Can You Identify These Skirt Styles Through the Ages?

By: Jane Andrews
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Identify These Skirt Styles Through the Ages?
Image: Jasmina007 / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

One of the most common forms of clothing, skirts have been worn since prehistoric times. Unearthed artifacts dating back to 4000 B.C. depict both men and women wearing long, skirt-like garments covering the lower half of their bodies. These pieces were very simple — usually, just animal skins tied around the waist with reeds. But by the time ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Sumerians figured out how to weave, they were creating stylish, colorful skirts complete with pleats, patches and other intricate designs.

Fast forward to Europe and America in the early 18th century. Because fabric was so expensive, full, floor-length skirts served as a sign of wealth and prestige. They featured complex details such as trains, bustles and steel hoops, all of which were designed to show off master craftsmanship and costly materials. Once fabric became more affordable, and mass production was made possible, these lavish details were no longer a significant sign of status. The garments became much more streamlined as a result, and by the time World War II rolled around, women were sporting skirts that were shorter, smarter and more conducive to a work environment.

Today, it seems that no style of skirt is off-limits. From fabric-rich maxis and peasant skirts to revealing miniskirts and skorts, the possibilities are endless. This quiz will test your knowledge of skirt styles through the ages. How many can you identify? 

A-line
lechatnoir / E+ / Getty Images
This type of skirt is named for its resemblance to which letter?
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A-line skirts are fitted at the waist and flare out evenly as they reach the hemline, resembling the shape of the capital letter "A." A universally flattering shape, they can be thigh, knee-. calf- or ankle-length.

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Poodle skirts
Michele Quattrin; mQn Photography / Moment / Getty Images
These skirts were extremely popular in the 1950s. Do you know what they were called?
Kitten skirts
Puffy skirts
Poodle skirts
Puppy skirts
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Made of felt or wool, these wide swing skirts feature a decorative appliqué on the front, often in the shape of a poodle (hence the name). Created by American designer Juli Lynne Charlot in 1947, these playful skirts became a must-have item for teenage girls in the 1950s.

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Mermaid
Orbon Alija / E+ / Getty Images
What's the name of this long, tight-fitting skirt?
Pencil
Peplum
Draped
Mermaid
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like a mermaid's tail, this hourglass-shaped skirt is wide at the top, tight and narrow around the knees and flared at the bottom. It's also sometimes referred to as a fishtail skirt.

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Pencil
Megan Maloy / Image Source / Getty Images
This type of skirt has been an office wardrobe essential since the 1950s. What's it called?
Wrap
Tap
Pencil
Tulle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Long and slim (like a pencil!), these fitted skirts typically have hemlines that fall above or just below the knee. Originally designed by Christian Dior in 1954, they can be worn either as a separate piece of clothing or as part of a suit.

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Accordion
Andriy Onufriyenko / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know this style of skirt, which is named for a musical instrument?
Accordion
Piano
Flute
Harmonica
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This type of full-circle skirt features narrow, evenly spaced pleats pressed into the fabric. The folds are widest at the hem and become narrower by the waist, creating a fluid, flared shape.

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Bubble
Art looks like via YouTube
Can you tell us what this style of poofy skirt is called?
Bouncy
Bubble
Big
Bunchy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Short and statement-making, bubble skirts feature material that's gathered at the waistline to create a voluminous, bubble-like shape. They're also sometimes referred to as balloon skirts.

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Mini
Keith Wright / Photodisc / Getty Images
What's the name of this sexy skirt, which became popular in London in the 1960s?
Miniskirt
Midi skirt
High-waisted skirt
Schoolgirl skirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While short skirts existed before the 1960s, the term "miniskirt" was not coined until then. With a hemline often reaching the upper thigh, the miniskirt became a staple of Swinging Sixties fashion.

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Maxi
John Kieffer / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images
What do you call a long skirt like this one that reaches the feet?
Maxi skirt
Midi skirt
Miniskirt
Lengthy skirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Long, loose and billowy, maxi skirts flatter a wide range of figures. They're comfortable, versatile and can be dressed up or down. Pair them with a flirty tank top in the summer or a chunky knit sweater in the winter.

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Broomstick
lillisphotography / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know what you call this type of maxi skirt?
Mop
Flop
Broomstick
Candlestick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Broomstick skirts are full, usually ankle length and pleated down to the hem. Slightly gathered, they usually feature bright colors and patterns, and have comfortable drawstring or elastic waistbands.

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Skort
Paper Boat Creative / Photodisc / Getty Images
What's the name for this hybrid of a skirt and shorts?
Culotte
Tennis skirt
Skort
Skot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A skort is essentially a miniskirt with an attached pair of shorts. They're popular in women's sports such as tennis and field hockey, and they are often incorporated into athletic uniforms for girls.

