Women's Plus Size Mermaid Maxi Skirt - Stretch Denim A-Line Long Skirt for Juniors & Women | Perfect for Casual Wear, Beach Outfits & Special Occasions

I took a great risk and purchased this skirt before any reviews were posted, something I never/rarely do.To summarize: it's a great skirt if you know how to put a thread in the needle and/or don't mind wearing a belt.First things first: their size chart is very misleading and the skirt looks nothing like the photo. You need to choose your size by looking at the HIPS sizing, not waist size.Out of the box the skirt looks like a joke, it's not made for a typical, statistical woman, but rather for a woman whose waist is much larger than hips and the hips are disproportionately small - kind of a reversed, up side down "A" figure.However, IF you can get beyond the initial shock, disappointment, and even bewilderment, you notice that the skirt itself is quite nice, the color is a beautiful blue (much prettier in person), and the sewing/craftsmanship is very good quality. The skirt has a nice flow and flare to it, which I like and was looking for.I purchased two of these skirts. First one was size XXL and it literally fell off my belly because the waist is so HUGE. The size chart says the waist for XXL is 34 unstretched and 36 stretched, but it's really as big as PLUS 3XL at 42 unstretched up to 44 stretched.However, I liked the craftsmanship and the flair, so I ordered the next smaller size which is XL. Well, this one was still a little big in the waist, but almost too small in the hips. It was an improvement though because at least it did not fall off my hips like the XXL and I can wear it without a belt because the hips area is so tight.The XL has waist approximate to PLUS 1X at 38-40.The HIPS appear to be the correct sizing as per seller size chart.I ended up keeping both skirts because the fabric is very soft and can be easily sewn in or just worn with a belt which creates a small ruffle at the waist. I intend to wear the XXL skirt in the winter with sweater dresses which I tuck in for extra warmth, and the smaller XL skirt for the rest of the year with tunic blouses over or short sweaters.Again, it's a great skirt once you pass the initial shock over the waist sizing and also remember to purchase according to your hips sizing. Disregard the waist sizing.To long I don't want to pay to have it shorten