Matchbox skirt

nounStandard termTextiles

A straight, heavily structured skirt with a rigid rectangular silhouette.

A matchbox skirt is cut to hang in a strict, boxy shape from the waist to the hem, resembling a rectangle. It relies on heavy, stiff fabrics and precise tailoring, often lacking pleats or significant tapering. The design minimizes the natural curves of the hips to maintain its architectural, straight-up-and-down lines.

Heard on the job

The pattern calls for a heavy wool crepe so the matchbox skirt holds its rectangular shape without collapsing.