Whether you’re hitting the tennis court, heading out for a run, or simply enjoying an active day outdoors, the best athletic skorts can make all the difference. Athletic skorts seamlessly blend fashion and function, providing you with the comfort you need while staying stylish. When shopping, choose options with moisture-wicking materials, built-in shorts for coverage, and a shape to suit your personal style. Other nice-to-haves include pockets for storage, UPF sun protection, and adjustability features.
To find the best skorts on the market, we first consulted experts to learn more about what key features to look for when shopping. Then, we wear-tested over one dozen athletic skorts in our regular routines, evaluating each one based on fit, comfort, opacity, performance, and overall value. We also had an ACE-certified group fitness instructor and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding how to shop for quality athletic skorts.
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Sweat-wicking
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Ball pocket
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Soft, comfortable fabric
Key Specs
Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Why We Love It
Vuori’s Halo Performance Skirt excels in both functionality and style, making it a versatile choice for various activities. When we first tried it on, we immediately appreciated the soft and stretchy fabric, which feels nice and fits well. The performance blend of recycled polyester and elastane is not only super soft but also moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable even when you work up a sweat.
The high-rise fit and built-in shorts offer coverage, ensuring comfort and confidence. Plus, we appreciate that the material is completely opaque. We also love the functional pockets, including one ball pocket and two side pockets, perfect for holding a tennis ball, wallet, keys, and other small essentials. And the pleated back side adds a touch of stylish flair.
Potential Flaws
- While the mini skirt may be short for some, we found that it still offers enough coverage for short to average height wearers.
Most Valuable Insight
“Honestly I was expecting it to be over $100, so yes I definitely think this price is super reasonable for the quality of the skort.” —Erika Reals, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Erika Reals
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Key Specs
Materials: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Sizes: XXS–6XL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Why We Love It
Available in sizes XXS to 6XL, Girlfriend Collective’s FLOAT Ultralight Split Skort offers one of the most inclusive ranges on the market. We found that it provides a custom-like fit and runs true to size. The fabric is soft, sustainable, slightly compressive, and super lightweight, making it a great choice for sweaty, intense activities.
The built-in shorts and high-rise design offer ample coverage. During testing, we appreciated the side slit not only for its stylish look but also for the increased range of motion it provides. The fabric is moisture-wicking, so sweat dries quickly. Additionally, the two large and deep side pockets are spacious enough to hold a phone, which is always a plus.
Potential Flaws
- We wish that this skort came in more than two color options.
Most Valuable Insight
“The fabric is silky and smooth. It moves with my body in every direction, and I never felt squeezed in. I wore this all day while running errands and moving into my new apartment, and I was comfortable for hours!” —Sarah Felbin, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin
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Breathable
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Supportive waistband
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Flouncy feel
Key Specs
Materials: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS–4XL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, hang dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Why We Love It
For swift movements on the court, you need a lightweight skort that ensures an unrestricted range of motion. Our top choice is Halara’s Everyday Cloudful Air Crossover Skort, designed for a flouncy feel with built-in compressive shorts for added support. These shorts feature two convenient pockets, perfect for storing a pickleball and other small essentials—an ideal choice for advanced picklers or beginners just learning the rules of the game.
During testing, we found that the blend of performance materials delivers moisture-wicking and breathability—which we appreciated when breaking a sweat. The thick crossover waistband ensures reliable support, while the pleating at the back adds a touch of style. Available in a wide array of 30 colors and two inseam lengths, this skort caters to a variety of styles and preferences.
Potential Flaws
- During testing we noticed that the fabric wrinkles easily, but a quick steam does the trick.
Verywell Fit / Anna Popp
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Ideal for golf, hiking, and all-day wear
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Side pockets have zippers
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Sweat-wicking
Key Specs
Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Why We Love It
Hikers need a skort that offers both comfort and durability to maintain focus on the trail. Enter The North Face’s Never Stop Wear Skort, a lightweight, sweat-wicking solution perfectly engineered for extended outdoor adventures. We appreciate its structured design and secure zippered side pockets, preventing essentials from slipping out during climbs, treks, and scrambles.
Beyond hiking, this versatile skort proves suitable for golfing and everyday wear. True to size, it boasts a high-rise elastic waistband that we found stays in place throughout activities. Beneath, the compressive shorts offered both coverage and confidence, which we found particularly valuable during climbing excursions.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that this skort is a bit too structured and restricts range of motion during high-impact activities like running or court sports.
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Key Specs
Materials: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS–XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Why We Love It
If you’re on a budget, consider BALEAF’s Women’s Tennis Skort for its excellent value. Despite its lower price point, we discovered it boasts high quality with full opacity, even in the white version we tested. Crafted from performance materials, it also offers breathability and a smooth feel.