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Tulip
123ducu / E+ / Getty Images
This type of skirt is named for a flower. Do you know what it's called?
Daisy
Rose
Marigold
Tulip
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Short, full at the hips and narrow at the hem, this style resembles and an upside-down tulip. Tulip skirts sometimes feature irregular hemlines and/or draped, overlapping panels in the front.

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Tutu
Emir Memedovski / E+ / Getty Images
These skirts are often made of tulle and worn by ballerinas. What are they called?
Wrap
Tiered
Tutu
Flared
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While tulle is the material typically used in ballet, tutus can be made from a range of materials, including nylon, gauze, tarlatan and muslin. They can be made from one uniform piece of material or numerous strands pulled together at the waistline.

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Midi
Digital Vision. / Photodisc / Getty Images
How would you define a midi skirt?
A skirt with a hemline above the knee
A skirt with a hemline between the knee and ankle
A skirt with an adjustable hemline
A skirt that's shorter than a mini skirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As the name suggests, a midi skirt has a length between that of a miniskirt and a maxi skirt. Most midi skirts have hems that fall midway down the calf, somewhere between the knee and ankle.

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Wrap
Montoya Mayo via YouTube
Can you name this simple but stylish skirt, which has no zippers or buttons?
Wrap
Pull-on
Slip
Straight
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This type of skirt is wrapped around the body, usually once or twice, and secured with a tie. Wrap skirts typically fall below the knee and are made from soft, lightweight fabrics.

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Tiered
Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures / Stockbyte / Getty Images
What do you call this type of long, layered skirt?
Tiered
Tall
Flowy
Flower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes called gypsy skirts, tiered skirts are usually knee- or floor-length and have a sweeping, A-line shape. They have horizontal layers of fabric and often feature ruffled hemlines.

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Hoop
duncan1890 / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
This type of skirt was popular during the Victorian era. What's it called?
Barrel
Hoop
Circle
Umbrella
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Worn as undergarments, Victorian hoop skirts featured stiffening agents (such as steel, whalebone or rope) that were sewn directly into the fabric to hold up long skirts. Today, they usually feature nylon hoops and are often worn under wedding gowns.

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Culotte
Jasmina Puri via YouTube
Do you know the name of this funky and flowy skirt/pant combo?
Skort
Palazzo
Culotte
Flared
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Culottes are technically trousers, however, they're cut with very full legs so they resemble a skirt when worn. While they can range in length, modern culottes typically fall just above or below the knee.

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Sheath
Heitor Verdi / Pexels
What's the name of this fitted skirt style?
Sheath
Gored
Miniskirt
Midi skirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Short and sexy, sheath skirts are designed to fit snug against the body and show off the waistline. Their hemlines typically reach anywhere from the middle of the calf to the middle of the thigh.

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Button-up
Elias de Carvalho / Pexels
While you can find this style of skirt in many different fabrics, denim is one of the most popular. Do you know what it's called?
Pleated
Washed
Button-up
Circular
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Featuring a row of buttons either at the front or along the side of the garment, button-up skirts are fun and casual. They feature hemlines that fall just above the knee or above the ankle.

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Skater
Bill Diodato / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This type of skirt is named for a sport. Do you know which one?
Skater
Skiier
Swimmer
Runner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Skater skirts are so named because they resemble the short, flowy skirts worn by professional figure skaters. They're typically made of lightweight materials and always have a hemline well above the knee.

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Asymmetrical
Xuanyu Han / Moment / Getty Images
What is this unevenly hemmed skirt called?
Pleated
Asymmetrical
Straight
Flare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Any skirt with varying lengths can be called an asymmetrical skirt. One of the most popular types is the high-low skirt, which is short in the front (usually the hem falls at or just above the knee) and longer in the back.

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Denim
SVGiles / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know what type of material this skirt is made of?
Wool
Denim
Nylon
Silk
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denim skirts come in all different lengths and shapes, from super-short minis to full-length maxis. They first became popular in the 1970s, when people started to recycle their aged denim jeans and fashion them into skirts.

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Bell-shaped
Drazen_ / E+ / Getty Images
The common name for this style of skirt has a nice ring to it. Can you guess it?
Circle-shaped
Bowl-shaped
Bell-shaped
Triangle-shaped
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Skirts that are bell-shaped flare out slightly over the hips, then fall straight to the knee, mimicking the outline of a bell. They are usually made with heavier fabrics to help them hold their shape.

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Bustled
quavondo / E+ / Getty Images
What do you call a skirt with this bunched-up feature?
Bunchy
Bubbled
Pouffed
Bustled
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While a traditional bustle is usually found on the back of garment, bustle skirts can have this feature on the front, the back or all around the skirt. They are usually long and feature textured materials.

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Dirndl
4FR / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know what this traditional Austrian skirt is called?
Dirndl
Lederhosen
Tracht
Goldhauben
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A dirndl is a skirt that features a tight-fitting bodice and is typically paired with a puffy white top. They were worn by domestic workers in the early 19th century and eventually became popular with the upper class.

