maxiskirt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Neutral to formal; used primarily in fashion, retail, and historical fashion contexts.
Quick answer
What does “maxiskirt” mean?
A long skirt extending to the ankle or mid-calf.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long skirt extending to the ankle or mid-calf.
A fashion style originating in the late 1960s as a counterpoint to the miniskirt, often associated with bohemian, hippie, or retro fashion; also used to describe long formal or evening skirts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood and used in both varieties, though historically it might have appeared slightly earlier in British fashion journalism.
Connotations
Carries connotations of late 1960s/1970s fashion revival, festival wear, or modest/boho-chic style.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation; higher frequency in fashion/retail contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “maxiskirt” in a Sentence
She wore [a maxiskirt]The [maxiskirt] was made of chiffonThey are bringing back the [maxiskirt]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maxiskirt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She maxiskirted her way through the festival, a vision of 70s chic.
American English
- They were totally maxiskirting at the concert, all flowy fabrics and sandals.
adverb
British English
- The model walked maxiskirtedly down the catwalk, the fabric swaying.
American English
- She dressed maxiskirt-ly for the outdoor wedding.
adjective
British English
- The maxiskirt silhouette dominated the autumn collections.
American English
- She's got a great maxiskirt vibe with that hat and those boots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail and marketing: 'Our new summer collection features several bohemian-inspired maxiskirts.'
Academic
Used in fashion history and cultural studies: 'The maxiskirt emerged as a direct sartorial response to the youthquake and mini fashion of the mid-1960s.'
Everyday
Used when describing clothing: 'I'm looking for a comfortable maxiskirt for the beach holiday.'
Technical
Used in pattern-making and garment specification: 'The maxiskirt pattern requires 3 metres of 150cm wide fabric.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maxiskirt”
- Confusing 'maxiskirt' with 'midi skirt' (which is calf-length).
- Using 'maxiskirt' as an adjective (e.g., 'a maxiskirt dress' is incorrect; use 'maxi dress').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'maxi dress' is a full-length dress, while a 'maxiskirt' is a separate garment, a skirt that is ankle or floor length.
It first peaked in popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It has had periodic revivals, notably in the early 2010s and in festival fashion.
Maxiskirts are often recommended for taller figures as they can elongate the line. However, choosing a high waistline, vertical prints, or sleek fabrics can make them flattering for many body types.
Yes. While often associated with casual or bohemian style, maxiskirts made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or with intricate beading are common in evening and formal wear.
A long skirt extending to the ankle or mid-calf.
Maxiskirt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæksiˌskɜːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæksiˌskɝːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From maxi to mini (covering the full range of lengths)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAXIskirt has MAXImum length.
Conceptual Metaphor
LENGTH IS VERTICAL EXTENT / FASHION IS A PENDULUM (swinging between mini and maxi extremes).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best definition of a maxiskirt?