The 8 Best Skorts of 2024, According to Our Testers and Editors
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Catch us wearing the Vuori Halo Performance Skirt all day, every day
People / Kristin Kempa
If you ask Taylor Swift, it’s skort season. They’re versatile, comfortable, and downright sporty — perfect for playing a game of tennis after watching Challengers or attending football games (perhaps while watching a certain tight end do his thing).
“Skorts are good for all occasions,” fashion stylist Chelsea Volpe tells PEOPLE. “Athletic skorts are sweat-resistant, lightweight fabrics that are perfect for a day of pickleball. Wrap skirts in heavier, weighted fabrics are great for "a casual Friday at the office” she adds. However you wear it, a skort offers versatility, which is why we set out to find the best and most reasonably priced options.
Our team put 34 popular skorts to the test, wearing them around for a few weeks while assessing the fit, comfort, opacity, performance, and value. Skorts from top brands like Vuori, Athleta, Outdoor Voices, and Spanx thoroughly impressed us, earning a spot on our list.
Read on for the best skorts of 2024 that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Vuori Halo Performance Skort
Star Qualities
Comfortable fabric with four-way stretch
Pleated design makes the style versatile
Light compression keeps skort in place
Pockets can hold keys, phone, or even a tennis ball
Red Flags
No complaints
Vuori products have a strong reputation, so it's no surprise that after testing all the qualities of a good skort, the Vuori Halo Performance Skirt came out on top. Its materials have a four-way stretch to allow maximum movement and comfort. The elastane and polyester blend wicks away sweat while providing ventilation for the wearer. It was completely opaque and hid any trace of undergarments.
The pleated design of the skirt component is stylish and could be worn as athletic or streetwear. Plus, the shorts underneath have built-in pockets which you can use for a ball if playing a sport, or to store your keys or phone when walking your dog (like our tester did). The skort fit accurately based on sizing expectations and given the in-seam length had more of a mini skirt look.
The Vuori skort took our best overall spot because it received perfect scores for opacity, fit, performance, comfort, and value. It can be worn for social gatherings as well as sporty ones, and it’s just a really well-made piece of clothing for a surprisingly good price.
Material: Recycled polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 4 | Extra Features: Ball pockets, pleated design
People / Erika Reals
Best Budget: Baleaf Women's Pleated Tennis Skirt
Star Qualities
Pleated design offers versatility for day-to-night wear
Soft and smooth material
Has good movement and allows for mobility
Red Flags
Thick waistband sits low on your stomach
Under-shorts bunched up a little bit while walking
For those searching for a pleated, versatile skort you can wear day-to-night, look no further than Amazon, where we found this stylish option. We love the small design details like a back pocket to store your phone and the smooth fabric, which our tester confirmed was comfortable against their skin. The pleated silhouette makes for a fun design that can be sporty or fashionable as streetwear.
Our tester appreciated the true-to-size fit and how the waistband had some compression without entirely squeezing them. That said, it is thick and sits lower on your stomach, which they said takes some getting used to. The skort had lovely movement to it and allowed for mobility. You also can’t see through it at all.
Occasionally, the under-shorts bunched up a little when walking, but generally, they stayed in place. Our tester walked in this skort frequently, from workouts to the grocery store, and consistently felt comfortable and supported. Considering the low cost, it’s an incredible value.
Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: 9 | Extra Features: 3 pockets for storage
People / Mollie Pendexter
Best for Golf: The North Face Women’s Never Stop Wearing Skort
Star Qualities
Stayed in place while golfing
Material remained the same after washing
Comfortable fabric and fit
Red Flags
Design might be limiting for more active sports
Our tester played golf in this skort three times during our testing period and felt that the design and functionality were “incredibly helpful” to their game. The style fit completely true-to-size with a good length for coverage but also movement. The waistband was comfortable, but still held the skort in place so you don’t have to tug it up constantly. The shorts didn’t shift around when moving, and the overall shape of the skort is a little structured which works well for a less active sport like golf.
The skort has no sheer spots and didn’t wear down after any washes. During each golf encounter, the skort stayed in place without needing to be readjusted, sagging, rolling, or otherwise. It’s comfortable for all-day wear, and performs as advertised. Given the median price, we think it’s a really good value.
Material: Recycled polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 2 | Extra Features: Attached biker shorts, moisture-wicking fabric, zipper pocket
People / Lauren Coughlin
Best Fabric: Athleta Salutation Stash 14.5-Inch Skort
Star Qualities
Smooth, buttery fabric was one of the best we tested
Barely-there seams and opaque fabric hides skort lines
Red Flags
It rolled down at times
Could use a bit more compression
One of the more obvious qualities of a skort is how the material feels on your skin and the Athleta Salutation Stash Skort was a tester favorite for the fabric. It was described by our tester as so soft “you never want to take it off,” and “the most comfortable skort” they’d ever worn. It definitely has a buttery smooth feel and barely-there seams. Our tester even napped in the skort a few times and said the fabric doesn’t overheat either.
