Dress & Skirt Length Guide

How to Measure Dress & Skirt Length

Vintage dress and skirt lengths varied significantly by decade, maker, and country of origin. The size marked on a label tells you very little about where a hem will actually fall on your body. We always list the garment length measurement so you can compare it to your own body before purchasing.

How to Measure Yourself

• Waist to hem — measure from your natural waist (approximately 1 inch above your belly button) straight down to where you want the hem to fall. This is the most useful measurement for skirts.
• Shoulder to hem — measure from the top of your shoulder straight down to where you want the hem to fall. This is the most useful measurement for dresses.
• Hip to hem — measure from the fullest part of your hip straight down to where you want the hem to fall. Useful for low-rise and hip-yoke styles.

How We Measure at HudsonFlowVintage

For dresses, we measure from the highest point of the shoulder seam straight down to the hem. For skirts, we measure from the top of the waistband straight down to the hem at the center back. Both measurements are listed in every product description.

Dress & Skirt Length Categories

Note: Where a length falls on your body depends on your height and torso length. These are approximate guidelines — always compare the garment’s listed measurement to your own body measurement for the most accurate fit.

A Note on Height & Hem Placement

The same dress will fall at very different points on different bodies. Here is a general guide:

• Petite (under 5’4") — a midi-length dress (45–47" shoulder to hem) will likely fall at or near the floor. A knee-length dress (38–40") may fall below the knee.
• Average height (5’4"–5’7") — measurements align closely with the chart above.
• Tall (5’8" and above) — a midi dress may fall at calf length. A maxi may fall above the ankle.

We recommend measuring your own shoulder-to-floor length and comparing it to the garment measurement to predict exactly where the hem will land on you.

Vintage Dress & Skirt Lengths by Decade

1930s & 1940s

Hemlines were modest and practical. Day dresses and skirts typically fell to mid-calf or below — approximately 38–44" from the shoulder. Evening gowns were floor length. Wartime fabric restrictions in the early 1940s brought hemlines up slightly to just below the knee.

1950s

The full-skirted New Look silhouette dominated, with hemlines falling just below the knee — typically 40–44" from the shoulder for day wear. Pencil skirts hit at or just below the knee. Prom and evening styles were floor length with full skirts. A 1950s “knee length” often falls below the knee on modern bodies.

1960s

The decade of the mini. Hemlines rose dramatically through the decade — from just-below-knee in the early 1960s to mid-thigh by 1967–1969. A vintage 1960s mini (28–32" from shoulder) may feel more modest today than it did originally. Shift dresses were typically 36–40" from the shoulder.

1970s

Hemlines went in every direction. Maxis and midis were fashionable alongside minis. Prairie and bohemian styles brought floor-length skirts back. A 1970s midi typically falls between the knee and mid-calf — approximately 40–48" from the shoulder. Wrap dresses and peasant skirts were often adjustable in length.

1980s

Power dressing brought structured knee-length and just-above-knee skirts — typically 36–40" from the shoulder. Prom and evening styles ranged from mini to floor length. Asymmetrical hems and tiered skirts introduced more variation. A labeled “midi” from the 1980s often falls closer to knee length on modern bodies.

1990s

Grunge and minimalism brought both extremes — very short slip dresses and minis alongside floor-length bias-cut styles. A 1990s slip dress typically measures 42–50" from shoulder to hem. Denim midi skirts and pleated schoolgirl skirts were popular and typically fell just above or below the knee.

Skirt Styles & Length Notes

A-Line & Full Skirts

Measure from the waistband at center back to the hem. Length is consistent all the way around.

Wrap Skirts

Length is measured at center back. The front overlap may create a slight variation — noted in our listings when applicable.

Asymmetrical Hem Skirts

We list both the shortest and longest points of the hem in our product descriptions.

Tiered Skirts

Length is measured from waistband to the bottom of the lowest tier at center back.

Pencil & Straight Skirts

Measure from waistband to hem at center back. Note the slit length if applicable — listed in our descriptions.

Pleated & Kilt Skirts

Measured flat from waistband to hem. Pleats may add visual length when worn.

A Note About Our Dress & Skirt Listings

At HudsonFlowVintage, every dress and skirt is measured individually. Here is what to look for in each listing:

• Dress length — measured from the highest point of the shoulder seam to the hem
• Skirt length — measured from the top of the waistband to the hem at center back
• Waist measurement — measured flat across the waistband and doubled
• Hip measurement — measured flat at the fullest point of the skirt and doubled
• Slit height — listed when applicable
• Hem style — straight, asymmetrical, tiered, or handkerchief noted in the description

If you are between lengths or unsure how a style will fall on your frame, contact us before purchasing — we are happy to help.