Stylish Sustainable Skirts: Buying Guide & Inspiration

There’s something iconic about skirts, from unforgettable ones in pop culture (like Cher’s pleated skirt in Clueless or Madonna’s poofy tulle looks) to how they instantly elevate a basic outfit.

In fact, here in the Netherlands, we even have Rokjesdag (literally “skirt day”) when it’s finally warm enough to wear them with bare legs!

But if you’re interested in sustainable skirts, then the next step isn’t purchasing whatever’s trending or the first polyester fast fashion piece that grabs your attention: it’s understanding what makes them ethical, so you can find the right ones for you.

Start from my simple guide to sustainable skirts.

The right mindset to embrace sustainable skirts

Instead of buying lots of throwaway pieces you’re only going to wear a couple of times, I highly recommend investing in fewer sustainable skirts that:

• Were made ethically by brands that care about their workers and the planet
• Are higher-quality and made to last
• Go with the tops you already own
• Allow you to create lots of outfits
• Are timeless and match your style (so, you can see yourself rewearing them +30 times)

Psst: this will also save you money in the long run!

5 things to keep in mind when shopping for ethical skirts

• How skirts fit into your lifestyle – No point buying a pencil skirt if you’re planning on cycling to work! So, when and where do you usually wear skirts?
• Your fashion style – Do you like a specific aesthetic (like cottagecore or dark academia), colours and palettes, or overall vibes (like feminine or vintage)?  
• Your existing wardrobe – First of all, you might already have a beautiful skirt you forgot about. Secondly, when buying new ones, look for those that work well with the items (especially tops) you already own
• Sustainable fabrics for skirts – Consider avoiding virgin polyester and other synthetic fabrics, but at the same time, remember that natural doesn’t automatically mean eco-friendly (for example, fast fashion cotton is full of pesticides and terrible for the planet).
  Overall:
  - Breathable and versatile fabrics like organic cotton and linen can work well for most skirts
  - Responsible wool is ideal for winter and for pencil, straight, and pleated sustainable skirts in particular
  - Recycled materials are another eco-friendly option, especially for synthetic ones
  - For leather skirts: look for vegetable-tanned leather that was actually a by-product, or for vegan alternatives, avoid PVC (the worst for the planet)
• How that skirt was made – Fabrics aside, is that fashion brand telling you where and by whom their clothes were made (or are they hiding sweatshops)? Are they using toxic dyes and chemicals? What else are they (not) doing to reduce their environmental footprint? On Project Cece, you can browse hundreds of ethical clothing brands!

Types of skirts: finding the right ones for you

Let me be clear: 

• There are many more types of skirts (ra-ra, high-low, with peplum… and that’s without considering folk, traditional ones from cultures around the world!) but I didn’t want to overwhelm you 
• Some overlap (for example, a mini skirt can also be pleated), but to make things easier, I divided them by length, silhouette, and ‘other’

Now, let’s jump (or twirl) into the actual guide!

Types of skirts by length

Mini skirt

These skirts sit above the knees, usually mid-thigh level. This summer, I fell in love with skirts à la Rachel from Friends: they look so classy and made me feel really feminine.

Best for: warm weather, casual outfits, bold statements

Knee-length skirt

Pretty self-explanatory, except these skirts usually fall either just above or below the knee.

Best for: workwear, comfort (especially walking), to easily dress an outfit up or down

Midi skirt

These skirts fall between the knee and ankle, usually mid-calf. 

Best for: workwear, both casual and smart outfits, dressier looks

Maxi skirt

These long skirts reach the ankle or even closer to the floor.

Best for: more feminine, bohemian, or dressier looks. I also find it easier to cycle in them

Types of skirts by silhouette 

A-line skirt

Whether shorter or longer, these skirts are fitted around the waist and gradually widen towards the hem, creating an A shape.

Best for: versatile everyday outfits

Pencil skirt

Tighter and close-fitting. While you can find shorter and longer ones too, pencil skirts usually fall around or below the knee.

Best for: workwear, smarter and more polished outfits

Straight skirt

Instead of widening or narrowing dramatically, it falls relatively straight from the waist to its hem.

Best for: minimal and versatile outfits, or for anyone who prefers a simple streamlined shape

Other types of skirts

Pleated skirt

With regular folds of fabric running down the skirt, it creates both texture and movement.

Best for: adding volume 

Tiered skirt

Involving various horizontal sections, they usually become wider towards the bottom.

Best for: relaxed, casual, and bohemian looks

Wrap skirt

Usually fastened with a button, tie, or other closures, it literally wraps around your body.

Best for: adjustable comfort and versatility, or to highlight your shapes

Getting the most out of your sustainable skirts

What makes skirts sustainable isn’t just how they were made: how we use them matters, too!

For example, rewearing them for 9 extra months will reduce their carbon and water footprint by 20-30%. So:

• Get creative by pairing up your ethical skirts with more tops – Don’t stop at the most obvious ones, like white t-shirts and black turtlenecks. Think of unusual clothing combinations like midi skirt + band t-shirt, long skirt + basic top + crochet vest, short pleated skirt + hoodie, and my all-time favourite: tucking a dress into a skirt to obtain a “new” top
• Wear the same skirt during different seasons – For example, if you add warm woollen tights, mini skirts aren’t just for summer 

Finding the right sustainable skirts for you on Project Cece

Now that you know exactly what types of ethical skirts to look for, you might be wondering “Where can I find them?”

Easy: right here!

At Project Cece, we brought hundreds of fair trade brands in one place, with categories and filters to simplify your choice.

Finding the right sustainable skirts for your style, budget, and preferences is now seamless.

Start shopping (mindfully)

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