The Best Houndstooth and Plaid Skirts

Buying Guide

Traditional houndstooth textile patterns feature small, broken checks in rows of different colors or abstract, four-pointed shapes. The iconic pattern is often seen in black and white or other neutral colors (like brown and gray) — but these days, the sky’s the limit. You can find any color of the rainbow and more in houndstooth patterns, and the checks may come in a variety of shapes.

Houndstooth is also referred to as plaid, but it is not really the same thing. Instead, Houndstooth is categorized as a check pattern. The two most similar textile patterns to houndstooth are Glen plaid and shepherd’s check.

Plaid and check patterns have always looked good on skirts of all lengths, but they are quite trendy for shorter skirts. People wear them to work and for play, and you can easily dress them both up and down. You can pair a houndstooth skirt with a silk top or a tank top and still look great. Some styles are much more body-conscious than others, but they can be made with flexible fabrics that feel quite comfortable.

Love Plaid? Check out top picks for plaid scarves.

Pencil skirts feature straight, narrow cuts and hems that fall below the knee. Look for ones that are made with cotton and Spandex so you can stay comfortable all day long. Circle skirts have hemlines near the knee and offer a more retro look. Miniskirts obviously have less fabric and usually fall high above the knee; they are the opposite of maxi skirts, which sweep the ground. A-line skirts are usually fitted at the hip and widen gradually down towards their hems.

Back and front zippers are generally easier to use than side zippers, but the latter can provide a smoother-looking fit. Or, you might look for a skirt with an elasticized waist to provide extra comfort and flexibility.

• Although houndstooth and plaid used to have stuffy reputations, anything goes these days and you can wear them however you like.
• Always check the manufacturer’s size chart before buying skirts (or any other kinds of clothing) online. Your best bet is to measure your hips and waist and match your measurements up with theirs. You should also check reviews to find out how others with your height and general shape fill the clothing item in question.
• Some skirts stretch and others do not. If you want your skirt to be more comfortable, look for styles that feature Spandex, polyester and cotton.