Knit Twirl Skirts are true to size and is intended to hit above the knee when worn at the natural waist. Made from cotton lycra - a soft and stretchy fabric. The length is from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem. For the waistband measurement it is stretchy - my daughter wears the 10Y and her waist is a 27" and its perfect. You want the waistband to be smaller to make sure the skirt stays up.