Tennis has become my favorite way to move, compete, and connect. But I quickly realized that the clothes you wear can make or break your game — and nothing matters more than finding the best tennis skirts. The wrong one can ride up, cling in all the wrong places, or leave you overheated mid-rally. The right one? It’s breathable, flattering, and makes every match (or pickleball game) more fun.
To figure out what really matters in a tennis skirt, I tapped former Division I players and now racquet pros Lola O’Lideadha and Sol O’Lideadha, along with fashion designer Emily Overbay, who’s just as obsessed with tennis style as she is with performance. Then I put dozens of skirts and skorts to the test to see which ones could power through sweaty matches and still look chic at brunch. These top picks deliver on style, function, and all-day comfort — no matter how (or where) you play.
The Shape Scoring Scale
5 – In Perfect Shape!
4 – Now We’re Talking
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
1 – Don’t Recommend
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
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Body-skimming, flattering fit
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Moisture-wicking, quick-drying material with UPF protection
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Lightweight and moves with you
Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Pockets: Yes
This mesh-panel skirt quickly became my go-to because it delivers on both comfort, cuteness, and performance. The fabric is ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable, so I stayed cool and dry even during long, sweaty rallies. I also appreciated how the cut skimmed my body without clinging — which is especially hard to pull off in bright white.
The built-in shorts were surprisingly functional. Even though there aren’t traditional side pockets, the shorts held tennis balls securely without feeling too snug or shifting as I moved. The mesh paneling not only adds breathability but also gives the skirt a sleek, flattering look that feels polished on and off the court. I wore it for tennis and pickleball, then layered on a denim jacket for post-match errands, and felt confident and cute through it all.
My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
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Credit: Shape
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Credit: Shape
Credit: Nike
Why We Like It
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Keeps you dry, cool, and focused on your game
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Wide waistband and secure inner shorts stay put on your legs
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Slim fit adds a streamlined look
Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: Yes
This tennis skirt feels practically weightless the second you pull it on, which makes it a standout for hot, high-intensity matches. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, so I stayed cool and comfortable even when the rays were beating down (sun protection required!). The straight fit skims without clinging, and the side slit gives it an extra airy feel that keeps movement unrestricted.
The built-in shorts have a secure hem with just enough grip to stay put as I lunged and sprinted, so I never had to think about adjusting mid-play. While the slit does show more leg than some other skirts, it adds to the light, easy feel — and I actually loved how it gave the skirt a sleek, modern look. I wore it for tennis and pickleball, but it was just as easy to pair with a tank or tee for an all-day sporty vibe.
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
Shape
Credit: Athleta
Why We Like It
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Breathable and quick-drying fabric feels cool
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High-rise, elastic waistband with slit skirt
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Grip on the shorts helps keep them in place
Sizes: XXS to XL | Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex | Pockets: Yes
This is the one I reached for on the hottest days — it feels light, airy, and made to move. The buttery-soft fabric is not only moisture-wicking and quick-drying, but also so breathable that I stayed comfortable through sweaty tennis matches, yoga poses, and even mid-day errands. The side slit design gives you full freedom of movement and makes it easy to slip a ball from the pocket during play.
The functional details make it even better: sewn-in silicone grippers on the undershorts keep them from riding up, while liner pockets actually fit balls, keys, or even a phone when you’re running around town. It’s proof that a tennis skirt can keep you cool, functional, and stylish all at once — whether you’re serving aces or just out for a stroll.
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
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Credit: Shape
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Credit: Shape
Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch
Why We Like It
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Smoothing and sculpting fabric
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Flattering, high-rise fit
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Super high value for price and performance
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Yes
I didn’t expect Abercrombie to win me over in the activewear department, but this skirt quickly became a staple in my weekly rotation. I tested it on the tennis court and loved how it held up through play, but it was the everyday versatility that really stood out. The fabric is compressive yet comfortable, so it smooths and supports without feeling restrictive. And the high-rise, seamless waistband creates a flattering silhouette that I’ve noticed works just as well with a cropped tank as it does with a casual tee.
