It's True—the Cotton Poplin Skirt Trend Just Replaced My Jeans

published 1 May 2024

To my jeans, I'm sorry, we've had a good run, but I think we need a break. I've worn you every day for about four-months straight, and while I'll always come back to you when I'm in need a reliable and quick outfit solution, for the sake of my style and my editor status, I need to think about broadening my horizons.

Cotton Skirt Trend: @michellelin.lin wears a black cotton skirt with a cream top whilst walking across a cobble street

Perhaps it's the sudden influx of sun but this week I've had the sudden urge to wear skirts again. This is especially handy as 2024 is shaping up to be the year of the skirt, with more styles than ever rising to the top of the fashion agenda. We've seen pencil skirts come back into the fore, whilst pleated minis are enjoying a similar revival thanks in part to the momentum gained by the release of Zendaya movie Challengers and the upcoming Wimbledon tennis tournament. Still, the skirt trend that has piqued my interest is, in my opinion, the most versatile, sophisticated, timeless and anti-trend of them all. Meet the humble yet elevated-looking cotton skirt.

Cotton Skirt Trend: @isabellecoheen wears a white cotton skirt with a yellow top whilst sitting in an art gallery

Lately, I've seen fashion people around the world start wearing full skirts that nip in at the waist, flaring out before landing on the ankle or oftentimes draping down to the floor. You've likely seen them too dominating your Instagram feed as influencers have taken to the streets (or, in Isabella Cohen's instance, their local art galleries), showcasing skirts in billowing, ballerina-like shapes that sit on the body so elegantly. The reason? Their cotton-poplin fabric.

A material we see a lot of in summer, cotton poplin is breathable yet has more of a starched structure to it than standard cotton, making it more sturdy in its shape and thus more impactful in its silhouette.

Cotton Skirt Trend: @anna_laplaca wears a cream cotton skirt with a black top whilst at a street crossing

As detailed in our bumper autumn/winter 2024 fashion trends report, this season and next there's a clear move towards a more refined way of dressing which is ultimately the reason for the cotton poplin skirt's sudden popularity. It's simple shape loans itself well to minimal styling, whilst its romantic feel appeals to more nostalgic dressers; in doing so it appeals to many people and various aesthetics. So much so we've seen demand soar, with options selling out at M&S and H&M alike. I've also seem premium skirts from brands including Bottega Veneta and Ferragamo disappear over night.

With temperatures heating up, a freshly padded bank account and my desire to own a cotton poplin skirt now insatiable, I set out to find the best cotton poplin skirts on the market. Below, you can browse my edit.

SHOP THE COTTON POPLIN SKIRT TREND

Nobody's Child

White Poplin Drawstring Midi Skirt

If in doubt, a white cotton poplin skirt is where you should start. This style has cute side splits.

ZARA

Poplin Midi Skirt

Zara's won me over with its khaki iteration.

COS

Elasticated Midi Skirt

Naturally I want both pieces.

SUZIE KONDI

The Kyria Pleated Striped Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt

The subtle stripe feels just as classic as the neutral colours we're seeing dominate this skirt trend.

Free People

Fischer Skirt Set

A cute two-piece is hard to resist.

Arket

A-Line Cotton Skirt in Pink

So this is love? This pretty option also comes in beige.

DÔEN

+ Net Sustain Sanremo Tiered Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt

I love the addition of the princess-esque waistline.

hush

Ishani Maxi Poplin Skirt

Oh great, another excellent set I can't stop thinking about.

free-est

Lowen Midi Skirt

Yes, Free People! I'll take it in yellow, too, please.

BY MALENE BIRGER

Pheobes Printed Cotton-Poplin Maxi Skirt

This isn't a print I expected to see crop up, but I'm here for it.

MARA HOFFMAN

+ Net Sustain Billie Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt

A more tailored take on the staple.

M&S Collection

Pure Cotton Midi Utility Circle Skirt

The pockets and drawstring waist give this midi a casual feel.

APIECE APART

Nora Gathered Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt

Such a great colour.

AEXAE

Cotton-Poplin Maxi Skirt

Maxi hemlines are just as chic as midi hemlines.

STAUD

Procida Paneled Striped Stretch-Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt

Try styling this with a backless top for evenings out.

ASOS DESIGN

Dropped Waist Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt in Black

ASOS is always ahead of the shopping curve.

H&M

A-Line Cargo Skirt

Tick off two skirt trends in one with a full-skirted cargo style.

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.