This skirt is fitted at the waist with an elastic waist band and flares out to be very full at the hemline. It’s made with corduroy material and is a great fall or winter skirt which can be paired with many colors and some cute boots or booties. Machine washable on cold water setting. Great skirt for work, very comfortable. The measurement of the skirt from the waistband straight down to the bottom of the hem (through the front center of the skirt) is approximately 30 inches. Without ANY stretch the waistband measures approximately 27 inches and with the waistband stretched as far as it can go, it measures approximately 30-31 inches. The waistband has a lot of give in it.