Midi skirts – The Perfect Skirt for Travel & Where to Buy One

Last updated: 29 July 2023

Updated. June 2022. The Midi skirt is timeless and perfect so so many occasions. From casual to going out, the Midi is my favourite skirt length because they’re flexible, cross seasonal and versatile.

Midi skirts are also ideal for travel. The length is perfect for destinations with a conservative modest dress like the UAE and parts of Asia. Whether it’s a religious site stop on your itinerary, like a Buddhist temple or a visit to Vatican City, you’ll need to dress in a way that’s both respectable and comfortable enough to wear throughout the rest of the day. This is why I think that the Midi skirt is the perfect travel skirt. 

What’s a Midi Skirt?

Midi skirts typically hit over the knee to mid calf and are not dissimilar to a tea length skirt.  They’re usually loose and flowing, they come in a variety of colours, patterns and cuts from A-line, to accordion pleats to paper bag tie to ruffled to textured-weave.

Midi Skirts for Travel

Good news! There’s no right or wrong way to wear a Midi skirt for travel. Bold colours and graphic prints can make quite a statement. For ultimate comfort flying outfit, a jersey-knit Midi skirt is ideal for long-haul flying when paired with leggings.  

With the right fabric, a Midi skirt can hide a multitude of sins. With a bit of flair, the skirt can skim right over the top of a round tummy, curvier thighs or a bigger bum.  When looking at Midi skirts for travel I opt for crush-resistant fabric, and something with a little stretch for comfort. Patch or inseam pockets are all important and often a rare find.

How to Wear a Midi Skirt?

The answer depends on your body shape.

For most body shapes be sure to define the waist, so opt for a tucked in t-shirt or a structured blouse. Some statement jewellery and a nice pair of heels can take most Midi skirts from day to night without much fuss.  

Specifically for travel, finding a shoe that is comfortable and pain-free that you can wear all day is more important than how it looks.  If you can find one that ticks both boxes then even better. Erring on the side of practicality, I prefer to pair my Midi skirt with some sneakers. A more polished and summery look would be with open toe block heels, patent or espadrilles wedges. For a low heel or flat, a cute sandal would also work.  

Length of your Midi skirt is tricky as it’s more personal. To avoid being cut off, petite ladies should opt for a length just below the knee, whereas taller ladies can afford to wear them slightly longer to the calf.  

Things to Consider when Choosing a Midi Skirt for Travel?

Whilst the Midi skirt is the ideal travel skirts, there are some considerations to be aware of. Some natural fibres and lightweight materials can be transparent in the light. Test it thoroughly by standing in front of a lamp or pack a slip to be on the safe side.  

Button front skirts are cute and on trend however there is the inherent risk of busting a button.

Similar challenges can be faced with a wrap skirt.  A strong gust of wind and your conservative wrap skirt can suddenly become quite revealing.   In these cases, double-sided fashion tape can be your best friend.

Where to Buy a Midi Skirt?

As a plus size woman I have a few high street favourite shops to buy Midi skirts.

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ASOS

ASOS, As Seen On Screen, is a mammoth marketplace in the online retail space.

The site is comprised of smaller boutiques showcasing well known brands alongside indie and up-and-coming brands.  The user-experience online is sleek and tailored to the buyer. Search by length, style, brand, size and cut at the click of a button.

Boohoo 

Boohoo is a leading online retailer in providing budget-conscious trend-led fashion. Taking inspiration from celebrity style, Boohoo is well known for its price-savvy designs.

Boohoo also carries a plus size range with sizes 16 to 24 in a range of styles that are super affordable.

As with most deliveries, if you need express shipping then you will pay more than standard delivery. If you become a regular Boohoo customer, consider the Premier service which for a single fee provides unlimited UK next day delivery, unlimited UK standard delivery, unlimited next day collection and free returns.

Debenhams

Often overlooked as an expensive option,  shopping at Debenhams doesn’t have to cost a lot. Home to numerous brands including their own range The Collection, Debenhams has Midi skirts in a vast selection of sizes. 

Dorothy Perkins 

Known for their trend-led pieces, Dorothy Perkins, or Dotty P as it’s often referred to, is sure to stock the Midi skirt of your dreams in a variety of colours and styles. In addition to its main range, it also offers dedicated plus size collections in sizes 6 to 28.

Evans

Finally! A high street retailer dedicated to the plus size market that’s designed for the modern and younger woman. Welcome Evans! At Evans you can shop stylish plus size clothing in sizes ranging from 14 up to 32.

