Long washed denim skirt, mermaid cut

A maxi skirt in light denim, fitted over the hips then widely flared down to the ankle.

This skirt takes up the mermaid line: it hugs the waist and hips, then opens out from mid-thigh to finish on a generous fullness at the ankle. The hem measures between 151 and 179 cm in circumference depending on the size, which gives movement with every step without hindering your walk.

The denim is non-stretch, light in appearance. The light wash is uneven, stronger on the thighs, which brightens the silhouette and avoids an over-new look. The vertical panel seams structure the flare and hold the shape even after several wears.

The finishes

• Straight waistband with belt loops, zip fastening and button at the front
• Patch pockets at the back
• Tonal topstitching, discreet
• Vertical panel seams at the bottom, which create the flare
• Raw frayed hem, deliberately left unhemmed

How to wear it

The cut calls for a close-fitting top: a ribbed vest, a fitted T-shirt tucked into the waistband, a knotted white shirt. The high waist lengthens the leg — keep it visible. With flat sandals in spring, ankle boots or low trainers in mid-season. Platform heels work well if you are under 1.65 m, the total length running from 94 to 99 cm.

Good to know

The denim contains no elastane: it does not give with wear, but it softens with washing. The frayed hem will lengthen slightly over the first few machine washes — that is the normal behaviour of a raw cut.

Key points

• Mermaid cut fitted over the hips, flaring from mid-thigh
• High waist with belt loops that lengthens the leg
• Uneven light wash, livelier than a plain denim
• Raw frayed hem, a relaxed finish
• Non-stretch denim that holds the skirt's shape
• Eight sizes, from XS to 4XL

Fabric and care

Composition: Non-stretch woven denim, no elastane. Light appearance, uneven light wash obtained in the laundering. Lining: none.

Care: Machine wash at 30 °C, inside out, with similar colours. The first few washes may bleed slightly: wash the skirt on its own to begin with. No bleach. Air dry, hung by the waistband; drum drying is not advised. Iron at medium temperature on the reverse if necessary. The raw hem frays a little with each wash — trim the longest threads with scissors.

Size

Take your usual jeans size. As the denim is not stretch, go first by your hip measurement. Garment measurements taken flat, converted to circumference: XS waist 60 cm, hips 93 cm, length 94 cm. S: 64 / 97 / 95. M: 68 / 101 / 96. L: 72 / 105 / 97. XL: 76 / 109 / 98. 2XL: 80 / 113 / 99. 3XL: 84 / 117 / 99. 4XL: 88 / 121 / 99. Hem circumference from 151 cm in XS to 179 cm in 4XL. Tolerance of 2 to 4 cm depending on the measuring method. If you hesitate between two sizes, or if your hips are close to the upper limit, choose the size up: a waistband is easily taken in, hips are not.

Good to know

• Will the length trail on the ground if I am short? The skirt measures 94 to 99 cm long depending on the size; it falls at the ankle on a height of about 1.68 m. Below 1.62 m, it will skim the floor with flats: wear it with a small heel height, or have it shortened from the waistband by a tailor so the frayed hem is preserved.
• Isn't such a flared skirt difficult to wear day to day? The fullness is concentrated below the knee; the skirt stays close to the body over the hips and thighs. It walks very well. It is the top that makes the difference: keep it fitted and tucked in and the whole thing stays balanced.
• Will the raw hem come apart completely? No. The fraying settles after a few millimetres over the first few washes, the denim weave holding the rest. Simply trim the threads that stick out. Washing inside out in a laundry bag limits it.