Originally created in the 1970s as a way to repurpose worn-out jeans, the denim skirt soon took on a life of its own, due in part to the flower child trend of the early 1970s. The jean skirt fit perfectly into the bohemian aesthetic that gained widespread popularity during this time. This style of skirt has gone through many iterations since its debut, offering a large variety of options to those seeking a jean skirt.
The Tanming Women’s High Waist Pleated Long Denim Skirt is a refined take on the denim skirt. It flows to mid-calf in gentle pleats and flares out towards the bottom, creating a moderate A-line silhouette.
What to know before you buy a denim skirt
Casualwear
Denim skirts are skirts; however, they’re a distinctly casual type of skirt, closer in resemblance to jean shorts than a skirt typically worn in semi-formal or formal settings. This characteristic makes denim skirts somewhat of a niche item, in the sense that they’re not necessarily appropriate for “dressed up” occasions. That said, jean skirts offer many benefits and make a stylish and flirty addition to your casual wardrobe.
Sizing
While denim skirts are made of the same material as a pair of jeans or jean shorts, that doesn’t mean the sizing is the same. In fact, jeans tend to be sized differently than other articles of clothing. The most surefire way to know you’re purchasing the right size in a denim skirt is to use your measurements as a guide. Use flexible measuring tape and follow these tips to get accurate measurements:
Wrap the tape around the smallest part of your torso, which is your natural waist.
Encircle your hips with the tape, laying it against the area where your hips are fullest.
Shoes
Denim skirts have a fun, fresh and laid-back aesthetic. This is especially true of skirts with material that has been deliberately distressed; they truly are the skirt version of jeans shorts. For this reason, it’s best to avoid wearing high heel shoes with them. Shoes like high heels are a bit too dressed up to complement a jean skirt. But you’re not limited to wearing tennis shoes with your jean skirt, either. Instead, consider pairing the skirt with flat shoes, like these Aldo flats.
Denim skirt features
Length
Regardless of whether you prefer your denim skirt short or long, there’s a length for you. You can choose from a wide range of lengths including mini length, knee-length, midi-length and maxi length. It’s important to note that denim material can be heavy, and the longer the skirt, the heavier it may feel. There are exceptions to this rule, however, with some designers using lightweight denim.
Fit
You may assume that all denim skirts fit tightly, but this isn’t true. You have options at your disposal, giving you the flexibility to choose your favorite style and/or the fit that’s most flattering for your body type. The large variety of skirt fits includes:
A-line
Flounce
Body-conscious
Pencil
Skater
Pleated
Wrap
Wash
Jean skirts are often categorized in part by the wash of the denim. Washing is a process to which many articles of jean clothing are subjected to create a slightly aged, “washed-down” effect. Each type of wash is defined by the process applied and the materials used. While there are many different washes, the most commonly used include:
Bleach wash
Rinse wash
Stonewash
Acid wash
Enzyme wash
Distressed vs. non-distressed
Distressing the material of a denim skirt involves creating an aged look by intentionally damaging the fabric. This can be done by tearing, ripping or applying bleach or chemicals to abrade the material. The level of distressing can range from a few small areas of slight fraying to large holes in one or more areas.
A denim skirt with a frayed hem may look like it’s been distressed, but in fact, it’s simply been cut off a longer piece of jean material. Skirt makers then leave the hem “raw” instead of enclosing it in a seam.
Denim skirt cost
Denim skirts tend to cost around the same amount of money as denim shorts and a bit less than jeans. The price range of denim skirts is about $25-$85.
Denim skirt FAQ
Is it OK to wear a denim skirt to the office?
A. The answer depends on the dress code of your office, but in general, the casual aesthetic of denim skirts isn’t appropriate for business casual office environments. This is particularly true of offices that enforce a semi-formal to formal dress code.
What’s the difference between a denim skirt and a cargo skirt?
A. A denim skirt is exclusively made of jean material and typically has two to four slip pockets. A cargo skirt can be made of several different types of material including denim, poplin, twill or khaki. In addition, most cargo skirts have more pockets than jean skirts and the pockets are designed in assorted sizes and styles.
Which denim skirt should I get?
Best of the best denim skirt
Tanming Women’s High-Waist Pleated Long Denim Skirt: available at Amazon
Our take: For a unique and elegant take on a denim skirt, consider this midi denim skirt, which is designed with soft pleats.
What we like: Flowing to the mid-calves in subtle pleats, this denim skirt has a refined aesthetic. The silhouette flares out slightly towards the hem. While the look is classic, the high waist gives this jean skirt an on-trend dose of style. A slightly dark wash makes it versatile.
What we dislike: The issue cited by wearers was the jean material, which they said was stiff and heavy.
Best bang for your buck denim skirt
Levi’s A-Line Button-Front Jean Skirt: available at Macy’s
Our take: A series of exposed buttons runs down the front of this denim skirt, which has an updated 1970s vibe.
What we like: The buttons on this jean skirt are meant to be seen. They create a retro effect that together with the seams that run up the front and back looks fresh. You’ll feel comfortable in this skirt all day and night, thanks to the 100% cotton fabric.
What we dislike: A couple of buyers reported they had to size up because the skirt was too small in their regular size.
Honorable mention denim skirt
Calvin Klein Jeans Acid-Washed Jean Skirt: available at Macy’s
Our take: Constructed of acid-washed denim and available in two whimsical colors, this jean skirt is a fun pick.
What we like: If you’re searching for a denim skirt that’s different from the typical version, this one fits the bill. It’s available in two flirty colors: cosmic pink and blue wave. The jean material is acid-washed, evoking a feeling of 1980s nostalgia. The raw hem gives this skirt a stylish edge.
What we dislike: This denim skirt has a non-traditional look that diehard jean skirt fans might not appreciate.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