F&F

The clothing brand for Britain’s biggest retailer, Tesco have a great range of women’s clothing in a range of sizes from 6 to 22.

For the most part, F&F is true to size. Sadly in 2018, Tesco removed F&F from its online shopping platform. Acquiring F&F is now via in store only. 

George by ASDA

Yet another large scale supermarket selling clothing.  ASDA does facilitate online shopping although there is a delivery fee or free click and collect if there’s one conveniently located to you.

H&M

Swedish company is known for its insanely-low prices and trendy styles. It’s a go-to destination on the British high street, H&M has most items you will need from your Midi skirt to basic T-shirts.

While H&M do have a plus size range online with sizes ranging from 16-28 but I find the range limited so I’ve had little success. H&M is a good high street option if you’re petite or average size. Any bigger than a size 16, I suggest you look elsewhere.

La Redoute

French fashion at the click of a button with effortlessly chic style. At La Redoute you can expect to find an enormous range shape, colour and styles with sizes ranging from 6-20 in standard and 14-30 in plus size.

Matalan 

The style and range of Matalan has improved in the last few years. Available online and in-store, I find their sizing a bit inconsistent so I prefer to shop online and buy the same piece in multiple sizes.

Prices are very reasonable, usually from £10. Click and collect is free otherwise minimum order of £40 is required for free standard home delivery.

Marks & Spencer (M&S) 

There are few things more British than Marks and Sparks, the major British multinational retailer.

Marks & Spencer’s have maintained a focus on selling high-value, premium products to customers across the UK. Certainly while they’re not the cheapest retailer in this list, they have a quality product and fabulous sales you should watch out for!

Primark

It’s not possible to list all these high street retailers without mentioning Primark. The home of fast fashion, Primark has 350 stores in eleven countries across Europe and America. If you need an emergency Midi skirt, Primark is sure to have something in stock in your size.

Sadly, Primark doesn’t have an online store.

Shein

I like Shein because they have a great selection of midi skirts in a huge range of sizes, including plus size up to 5XL. You do get £3 off your first order, and they also offer a 15% discount for students.

The downside is you have to pay for shipping (unless your order is over £35 then it’s free), and returns which costs a flat rate of £2.50 for a parcel under 20kg.

Sustainable and Affordability

In this era of sustainability we want to consider the impact of fast fashion. Understanding that affordable high street pieces may come and go in a single season and that does have an impact on our planet.  However, as someone whose weight fluctuates, I don’t always have the luxury of maintaining a classic pieces year on year. To combat my own impact, I tend to opt for a mix of classic and statement pieces that cross seasons and pair with existing pieces in my wardrobe.

Let’s Talk About Chafing

Whether you’re voluptuous or pencil thin, most women experience chafing or chub-rub when wearing skirts, especially in summer. Moisture and friction simply isn’t a good combination however there are a few things you can do to manage this:

Tights/Leggings

Granted this is not always practical or desirable in summer, a layer of tights can provide the barrier you need to prevent thigh chafing.

Chafing Shorts

Long before Spanx hit the mainstream market, shapewear manufacturers have been selling chafing shorts. I suggest you opt for a size larger than your normal to get the benefits of thigh protection without feeling like you’re stuffed into a sausage casing.

Bandelettes

These are lacy thigh bands that act as a physical barrier.  With silicone adhesive, Bandelettes are not meant to slip and should leave you feeling chafe-free. The ones I’ve tried so far, haven’t worked successfully.

Spray

Are you determined to go barrier free? There are products which imitate the physical barrier of tights. Smoovall spray is a skin contract spray. Spray on your thighs like an aerosol deodorant, let it dry, and you’re chafe free. I have tested it and with a generous application it does work for a while but not all day. This would be a great option for a date or where chafing shorts might not be suitable.

Bepanthen

Bepanthen is a well-known nappy rash cream. An ointment designed for infants (and for those recovering from a recent tattooing session – Russ advises me) so you know it’s going to be gentle. Dab a small amount on your chafing hotspots and it should protect your skin throughout the day.

Vaseline

Quite honestly, this option is not a personal favourite of mine, although I know some girls swear by the slip and slide method. Lathering Vaseline on opposing thighs and letting the Vaseline act as a barrier throughout the day. Be mindful that any excess product can make its way onto your skirt and leave a visible greasy mark.

Final Thoughts

Midi skirts are ideal for travel. If you think packing a skirt for travel sounds a bit nutty, think again. From day to night, dress it up, or dress it down.  A Midi skirt is current, flattering, creating an instant hourglass shape.