Unstitched suits · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read
How much fabric for a long or flared skirt?
How much fabric for a long skirt: metres for straight, A-line, gathered, panelled and circle maxi skirts by length and fabric width, in metres and yards.
InspirationAnswer first
A straight long skirt usually needs about 2.25 metres (2.5 yards) of 44 to 45 inch fabric, or about 1.25 metres of 58 to 60 inch fabric. Flared and gathered maxi skirts need more: roughly 2.5 to 3.25 metres on the narrower width and 1.5 to 2.25 metres on the wider one. A full circle skirt at maxi length needs 4 metres or more even on wide cloth.
All of these assume a waist-to-hem length of about 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm), which is ankle length on most women, and hips up to about 42 inches (107 cm).
Amounts by skirt shape
The shape decides how wide each piece is, and that decides whether the pieces sit side by side or in rows:
- Straight or column, with a slit: about 2.25 m on 44 inch fabric; about 1.25 m on 58 inch.
- A-line: about 2.5 m; about 1.5 to 2 m.
- Gathered at about twice the hip: about 2.25 to 2.5 m; about 2.25 m.
- Very full gathers, or tiers: about 3 to 3.5 m; about 2.5 to 3 m.
- Panelled, six to eight panels: about 2.5 to 3 m; about 2 m.
- Full circle: 4 m or more on wide fabric, and it usually needs seams in the skirt itself.
Why width makes such a difference
A straight skirt is cut as a front and a back, each a little over half your hip measurement. On wide fabric both fit across, so one length plus a waistband is enough. On 44 inch fabric they do not, so you buy two lengths. Every extra inch of skirt length therefore costs two inches of narrower cloth, and only one of wider cloth.
Gathered skirts behave differently. They are made of straight rectangles, and what matters is how many fabric widths you need to reach the fullness. On 44 inch cloth, two widths give about 84 inches round, roughly twice a 42 inch hip. Wide fabric gets there with fewer seams but rarely in fewer lengths. Our article on gathers and pleats explains the ratios, and fabric widths explained converts the widths.
Waistband, lining and the hem
Allow about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) for a straight waistband, or less for an elasticated casing cut in one with the skirt. Deep hems on heavy fabric and hem facings on curved skirts take a little more.
A long skirt in thin or pale fabric usually needs lining. The lining rarely copies a full flare; a slimmer A-line is common, which our article on lining for flared pieces covers.
Ordering a long skirt
Skirts are among the Western pieces we make to measure, and our guide to made-to-measure dresses and skirts lists what to ask for. If you plan to wear one with a kurta, see fusion outfits. With Fabric + Stitching we supply the cloth and work out the amount; send your waist, hips, length and a photo of the shape through a Fabric + Stitching quote.
Common questions
Is 2 metres enough for a maxi skirt?
On 58 to 60 inch fabric, 2 metres covers most straight, A-line and lightly gathered maxi skirts. On 44 to 45 inch fabric it is usually just short for an ankle-length skirt, unless you are petite.
How much fabric for a long skirt in yards?
About 2.5 yards of 44 to 45 inch fabric for a straight long skirt, and about 2.75 to 3.5 yards for flared or gathered styles. On 58 to 60 inch fabric, about 1.4 yards is enough for a straight skirt.
Does a long skirt need a slit?
A straight skirt does, or it will restrict your stride; a back or side slit, or a kick pleat, gives the room. A-line, gathered and circle skirts have enough width at the hem without one.
