Demand for women’s skirts is bolstered by product innovations and trendy designs. The autumn/winter 2022/23 season will see customers placing more emphasis on skirts that are comfortable and casual. These are the trendy key items in women’s skirts businesses should make note of for the coming season.
Table of Contents
What influences the women’s skirts market this season?
Key items in skirts for autumn/winter 2022/23
Customers demand versatility in women’s skirts
What influences the women’s skirts market this season?
Globally, the dresses and skirts segment of the women’s clothing market is estimated to reach a value of USD 218.5 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2022 to 2028. The skirts segment is expected to see significant growth over the forecast period, registering the highest CAGR of 5.7% from 2022 to 2028.
Demand in the women’s skirts segment is driven by customers who are showing a greater appreciation for the aesthetics and practicality of skirts. While the polyester segment contributed the largest revenue share of 45.0% in 2021, the cellulosic segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.5% from 2022 to 2028. Cellulosic fiber is made from the processing of cotton or wood pulp and can be used to create fabrics such as denim, corduroy, muslin, and organza. With increasing environmental concern and awareness in the market, materials made from cellulosic fiber may be more attractive among customers as an eco-friendly textile.
Key items in skirts for autumn/winter 2022/23
Pencil skirt
For the autumn and winter season, pencil skirts are moving away from their workwear connotations and being reimagined with a comfortable and casual interpretation. Pencil skirts are slim-fitting skirts that generally reach to the knee and can either hang straight down or taper towards the hem.
The most popular silhouette this season will be a pencil skirt with a streamlined straight cut that is easy to wear across many different occasions. Trendy details like high slits, paneling, or shorter lengths will allow customers to effortlessly pair their pencil skirts with simple tank tops or camisoles.
As fashion trends continue to be influenced by the 1990s and 2000s, pencil skirts in knit or stretchy materials can appeal to comfort-focused customers. Stretchy materials will also be a great choice for businesses promoting size-inclusive styles for a wide range of body types. Other important eco-friendly textiles will be leather alternatives or upcycled materials.
Miniskirt
Following the success of Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2022 microskirt, the miniskirt continues to be ubiquitous across catwalks, street style, and fashion editorials. Miniskirts are skirts that have hemlines several inches above the knee. They can be designed as form-fitting, straight cut, or A-line.
According to WGSN, short skirt styles saw an increase in retail over the past year, accounting for a 20.7% share within the market. Consistent with the revival of the 1990s and early noughties in fashion, short lengths will be key for young and trend-driven customers.
A variety of different lengths and styles will make miniskirts versatile enough for multiple occasions. Micro lengths can be produced from knit or corduroy fabrics in a neutral color for a contemporary look, while details like pleats, metallic finishes, and 1960s-inspired button fronts will be key for making miniskirts appealing to a wider customer base.
Wrap skirt
Wrap skirts are resonating in retail and on catwalks thanks to their easy-to-wear appeal. A wrap skirt is a skirt that fastens around the waist with a tie and hangs down around the legs. The wrapping usually overlaps so the skirt does not open when walking. Wrap skirts are commonly three-quarters in length, but shortened lengths are becoming relevant for autumn/winter 2022/23.
Front wrap skirts are a great all-rounder that can be worn across multiple seasons and occasions. For casual everyday wear, delicate draping on mini lengths and pencil cuts will give a more relaxed feel. Long wrap skirts are suitable for career wear, while revealing wraps, bright colors, hardware, or soft prints can transform wrap skirts into partywear. Women may also find wrap skirts in sheer fabrics or textured materials to be elegant pieces for holiday ensembles.
Full skirt
As peasant skirts start to lose popularity this season, full skirts are beginning their dominance on runways and in street style. A full skirt is a long skirt that gathers at the waist and hangs down around the legs.
Full skirts with voluminous bubble hems and asymmetrical pleats will look contemporary, while feminine designs in soft colors, fabrics, and prints will appear more carefree. To tap into the 1970s bohemian trend, customers may be interested in other fabrics like leather or denim. Women can also pair full skirts with simple knit tops, tailored jackets, and ankle boots for a refined look suitable during work events or evening dinners.
Long skirt
In contrast to the miniskirt trend, long skirts inspired by 1990s silhouettes are also influencing the fashion industry. A long skirt is designed to end below the middle of the calf and above the ankle and can range from narrow to wide. This season, customers may even seek out floor length skirts for a longer profile.
For younger customers, simple and long slip skirts in silk or satin will be easily paired with white sneakers for a casual look. Slim-cut denim column skirts will be a modernized version of grunge dressing for trendy customers, while long skirts with exaggerated volume through pleats and gathered seams along the side will offer a more feminine attitude. A sheer long skirt with soft pleats will also be a versatile option for businesses catering to a wide selection of ages and body shapes.
Customers demand versatility in women’s skirts
As women seek out opportunities to attend social events again, there are several key items in women’s skirts for the autumn and winter 2022/23 season. Both miniskirts and long skirts will allow women to play with length, while the main appeal of pencil skirts, wrap skirts, and full skirts will be their volume, texture, and print.
This season, women demand pieces that will allow their wardrobe to easily transition between all the events in their busy schedules. They may have an appreciation for skirts that demonstrate versatility and comfort.
The key to being successful in women’s clothing is to offer a variety of new items each season. Therefore, it is important for businesses to continue experimenting with trendy items to ensure they remain relevant in the industry.
