Denim maxi skirts are everywhere – but can you walk in them?
Photo: Sarah Brick. Hair & make-up: Carl Stanley
I love denim, I love a maxi skirt, so why am I not all over the latest full-length craze? I’ll tell you why… In the 1990s, I had a Levi’s maxi skirt which seemed absolutely perfect in the shop but whenever I tried to walk anywhere, it felt like I was dressed in a pair of heavy, denim curtains. There is a reason why the hobble skirt got it’s name… In the early 20th century, the fashion for long, narrow skirts that allowed only the smallest steps was denounced by the media (and apparently, the Pope). The Levi’s maxi did have a split but it still impeded my movement (there’s no point giving us pockets if we’re not able to walk), and so, after some serious shuffling, ended up at the charity shop.
Here’s my advice for buying a denim skirt you can walk in, this season :
If you’re going full-length, choose a skirt with shape.
The organic cotton, fishtail skirt from Raey at Matchesfashion.com looks like a style for striding out in. As does Linda Rodin’s gorgeous denim maxi. Meanwhile Arket’s version has a gathered elasticated waist and a side slit. Avoid anything too straight-up-and-down, like an elongated, denim pencil skirt. (What is it about those last four words that makes you think this garment will be easy to walk in?) Instead look for A-line and circle skirts; styles with godets, panels or pleats. Basically, if it ain’t got that swing, give the denim maxi the sling.
Go midi not maxi
Just below the knee or midi length allows more room for manoeuvre. The A-line style is perennially chic; see Soeur (HERE and HERE), Toast and Seasalt. While Boden has a panelled midi that flares out at the hem. This version from Finery has the fashionable raw edges without the leg-swaddling length. And, button-front denim skirts are another option, there’s a lovely one at Sézane. I also like reworked designs that give the impression they’re made from an old pair of jeans. In the 1980s, I actually successfully transformed a pair of balloon-shaped jeans into a knee-length denim skirt. Just giving myself a pat on the back…
Find a lighter-weight denim
Part of the issue with the denim maxi is that your legs are swathed in rigid fabric and so obviously, movement is restricted. Even if there is a front or back split. Chambray and lighter-weight denims are more flexible, and more prevalent during the summer months (though I have spotted a couple of chambray midis, this season). Rather than buying something new, I’m going to style-up this bias cut, circle skirt from a previous collaboration. Watch this space.
Please let me know if you’ve found a denim maxi skirt you can walk in….
Here’s my selection of non-hobble skirts:
That’s Not My Age is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
STYLE NOTES
The skirt I’m wearing is by Mud Jeans, loaned from Gather & See. We could only get hold of the sample size for the shoot, which was a bit small for me. The jury’s out on walkability, I would have to try it in the right size. The cardigan was a thank you gift from Genevieve Sweeney. My ankle boots are an old pair bought in the Tod’s sale. And I’m going to be talking about the bag, shortly.
Discussion (33 Comments)
Adrienne Wyper says:
I bought an A-line long midi denim skirt about two weeks before the first lockdown, from John Lewis, Kin. The denim is thick but I can walk in it
Excellent! I think I know someone else with the same skirt… And what a shame Kin at John Lewis no longer exists.
Nicola says:
I thought you were wearing wide legged jeans when I first looked. “Alyson looks nice” I thought, and you do, but for me it’s a no because the maxi skirt veers into faff dressing – impedes walking, running for the train, or riding a bike ( not that I have ridden a bike in 25 years but you do!).
The denim maxi definitely veers into faff dressing – I should’ve mentioned that, Nicola!
Aniya says:
I’ve seen they are very popular atm but just don’t suit me, even tho I’m 5’ 9 – I opted for a “just below the knee” midi skirt from Roman (not my usual choice of make) however it’s a no frills and plain skirt just as I wanted, slight stretch & no splits. I ended up buying 2 as the indigo was lovely so purchased the lighter denim distressed one which was reduced. I bought them on a well known online next day delivery company. Couldn’t be happier, cheap & cheerful!
Helen Long says:
Thanks for this great suggestion, Aniya – mine (I chose the ‘Denim’ colour) arrived this morning and it’s fantastic! I’m also 5’ 9” and it just comes to my knee. Lots of stretch and easy to stride out in. Pockets too!
I’ve also ordered the black one now, it’s becoming a bit of an addiction! The fit is perfect, so why not. Glad you’re enjoying too!
I have the pale blue one now too – you’re right, it’s becoming a bit of an addiction!
Jayne says:
Hi Alyson,
I bought my A line, denim midi from Sea Salt. It buttons at the side and has good pockets. It’s very easy to walk in and comfortable to wear. I have been very pleased with it through, not so hot times, this summer. I plan to wear it with cotton/wool tights for autumn and winter.
JayneKyle says:
There is a fantastic skirt from Tibi, a NYC label. It is comfortable and everyone I pass on the street compliments me on it. I also have it in parachute fabric for summer—they are my “one [ok, two] and done!”
Wendy says:
I remember exactly the same problem years ago – my skirt ended up in the charity shop too ! I found a black denim skirt in Tesco, it passed the test of taking wide strides when trying on!
