the right size is the one that gives you comfort, coverage and enough room to move.