Once reserved for the courts, skorts are now a stylish staple in many wardrobes of busy gals on the go. For pickleball, Pilates, and prancing around town, the best skorts for women are an every-activity essential seen on athletes, weekend warriors, and even celebs like Taylor Swift and Zendaya. They’re comfortable, look put together, and honestly just so easy.
To find the best skorts, I asked an expert for advice on what fabrics, fit, and features actually matter. Lori Leckliter, tennis pro and former fashion designer, told me that four-way stretch and moisture-wicking materials are key for all-day comfort — among other things to look out for. Then, I tested a dozen options on the court, while running errands, lounging around my house, and everything in between.
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: Girlfriend Collective
Why We Like It
-
Built-in shorts create a smooth, sculpted silhouette
-
Comfy and flattering, high-rise fit
-
Multiple pockets, including a hidden waistband pocket
Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Materials: Recycled water bottles (RPET) and spandex | Pockets: Yes | Best for: Walking, running, pickleball
If you’re looking for a skort that truly does it all, this one from Girlfriend Collective is my go-to. It features compressive (but still super comfy) built-in shorts and a four-way stretch skirt that moves with you. It’s truly perfect for everything from pickleball to travel days. During my recent trip, I wore it for a 90-minute walk in the Austin heat, and the moisture-wicking fabric kept me surprisingly cool and dry.
Storage is also a win: there’s a hidden waistband pocket that held my hotel key card, plus two roomy pockets on the shorts that easily fit my phone and car keys. I just wish the shorts had a little more grip to keep them fully in place during higher-intensity movement, but you can still make it work for runs, errands, and more.
My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
Credit: Athleta
Why We Like It
-
Sweat-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying
-
Pockets can fit tennis balls
-
Grippy lining keeps the built-in shorts in place
Sizes: XXS to XL | Materials: Recycled polyester and spandex | Pockets: Yes | Best for: Yoga, tennis, pickleball, and walking
This buttery-soft skort seriously overdelivers for the price (and the brand). The fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, making it an easy favorite for everything from yoga to pickleball. I wore it for walks, tennis, and casual errands, and loved it equally every time.
One of my favorite features that sets it apart for court-sport wear is the grippy lining on the built-in shorts, which kept them from riding up during movement. The liner pockets were super functional — I used them for tennis balls and other small essentials. And the side slit is both flattering and practical. It made accessing the pocket easy and gave me a full range of motion as I stepped and swung.
My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
-
Credit: Shape
-
Credit: Shape
Credit: lululemon
Why We Like It
-
Four-way stretch promotes full range of movement
-
Moisture-repellent for light rain and drink spills
-
Slim silhouette provides a flattering, tailored look
Sizes: 22 to 33 | Materials: Nylon and elastane | Pockets: Yes | Best for: Golf, brunch, walking, daily wear
Tailored enough for the clubhouse, but built for movement, this skort does both. It’s made from a water-repellent, four-way stretch nylon-elastane blend that moves easily through every swing, walk, or round. The sleek silhouette and subtle pleats give it a polished look, while the built-in liner provides plenty of coverage.
I also loved the traditional hand pockets, which make it easy to stash golf balls, tees, or even a scorecard — no need to dig around in liner pockets mid-round. During practice swings, the fit felt smooth and secure, and it transitioned just as well to a casual lunch afterward.
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
Other Shape-Loved Skorts for Women
We’ve been researching skorts for years, gathering insights from dozens of top-rated options. While the three options above are our top tested picks, we’ve found some more standout choices. These skorts have some impressive features and are worth considering to help you find the ideal fit for your personal style.
Credit: Amazon
Why We Love It
-
Stylish and flattering pleated back design
-
Thick, high-rise waistband
-
Comes in over 10 colors
Why We Love It
-
Stretchy, four-way stretch fabric
-
Length offers more coverage than others
-
Comes in dozens of colors
Why We Love It
-
Flattering, flowy design and shape
-
Two hidden side pockets for tennis balls and more
-
Comes in dozens of colors
Why We Love It
-
Structured fit that can be dressed up
-
Rugged material that feels durable
-
Can adjust the length of the skirt
How I Tested
To find the best skorts, I personally tested top-rated options across a variety of real-life activities where comfort, performance, and style matter most. I wore each one during weekly workouts and daily wear tests, including home Pilates sessions, long neighborhood walks, and rounds of golf and tennis. I paid close attention to how comfortable, breathable, flexible, and wearable each skort was — especially how easily it transitioned from workouts to everyday errands.
By combining low-impact workouts, high-sweat activities, and casual wear, I was able to evaluate performance in different scenarios. This hands-on testing means my recommendations only include skorts that truly deliver on fit, function, and fashion.
What to Know About Skorts for Women
- Activities: Depending on your lifestyle and workout habits, you’ll want a skort that fits the occasion. Will you be wearing it for an intense workout like tennis or a HIIT class, or something more low-key like walking the dog or running errands? Maybe you’re looking for something that can take you from Pilates to lunch, or even all the way to dinner. The best skorts for women can easily blend seamlessly into both your fitness routine and your everyday wardrobe.
- Design: Pay attention to the fit and how it would best fit your body type and needs. Do you need pockets, and how many? Like jeans, consider if you want a high-rise, low-rise, or mid-rise fit. Most skorts have elastic waists, but you can find adjustable waistbands and side-zip options. Leckliter tells Shape that a skort should be comfortable, but you can find a well-constructed option with a dose of style, too.
- Material: Fabric makes a big difference. Leckliter recommends looking for moisture-wicking, four-way stretch materials that help you stay cool while still holding their shape. A good athletic skort should keep up with your movement, but also keep its structure so you look polished (not wrinkled) by the end of the day.
- Style: Leckliter appreciates the advancement of fabrics and how it makes the skort more functional and fashionable. When it comes to styling, you can pick skorts with many of same stylish details that are in your own wardrobe. Do you like pleats, slim-fit, or a wrap-skirt look? Do you want novelty prints or solids? No matter what you choose, Leckliter suggests to make it your own.
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:
- Lori Leckliter, tennis pro and former fashion designer