Sara says:
In between the walking issue and my shape, I think this is a style I’ll be swerving. Maxi length better on me than midi, but all my (several) really long skirts are swishy or sunray pleated. I can run and jump in them- when I’ve a mind to! Regrettably no denim as I love a really dark one, but all those which allow ease of movement will make me look as if I’m wearing a barrel, or, indeed, am a barrel. You look so good in the top photo Alyson, I will just have to have denim envy from afar.
Brenda McPolin says:
I love the beautiful cardigan. Do you know if navy is a current colour as I don’t see it on her website?
Hi Brenda, The navy cardigan is no longer available but Genevieve has a deep blue colour arriving in a couple of weeks.
Sarah Knight says:
I love my knee length Toast A-line denim skirt, which luckily still fits that I reckon I have had for about 15 or more years! I usually only wear it Autumn/Winter with tights, boots/loafers. The A-line style suits me as I am only 5ft 3ins!
Catherine in Oz says:
I have a lightweight Kemi Telford denim skirt: eight gore, gathered onto a wide elastic waistband, lots of swish… and pockets! It was pretty-well full-length but I had it shortened to midi-maxi. (Midaxi?). I love this skirt to bits. Looks fab with a cropped jumper or cardi and when I wear it with a tucked in shirt, I feel like a million bucks. Can definitely walk in this skirt! Plus I found it on eBay! Lucky duck me.
PS that was after reading about Kemi Telford in one of your posts – thank you, Alyson!
Sara says:
I bought this one from Crew in the spring – it is much longer than the pictures on me as I am 5 foot 3 it is really comfortable and easy to wear
https://www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing-and-accessories/womens-dresses-and-skirts/denim-skirt-blue-wti019/I have a lighter weight denim Kemi Telford skirt which I love to bits – eight gore, gathered onto wide elastic waistband, lots of swish and… pockets! It was full length but I had it shortened to just past mid-calf (midaxi?). You can definitely walk in this skirt, though there is always the urge to dance. Looks fab with a short jumper or cardi. With a tucked-in shirt, I feel like a million bucks. Plus I found it on eBay, lucky me.
Thanks to you, Alyson, I read about Kemi Telford right here and also have a gorgeous cotton patterned skirt. And one of her “Solid Gold” jumpers. So much fun.Diana Moss says:
Have a look at Kate Barton, lots of gorgeous denim. I’ve just ordered the pinafore dress.
Beverley Etherington says:
I have one heavy denim full length flared skirt and one lighter denim full length straight skirt with a short split front and back. I walk the dogs in both. Does that make me weird?
bev says:
Nope – not for me. Too crunchy, restrictive and hobbly. Noisy too! My seventies iterations made me feel like a nobbled ship in full sail. I’ll stick to my super long pleated skirts in softer, body friendly fabrics.
Elke says:
Some great ideas for wearable versions of the denim maxi/midi, thank you Alyson. I’m amongst the growing army of sew your own, and you’ve just inspired me to make one of the A line versions!
Lorraine Hardy says:
Alison, you and this community of fabulous women have encouraged me to buy the Seasalt skirt. I feel quite excited to see how I can style a denim skirt when the last time I wore one was in the 70’s!
Patrish says:
Been there, done that. I can still feel the weight and the uncomfortable awkward flapping feeling.
However, I am glad to know that it’s not just me!
Think I will stick with my oversized bell bottoms and all the other varieties of jeans in my closet. I am just not a skirt person.Jane says:
Great post! I live in my Toast (soft) denim A line long skirts. Great in summer with bare legs and in winter with long woolly socks (never wear tights) and boots. They’re v good and sturdy and each year, they have a slightly different version. Looking forward to reading everyone else’s comments.
I did have a fabulous fishtail type skirt from Marithé Francois Girbaud, but it got worn to death and eventually had to go.
I LOVE the Linda Wright equivalent but it’s beyond my budget, sadly ☹️Debs C says:
I have an old Boden / old East denim skirt and both are straightish, with an a line leaning, if that makes sense, so a little more flattering on a tummy! They were also purchased at charity shops, so bargains too. What about Community Clothing? I have their jeans and wondered about their skirts https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-skirts
lizzie g says:
I have midi jean denim skirts slit in the back, no issue at all moving, and when i sit down they doesnt have any issues that a slit in the front or button down front has. And two wrap denim skirts narrower than A line but can move easy.
All have great pockets, good weight for all seasons.
Not up for maxi length though for a life that includes walking… soggy hems etc,Sarah P says:
Good advice! I’ve had 2 denim pencil skirts in the past and neither was comfortable enough to get much wear before being passed on to a charity shop.
Madeleine says:
I have a fabulous old (probably bought nearly 10 years ago) Whistles denim midi skirt. It is a beautiful soft denim with an a-line skirt and a front zip that runs the whole way down the skirt. I do love it but am always wondering what footwear to wear with it at 5’2” and now 70 years old!!! Answers on a postcard please!
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Useful guidance here. Thanks Alyson. As you suggest I would only consider one with some ease in the skirt, an A-line or fuller. I’m unsure whether to get onboard with this. I wore them and denim dresses in the 70s as a student. What I do have at the back of the wardrobe instead are dark denim culottes with a midi length. Attractive and useful with a nod to this look. My newer investment this past year were more slouchy wide leg jeans. Found the right weight and darker denim at Fat Face. A good source for affordable denim of good quality I’ve found.