We’ve comfortably worn this skort for long walks, errands, and even running, thanks to its versatile, flowy fit that allows for full range of motion. Plus, it’s equipped with a convenient back zippered pocket for secure storage, along with a side ball pocket for court sports enthusiasts. With a dozen colors to choose from, you might find yourself tempted to grab more than one at this price.
Potential Flaws
- When walking fast or running, we had to stop occasionally to adjust our shorts because they tended to roll up.
Most Valuable Insight
“I think the price point for this skort is great! The material is comparable to lululemon. And for the price, I would buy these in multiple colors.” —Mollie Pendexter, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Mollie Pendexter
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UPF 50+ sun protection
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Silicone panel in shorts
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High-quality compression
Key Specs
Materials: Nylon, elastane, polyester, cotton | Sizes: XS–3X | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Why We Love It
Looking for a skort to tackle sweaty outdoor adventures? Look no further than Spanx’s Booty Boost Skort. During testing in warm weather, we were impressed by its super sweat-wicking and breathable fabric, which kept us cool, dry, and comfortable throughout. Not only does this skort excel in moisture management, but it also boasts a UPF 50+ rating, ensuring reliable sun protection for prolonged outdoor exposure.
From the moment we slipped it on, the fit felt exceptional. The compression shorts underneath feature a silicone panel that securely anchors them in place, even during high-intensity movements on the court. Plus, the addition of a side pocket proved to be a convenient feature for stashing tennis balls and other small essentials.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that this skort may not feel high-waisted enough for especially tall wearers, but this did not affect its overall performance.
Most Valuable Insight
“It absorbs sweat and is beautifully airy—I love it.” —Elena Garcia, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Elena Garcia
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Key Specs
Materials: Woven (skirt), performance jersey (shorts) | Sizes: XXS-L | Pockets: Yes | Care: Not listed | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Why We Love It
Alo Yoga’s Aces Tennis Skort seamlessly blends fashion and function. Its flouncy, flowy silhouette and wrap-style design not only exude style but also ensure unrestricted movement, even during high-intensity workouts. And if you’re venturing into warm weather, the lightweight, breezy, sweat-wicking fabric proves to be a game-changer, keeping you cool and dry throughout your activities.
True to size, the skort offers an incredibly comfortable fit. We wore it while walking the dog, running errands, and playing court sports—staying comfy and supported during each activity. Plus, the built-in shorts feature a discreet hidden pocket, perfect for storing keys, cards, and other small essentials.
Potential Flaws
- We wish that the built-in shorts had a silicone panel for better grip.
Most Valuable Insight
“The fabric is lightweight and silky—It moves beautifully and is very flowy.” —Kristen Geil, Verywell Fit product tester
Verywell Fit / Kristen Geil
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UPF 50+ sun protection
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Hidden side pockets
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Soft, comfortable fabric
Key Specs
Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Sizes: XXS–3X | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Why We Love It
Soft, sleek, and supportive, Athleta’s Salutation Stash Skort proves ideal for all-day, everyday wear. During testing, we were so comfy in it that we didn’t even want to take it off for a mid-afternoon nap.
Beyond its comfort, this skort boasts functionality. Crafted from sweat-wicking fabric that effortlessly stretches with our movements, it ensures unrestricted activity. Hidden side pockets provide convenient storage for essentials like our phone, keys, wallet, and more. Additionally, we appreciate its UPF 50+ rating, ensuring worry-free wear in sunny weather.
Potential Flaws
- The skort is not as compressive as other options, so we don’t recommend it for high-intensity activities.
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Five total pockets
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Comfortable fabrication
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UPF 50+ sun protection
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Shorts tend to ride up
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Not for all-day wear
Key Specs
Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Why We Love It
Tailored for outdoor adventures, L.L.Bean’s Water-Repellent Comfort Trail Skort is our new trusty trail companion. It’s crafted with a water-resistant rip-stop nylon skirt, as well as UPF 50+ sun protection so we’re always prepared for rugged conditions.
During testing, we found the interior waistband buttons to be a game-changer, allowing for a snug, personalized fit. Plus, five handy pockets, including a cargo-style zippered one, let us haul small gear. Say goodbye to juggling your wallet, phone, and keys—this skort lets you hike hands-free. And with the longer shorts inseam, you can kiss chafing goodbye, even on those sweaty marathon treks.
Potential Flaws
- With only two-way stretch fabric, it doesn’t have the give that many performance skorts offer, making it less functional for high impact workouts.
Verywell Fit / Cecily McAndrews
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Key Specs
Materials: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: XXS–XXXL | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Why We Love It
For a versatile skort that transitions seamlessly from running errands to autumn camping trips and more, look no further than Outdoor Voices The Exercise 3” Skort. We found it to be perfect for various activities, wearing it while camping, rafting, walking, and hiking, thanks to its rugged (yet soft) performance fabric.
