How to Wear a Wrap Skirt: How to Tie It, What to Wear It With, and 9 Outfits

The short answer: tie it at the natural waist with the overlap at the side, tuck in a close-fitting top, and choose a shoe that suits the length. A wrap skirt adjusts to the body, so it flatters almost every figure; the only thing to get right is the tie. Our favourite this season is the Dries Van Noten Long wrap scarf-skirt, a midi-length silk twill wrap cut from contrasting foulard prints with a side tie. See every style in our wrap skirts edit and the full Dries Van Noten collection.

A wrap skirt is a single panel of fabric that wraps around the body and fastens with a tie, a button and a hook. It descends from the sarong and the pareo, and it is still the most forgiving skirt you can own: it moves with you, adjusts by a few centimetres, and opens into a walking slit. Around 40,000 people search for wrap skirts every month worldwide.

How to tie a wrap skirt

1. Hold the skirt behind you with the inner tie on your left and the outer panel on your right.
2. Pull the inner tie through the opening at the waist and wrap the inner panel across the front.
3. Bring the outer panel across over it, so the overlap sits at your right hip.
4. Tie the two ends in a flat bow at the side, and tuck the bow ends inside if you want a clean line.

If the skirt opens as you walk, move the overlap a few centimetres towards the back, and fix it with a small safety pin on the inside.

9 ways to wear a wrap skirt

1. A silk wrap with a fine knit

The printed silk wrap and a thin roll neck is our autumn favourite. More fabric advice in silk skirts.

2. A mini wrap over opaque tights

A short wrap like the Dries Van Noten Printed wrap skirt, with black tights and a flat boot.

3. With a wrap top

Wrap over wrap, in one colour, makes a dress. See wrap tops for women.

4. With a crisp white shirt

Tucked in, sleeves pushed up. It works for the office with a loafer.

5. Over trousers

A long wrap worn open over slim trousers is a modern take on the sarong.

6. With ballet sneakers

A low, soft shoe suits the movement of a midi wrap. Read ballet sneakers.

7. A leather wrap with a knit

Leather holds its shape; pair it with a chunky sweater, half tucked.

8. A wool wrap with knee boots

The winter version. The slit falls over the boot.

9. A maxi wrap for evening

A satin maxi wrap with a camisole and one ring. More long-skirt styling in how to wear a maxi skirt.

Wrap skirt lengths compared

Our picks

1. Dries Van Noten Long wrap scarf-skirt

Silk twill in patchworked foulard prints, midi length, side tie. Cut as one generous size.

2. Dries Van Noten Printed wrap skirt

The mini version in viscose silk, with a contrast foulard border and side tie.

3. St. Agni Savannah Silk Wrap Skirt in Sand

A plain silk wrap in sand, the neutral to wear with everything.

4. St. Agni Leather Wrap Skirt in Black

Black leather, cut to hold its line. The autumn wrap.

5. Max Mara Divo Wool Wrap Skirt in Dark Grey

Grey wool for the office, lovely with a heeled loafer.

6. LaPointe Satin Wrap Maxi Skirt in Black

A black satin maxi wrap for evening.

7. Toteme Wrap skirt in Black

A minimal black wrap, the most versatile shape here.

8. Alemais Lucena Wrap Skirt

A printed wrap with a summer spirit, for warmer days and travel.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep a wrap skirt from opening?

Tie it at the natural waist with the overlap at the side, not the front. If it still opens, move the overlap slightly towards the back and add a small safety pin on the inside.

What top goes with a wrap skirt?

A close-fitting top tucked in: a fine knit, a bodysuit, a shirt and a wrap top all work. The waist tie is the detail, so keep it visible.

Are wrap skirts flattering?

Yes. Because the waist adjusts and the overlap creates a diagonal line, a wrap skirt flatters most figures, and the slit adds movement.

What shoes go with a wrap skirt?

Ballet flats and ballet sneakers with a midi, flat boots with a mini, and sandals with a maxi. Knee boots work with any wool wrap in winter.

Is a wrap skirt one size?

Many are. A tie wrap adjusts by several centimetres, which is why brands such as Dries Van Noten cut some wrap skirts as one generous size.