When you hear the word skort, you may immediately think of the skirt-in-the-front, short-in-the-back bottoms you wore in elementary school. And while some TikTokers are still discovering the versatility of that style, the far more comfortable exercise skort — which features a skirt with attached shorts hidden underneath — is making a resurgence.
Especially since trends like "tenniscore" have taken over social media (Etsy recently named "sports-core" as one of its top trends for spring and summer) and pickleball has become one of the biggest pastimes in recent years.
"By design athletic wear is very casual, which is why skorts have become so popular," says on-air fashion expert and stylist Cindy Conroy. "They bring an everyday luxury to areas of our life that are often void of it. It’s the whole concept of treat yourself."
Thus, skorts and tennis skirts aren't just for workouts or matches, either. They’re a good choice for hiking, running, walking or even lounging. Plus, many of them have hidden pockets in the shorts underneath, which you don’t always find with other athleisure pieces, like leggings or bike shorts.
Below, we rounded up 11 trending, editor-loved, expert-recommended and top-rated options that you can wear for any activity — starting at $19.
Best athletic skorts, according to experts
To show off the legs: BP. Pleated Miniskort
- Lengthens legs
- Smoothing waistband
- Might be too short for some
Size range: XXS to XL | Color options: 4 | Additional features: Wide waistband
“The athletic skirt has brought back a refreshing approach to the tired days of leggings athleisure,” claims stylist Melissa Chataigne. “It’s easy to style and looks flattering on most women, especially those who love to show off their legs.” And this skirt is full of it, with a mini length that is right at 13 inches.
From work to play: New Balance Tournament Skort
- Fast-drying technology
- Lightweight feel
- Limited color options
Size range: XS to XL | Color options: 3 | Additional features: Fast-drying technology, stretch-knit and inner pocket
"Built to play hard and make the streets your runway with the perfect balance to classic style and performance," suggests Chataigne. For instance, this skort praises its sweat-wicking technology, promising a quick-dry throughout to ease your workout.
For the golf enthusiasts: Lacoste Ultra-Dry Golf Skirt
- Lightweight feel
- Quick-drying technology
- Price is on the higher end
Size range: 32 to 44 | Color options: 3 | Additional features: Stretchy, three hidden pockets and quick-drying
For those looking for an athletic skort that isn't too short or long, this Lacoste golf skirt is the perfect in-between. Chataigne is a fan, and so are we. After all, it's cute and functional (thanks to not one, but two pockets) for a full day on the green.
Best size range: Girlfriend Collective Skyline Sport Skort
- Goes up to a 6XL
- Great for curvy bodies
- Eco-friendly fabric
- Price is on the higher end
Size range: XXS to 6XL | Color options: 8 | Additional features: Built-in compressive shorts and hidden mesh pockets
“I love this black skort from GF Collective,” says Chataigne. “[It’s] made out of recycled water bottles, offers a four-way stretch, [is moisture] wicking and can be styled from day to night.” She continues and says the brand offers “extended sizing as well for the curvy beauties.”
Best athletic skorts, according to editors
Budget pick: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted StretchTech Micro-Pleated Skort
- Moisture-wicking
- Stretchy fabric
- Some say the waist is loose
Size range: XS to 4X | Color options: 4 | Additional features: Moisture-wicking, stretchy and hidden pockets
Moisture-wicking? Check. Stretchy? Check? Affordable? Check, check. Stylish? Triple check! Old Navy's A-line skort checks all of my [San Miguel] boxes, and will surely check all of yours, too. It's stretchy, high-waisted and features sleek micro-pleats.
From Amazon: Colorfulkoala Women’s Dreamlux Tennis Skort
- Great quality for price
- Very soft fabric
- Might be short for some
Size range: XS to XXL | Color options: 20 | Additional features: Added spandex and soft fabric
According to production coordinator Camryn Privette, this Amazon skort might just be a more affordable alternative to more expensive options out there, and she is a fan.
"The material is super buttery soft and stretchy since it’s made with Lyrca fabric. For this price, you really can’t beat this pick," she raves.
A modest choice: Viodia Athletic Skort
- Five pockets
- Inner drawstring
- Pockets don't lie flat
Size range: XS to 3XL | Color options: 19 | Additional features: Drawstring closure, five pockets, UPF 50+ rated and quick-drying
Currently a top seller, this skort has five pockets — including a zippered one at the back. The fabric is said to provide UPF50+ protection and it’s designed to dry quickly, so it’s perfect for every summer activity. Plus, we’ve even tested the skort ourselves!
"At first, I thought this length might be a little awkward for athletic activities, but I find it easy and comfortable to move in," said freelance writer Marci Robin in her review. "Plus, I’m never worried about showing more skin than I want to when I’m wearing it, especially if I suddenly find myself lunging after a ball on the court. Even the shorts underneath are a generous (but not too long) 7 inches."
Compressing without digging: Outdoor Voices Warmup 2.5-Inch Skort
- Compression
- Sweat-wicking
- Could be more color options
Size range: XXS to XXXL | Color options: 1 | Additional features: Compressing, sweat-wicking and hidden pockets
“This skort is extremely comfortable — the perfect level of snug-ness and no digging in around the waist,” shares associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. “I like the small slits on the front which elevate the look without being too short/revealing, while the shorts underneath make it super practical.”
High-rise and breathable: Free People Movement Never Better Volley Skort
- Colorful skirt options
- Wide waistband
- Sits nicely on waist
- Some say it runs large
Size range: XS to XL | Color options: 3 | Additional features: Wide elastic waistband, four-way stretch and breathable fabric
"I’m a huge fan of the FP Movement line and this skirt is no exception," suggests Privette. "I like how high-rise the waist it, it’s super flattering. I’ve also worn this one when it’s super hot out and the material is really breathable."
Editor-loved brand: Lululemon Varsity High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt
- Sweat-wicking and quick-drying
- Built-in shorts
- Limited color options
Size range: 0 to 14 | Color options: 1 | Additional features: Quick-drying, sweat-wicking, four-way stretch and built-in liner
We can’t have an athletic skort round-up without mentioning Lululemon, of course. Some of their tennis skorts have trended over the past year, especially their pleated styles, such as the one above.
For a true tenniscore skort: Fila Challenger Pleated Seamless Skort
- Anti-odor properties
- True to tenniscore trend
- Stylish and functional
- Short for some preferences
Size range: XS to XL | Color options: 3 | Additional features: Anti-odor, wicking properties and stretchy
We might just find an excuse to play a round of tennis just so we can wear this skort that I [San Miguel] love. Fila's Pleated Seamless Skort doesn't compromise performance over style, and vice versa. For instance, the pleating throughout and wide waistband adds a chic flare that truly embodies the tenniscore trend. Meanwhile, the functionality of the skort consists of stretchy fabric as well as moisture-wicking and anti-odor properties so you can focus on your swing (or errands!).
How we chose
While choosing the best athletic skorts to shop, Shop TODAY interviewed style experts and included their go-to picks. We also recommended skorts worn by editors on our team, which include various features like built-in shorts, pleats, pockets and more.
Meet the experts
- Cindy Conroy is an on-air fashion expert and stylist based in New York City.
- Melissa Chataigne is a host, on-air beauty and fashion expert and stylist based in Los Angeles.
