I'm a 14-16 and the large was snug. So I returned it for an XL and am very happy with it. The material is kind of a lycra-swimsuit-ish material which I thought was pretty and flowy, almost silky. It IS thin,as many reviewers have said, but I always wear a slip with skirts and dresses so it was not a problem. (Are slips old fashioned? I read so many complaints about not being able to wear this because it's thin.... easily solved!) I got so many compliments on this skirt. I will probably order another one.