Designed for medium- to high-intensity workouts, the skirt features two hidden pockets that I found to be extremely handy for everything from holding tennis balls to stashing your keys or phone on a walk. I wore it for racquet sports, dog walks, and brunch meetups, and it looked and felt great every single time. Trust me, the best tennis skirts don’t have to stay on the court.
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
Shape/
Other Shape-Loved Tennis Skirts for Women
We’ve spent years testing tennis skirts and narrowing down dozens of options to find the best of the best. The four picks above are our top-tested favorites, but these additional styles also impressed us with their smart features and flattering fits. If you’re still shopping around, they’re well worth adding to your cart.
Credit: Halara
Why We Like It
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Available in inclusive sizing
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Cute enough to also be worn off the court
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Available in multiple colors
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Wilson
Why We Like It
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Built-in pockets for a tennis ball
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Featherlight, floaty pleats
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Available in more than one dozen colorways
Credit: Alo
Why We Like It
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Snug, comfortable waistband
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Flat-lay pleats don’t add extra volume
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Breathable, lightweight feel
Credit: alo
How I Tested the Tennis Skirts
To find the best tennis skirts for women, I personally tested top, trendy options across multiple trusted brands. I wore each one for several tennis matches to evaluate on-court performance, paying close attention to functional details like grips on built-in shorts and pockets large enough to hold tennis balls. I also wore each option for other workouts, like Pilates and yoga, as well as for day-to-day activities like running errands, coffee runs, and more.
Throughout testing, I paid close attention to how comfortable, breathable, flexible, and wearable each tennis skirt was — especially how seamlessly it transitioned from the courts to daily life. I also chatted with three tennis experts about the features and design elements that matter most. Together, their insights and my in-depth testing informed these recommendations, which deliver both performance and style on and off the court.
What to Know About Tennis Skirts
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Material: Tennis skirts work best in lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick away sweat and keep you cool through long matches. Lola O’Lideadha emphasizes the importance of flowy skirts made with moisture-wicking materials so you stay comfortable and focused on your game. Bonus points if it has four-way stretch — that way, your skirt moves with you and still looks polished when you’re off the court.
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Design: Comfort comes first, but sleek details make a difference. According to Sol O’Lideadha, the waistband should feel secure without digging in, and the built-in shorts should hug without squeezing. She also notes that a good hem or ball pocket is non-negotiable: it should hold your ball in place while still letting your legs move freely.
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Features: Small details can make or break your match. Think: ball pockets that are actually functional, silicone grips on shorts so they don’t ride up, and seams designed for full range of motion. These upgrades might sound subtle, but they’ll help your skirt keep up with every serve, sprint, and stretch.
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Style: Tennis skirts have officially broken out of the country club. Overbay loves how their playful movement and lightweight fabrics translate seamlessly to everyday outfits. Whether you go for pleats, a sleek wrap cut, or fun extras like contrast piping or ribbon waistbands, it’s easy to make a tennis skirt your own.
How to Style Tennis Skirts
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Wear a form-fitting top in a sweat-wicking material to keep you dry, cool, and free of distractions.
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Add a hat or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes — bonus points if it has a wide opening for your ponytail.
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You’ll need supportive shoes that let you switch directions without twisting an ankle.
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Off the court, lean into the prep by topping your tennis skirt with a light v-neck sweater or a classic polo shirt.
Why Trust Shape
Elizabeth Hole is a Shape writer with more than six years of experience covering wellness, fitness, and gear. A former gymnast turned tennis enthusiast, she now plays regularly on her USTA team, where she’s ranked a 3.0, and with her summer B-team. For this story, she personally tested top-rated skorts across a range of activities and interviewed a former fashion designer with expertise in both tennis and skort design. We also spoke to an expert for advice on what features to look for when shopping for and testing skorts:
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Lola O’Lideadha, former Division I tennis player at Idaho State University; current assistant racquet professional at the country club of Darien, Connecticut
Sol O’Lideadha, former Division I tennis player at Idaho State University; current assistant racquet professional at the country club of Darien, Connecticut -
Emily Overbay, fashion designer and founder of The Coast Brand