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Peasant
Tony Anderson / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Can you tell us the name of this type of maxi skirt?
Peasant
Hippie
Boho
Flowy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Long and pleated, peasant skirts usually feature bright and colorful patterns. They have a loose fit, feature lightweight fabrics and are sometimes made with more than one type of material.

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Sarong
Stockbyte / Stockbyte / Getty Images
This type of skirt is often worn as a cover-up on the beach. What's its name?
Slip
Sarong
Draped
Wrap
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sarong is simply a rectangular piece of fabric worn on the lower half of the body. They usually feature bright, colorful fabrics and are worn around the world, including India, Indonesia and the Arabian Peninsula.

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Petticoat
Metropolitan Museum of Art via WikiCommons
What would you call this old-fashioned undergarment?
Petticoat
Slip coat
Skirt coat
Slip skirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

First worn as underskirts in 16th-century England, petticoats were popular throughout Europe and America well into the 20th century. They were often meant to be seen and designed to be worn with open gowns.

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Gored
@mr.jerry / Moment / Getty Images
Is this a gored skirt or a godet skirt?
Gored
Godet
Neither
Trick question — They're one in the same.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same style of skirt. A godet skirt features a pronounced A-line flare at the hem, while a gored skirt features triangular fabrics inserted into the hemline to give the garment extra movement.

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Jumper
Desi Chic via YouTube
What's the name of this playful skirt?
Overall
Jumper
Pleated
Peplum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A cross between a skirt and a dress, this type of A-line skirt features shoulder straps. Typically worn in the summer, the style first became popular in the United States during the 1920s.

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Peplum
Mey Lynn via YouTube
Can you name this design feature, which is most often incorporated into pencil skirts?
Bustle
Birth
Waistband
Peplum
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Derived from the Greek word for tunic, a peplum refers to a short, slightly flared piece of fabric that wraps around and cinches the waistline. It can be attached to a skirt, a top or a jacket.

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Pegged
lambada / E+ / Getty Images
How would you describe this skirt shape?
Pegged
Pitted
Cinched
Tapered
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A pegged skirt is full at the waist and narrows at the hem, resembling the shape of an upside-down pear or inverted wedge. They're typically formal in style and most often made of cotton, wool, linen or silk.

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Fall - winter skirts
Image Source / Image Source / Getty Images
These types of skirts are made of thick, warm fabric. What are they commonly called?
Cold-weather skirts
Fall/winter skirts
Heavy skirts
Scratchy skirts
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Any skirt that's made of a warm material, such as leather, wool or polyester, can be considered a fall/winter skirt. They're usually pleated and fall just below the knee or at the ankle. They look great with boots!

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Flared
domoyega / E+ / Getty Images
What would you call this extra-wide skirt?
Fitted
Fixed
Pleated
Flared
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Flared skirts are A-line skirts that feature extra width at the hem. They allow for a lot of movement and twirl easily when the wearer spins around. It's best to style this type of skirt with a fitted top to avoid creating a silhouette that's too wide.

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Hobble
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum via YouTube
Can you name this old-timey skirt style, which was popular in the early 1900s?
Hobble
Hibble
Streamlined
Straight
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hobble skirts were named for their very narrow hems, which made it nearly impossible for women to walk properly. Most likely for this reason, this style's popularity fizzled out by World War I.

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Knife pleat
Digital Vision. / Photodisc / Getty Images
Do you know what this style of pleat is called?
Box pleat
Knife pleat
Inverted pleat
Kick pleat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A knife pleated skirt has one inside fold and one outside fold. The pleats are narrow, sharply pressed and layered one over the other so that they face in the same direction. Knife pleated skirts typically have a hemline above the knee.

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Yoke
John Howard / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This type of skirt features a fitted band at the waist. What's its name?
Belted
Yoke
Choke
Flat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A yoke is a fitted band that's placed at the top of a skirt in lieu of a waistband. Instead of sitting up around the waist, yoke-waisted skirts fit right on the waist and go down over the hip.

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Draped
info yonanewyork via YouTube
What would you call this type of skirt?
Slim
Fitted
Draped
Tight
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Draped skirts are similar in shape to tulip skirts, but feature a loose piece of fabric that drapes off one or both sides at waist level. They are usually worn for formal occasions and are popular for their slimming effect.

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Ruffled
Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo / Moment Open / Getty Images
This type of skirt is fun and flowy. What would you call it?
Ruffled
Fitted
Straight
Tulle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

True to their name, ruffled skirts (which are also called flounce skirts) feature lots of frilly ruffles. Often worn as attire for dancing, they usually have hemlines that fall near the ankles, though sometimes they are knee-length.

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Gathered
lechatnoir / E+ / Getty Images
How would you refer to this style of skirt?
Fluffy
Puffy
Gathered
Flowy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A gathered skirt is fashioned from fabric that's drawn together around the waist. They are full and typically fall above the knee, although some styles can reach down to the mid-calf.

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