The Best Satin Skirt

Buying Guide

Skirts have been top fashion choices throughout history, but styles and cuts have varied. One of the biggest shifts has been hemlines. Over the decades, skirt lengths have gone from the upper thigh to the knee to the calf to the ankle and back up again. Designers even have terms for the lengths: mini when it comes to the thigh, midi for mid-calf and maxi for skirts that go all the way to the ankle.

The waistline also varies by the decade. Waist-height hemlines are often popular, as are waistlines that fall all the way to the hip. Of course, waistlines have fallen everywhere in between those two extremes. Fashion aside, you may also choose a skirt that’s compatible with the majority of tops in your closet.

Once you’ve determined the cut you prefer, pay close attention to fabric. While cotton and denim have come and gone in popularity over the years, satin skirts have become a timeless classic. Often overlooked, satin is a lightweight, breathable fabric that feels good against the skin. Today’s satin skirts are often made from a polyester blend that reduces wrinkling and even, in some cases, is machine washable.

Satin isn’t a type of fabric. The word refers to the weave of the material, not the fabric itself. A satin weave features four or more threads going over one thread, made on a loom. The result is material that is soft and shiny on one side while being duller on the other. Satin weaves are used to make everything from bedsheets to scarves to clothing due to its comfortable feel and attractive appearance.

Because of its texture, though, satin can be more sensitive to laundering. You might find your satin skirt is marked “hand wash only” or you have to drag it to the dry cleaner every time you wear it. If you prefer a no-fuss wardrobe, keep that in mind while you’re looking around for a satin skirt.

• The length of a skirt can change with size. For best results, measure the length of a similar skirt in your closet that fits you well and compare that to the length of the skirt you’re considering.
• Most skirts close with a zipper. Check to ensure your zipper won’t show while you’re wearing it and will be comfortable. Your smooth, shiny satin skirt won’t become your favorite clothing item if the zipper is pinching or scratching your skin when you wear it.
• Most satin skirts are made with a polyester blend. You may find a small amount of cotton or rayon mixed in, as well as a little spandex to give you that stretch you want.
• If your chosen satin skirt comes with an elastic waistband, make sure it will hold up over many weeks and months of wear. If you plan to toss your skirt into the washer, be aware that this can affect the elastic in the waistband. You might want to hand wash it to lengthen the skirt’s lifespan.
• You don’t have to stick with solid neutral colors. Spice up your wardrobe with a pattern that you pair with a solid top or look for a solid-colored skirt in bold, bright colors.
• Most satin skirts feature X-Small to X-Large sizing, so you won’t be able to get as specific as you can with bottoms that have numbered sizes. The material does have a little flexibility, particularly if you buy one with an elastic waistband or spandex built into the fabric.
• Consider the time of year you’ll be wearing your skirt. If you need something to pair with boots and sweaters in the wintertime, you may want to look for a thicker fabric. For summertime wear, lightweight fabric with breathability is a great idea.