The skort’s thickness ensures long-lasting wear, providing both durability and opacity. Plus, the side slit enhances mobility during activities like walking or running, while also adding a fashionable flair. This fusion of functionality and style makes it perfect for outdoor adventures and everyday errands alike.
Potential Flaws
- The material feels slightly heavier than others, so we don’t recommend it for especially hot days.
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![The inside pocket of the Outdoor Voices The Exercise 3-Inch Skort]()
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morely
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![A look at the logo on the inside short of the Outdoor Voices The Exercise 3-Inch Skort]()
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PHOTO: Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morely
What to Look for When Shopping for Athletic Skorts
- Materials: Most athletic skorts are made from performance fabrics like polyester, spandex, nylon, and more (or a blend of a few). When shopping, look for materials that are lightweight, stretchy, and moisture-wicking.
- Style: There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to skort style, all of which are up to your personal preference. First, look at the shape and cut—do you prefer contoured, compressive, flowy, mini? Then, consider any additional features like pockets or reflective detailing. Finally, make sure the skort comes in the right colors for your style.
- Care: As with all activewear, it’s important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s care instructions to get the most wear out of your skort. While most activewear is machine washable, you should still pay attention to water temperature, cycle levels, and drying instructions. You may also want to consider options for activewear-specific detergents.
- Price: Athletic skorts typically range from $20 to almost $100 depending on quality and brand name. When making a purchase, consider your preferred style, activity level, and budget. It’s possible to find high-quality options at any price point, but for the most wear value you might consider investing.
Verywell Fit / Kristen Geil
How We Tested the Athletic Skorts
To find the best athletic skorts, we tested 17 options from top, trusted activewear brands. When testing, we evaluated each option for the following seven critical criteria:
- Fit: If your skort doesn’t fit right you’ll be uncomfortable and distracted during your workouts and other wear, so we make sure each one fits well. When we first try the skorts on, we consider whether they fit true to size and if the described length and rise are accurate. Then, we wear and work out in the skort, paying close attention to any digging, pinching, or irritating seams. We also note if the shorts under the skirt fit comfortably.
- Opacity: It’s important that your skort is completely opaque to ensure comfort and confidence (and avoid unwanted sheering over time and underwear lines). During wear-testing, we pay attention to whether you can see through the skorts at all—whether underwear or skin. Over time, we also consider if the material thinned out with each wear and wash. We only recommend skorts that are completely opaque and remain that way throughout testing.
- Performance: Next, we make sure each skort is comfortable, secure, moisture-wicking, and suitable for all types of activities (from lounging to high-intensity exercise). As we move around, we ask: Does the skort stay in place or require adjustments? Is there any sagging, bunching, or rolling? Are we able to exercise without feeling discomfort or distraction? Is the fabric lightweight and does it handle sweat?
- Overall Value: Once wear-testing is complete, we check each skort’s price to assess whether it’s worth the purchase. Considering each of the above-tested categories, we determine if the skort is worth its listed price. We only recommend products that we’d purchase ourselves or recommend to a friend.
Verywell Fit / Cecily McAndrews
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each phase of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. They helped us determine which key features to look for in athletic skorts and provided brand recommendations to check out. While we choose products independently, these insights help inform our decisions.
- Tonya McIntosh, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer and nutrition coach
- Bishnu Pada Das, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morely
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work out in skorts?
Yes, most athletic skorts are made with performance materials and features that are suitable for working out. Some skorts are even designed for specific activities, like running, tennis, hiking, and more.
How long should a skort be?
The length of the skort you purchase will vary based on your activity and personal preferences. Shorter skorts (12 to 14 inches) are ideal for high-intensity activities, like running and court sports, since they won’t affect your range of motion. For slower sports like golf and hiking, you may prefer longer lengths (16 to 18 inches) or even an exercise dress for more coverage.
Do athletic skorts contain BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, endocrine disorders such as infertility, and cancers of the breast and prostate, among other health complications.
In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty; leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s; shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas; and athletic shirts from Fabletics. We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled, and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled.
According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, the best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions in choosing your personal care products. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Laura Williams, MSEd, ACSM-CEP, holds a master’s degree in exercise and sport science and six health and fitness certifications, including a 200-hour yoga certification. She’s been personally testing and reviewing high-quality fitness apparel for more than 20 years. Laura understands the importance of matching the right workout skorts to the right activity, and only suggests skorts she can personally stand behind based on performance and value.
Additional reporting by Michelle Parente.
Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. She has years of experience testing activewear, including leggings, sneakers, skorts, and more. Michelle prioritizes clothing that can easily transition from a workout to errands. As a highly active person, she loves choosing athletic skorts for everyday wear. For this story, Michelle recommended skorts exclusively from top, trusted brands she stands behind.