The fit was almost as impressive — however, it did roll down some during wear and could use a little more compression. The material continued to dazzle with its opacity, which hid brightly colored undergarments during wear. It has a thickness to it that not only feels secure but doesn’t show anything underneath.
Material: Nylon, lycra | Sizes: XXS–3X | Colors: 3 | Extra Features: UPF 50+, pockets for storage
Best Compression: Spanx Get Moving Skort
Star Qualities
Highly compressive fit at the waistband and within the shorts
Pockets can hold your phone and/or tennis balls
Breathable and sweat-wicking
Opaque fabric hides undergarments and panty lines
Red Flags
Skirt portion consists of two panels rather than one connected piece
For those who like a little more security at the waistband, a compressive skort like the Spanx one will stay locked in place all day. The shorts have a gripping liner that does not move when you’re running, walking, or otherwise. If you’re playing tennis, like our tester did a few times while wearing the skort, the pockets hold an extra tennis ball easily. There’s also a subtle zippered pocket that’s perfect for a house key, and slitted sides that allow extra ventilation and movement.
While our tester would have preferred a more traditional full skirt (this one has two panels of skirt material), they appreciated the true-to-size fit and the comfort of the waistband despite the compression. The shorts stayed in place while our tester chased tennis balls down on the court, and the shorts were long enough to provide actual coverage.
Despite testing the white version of this skort, our tester had no issues with opacity or even visible panty lines. The nylon and elastane not only work together to compress your shape, but are quite breathable and help wick away sweat with ease.
Material: Nylon, elastane, polyester | Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: 3 | Extra Features: UPF 50+, mesh liner pocket for storage
Best Everyday: Girlfriend Collective Float Ultralight Split Skort
Star Qualities
Versatile style works for athletic and everyday wear
Retained its buttery soft feel even after several washes and wears
Highly comfortable fit
More inclusive sizing than most, up to 6X
Red Flags
No complaints
If you’re seeking a comfortable, stylish skort for everyday wear, the Racer Float Ultralight Split Skirt was a tester favorite for its versatility. The material proved silky, lightweight, and quite breathable. It sat at a good length, while the split skirt portion allowed for more movement than a structured skort. There are also two pockets for storage.
Our tester wore the skort a few times over two weeks and washed it twice, and it maintained a really solid quality. The fit remained consistent, the shorts stayed in place, and the seams are comfortable and don’t cause any chafing or irritation. Our tester wore the skort around the house, to run errands, and to move into a new apartment and it provided comfort that lasted all day.
Material: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Sizes: XXS-6XL | Colors: 2 | Extra Features: High slit for better range of motion
People / Sarah Felbin
Best for Pickleball: Halara Everyday Cloudful Air Fabric Crossover 2-in-1 Side Pocket Cool Touch Tennis Skirt
Star Qualities
Good length for swift movement on pickleball or tennis courts
Fits true-to-size
Biker shorts underneath have the same buttery soft fabric and pockets for your phone or a game ball
Red Flags
We wish the skort was a tad longer
Fabric wrinkles easily
When you play pickleball, you need a skort that moves with you, has pockets to hold any extra game balls, and a material that wicks away sweat. The Halara skort (though called a tennis skirt) is, in fact, a perfect skort for pickleball, and a comfortable one at that. Our tester was pleased with the high-to-low design of the skirt portion, while the shorts sat comfortably without riding up or causing chafing. There are two pockets that would fit either a game ball or just your phone, if out and about.
The skort has a true-to-size fit, allows swift movement, and has a flattering style with compressive shorts and a high-waist band. The silky material felt like butter, wasn’t see-through (thanks to the two-layer design), and was highly breathable to create some ventilation when moving about. Our tester wished the skirt part was a tad bit longer, but noted that it wasn’t a dealbreaker, and actually works better for pickleball and tennis because it lets you move around more swiftly.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: XS–4X | Colors: 31 | Extra Features: Ball pockets (can be used for phones)
People / Anna Popp
Related: The 10 Best Pickleball Shoes of 2024, Tested by Real People
Best with Slit: Outdoor Voices Court Skort
Star Qualities
Versatile slit design extends the range of motion of this skort
Looks brand new despite extensive wear and many washes
Stays in place all day and doesn’t need to be readjusted
Red Flags
Quite compressive
Fabric runs a little hot
Skorts offer a good range of motion to begin with, but a slit design extends that mobility even more. Our tester has worn this skort for a while and washes it regularly after each wear, as well as drying it in the dryer. The silhouette works well for all activities, with a high-rise style, comfortable yet compressive shorts, and built-in phone pockets. The waistband doesn’t move or lose its grip as you move.
The material is completely opaque so you don’t see your undergarments, and it doesn’t scrunch up or need to be adjusted throughout the day. That said, it does run a little hot. Our tester wore it for lounging, walking, and other low-impact activities, and they felt this skort was very well made and performed well. They have been a long-time wearer of Outdoor Voices and added that every item they’ve owned has lasted for years (despite multiple washer and dryer cycles).
Material: Polyester, spandex | Sizes: XXS–XXXL | Colors: 3 | Extra Features: Phone pockets in built-in shorts
People / Anna Popp
What to Know About Skorts
Function
In terms of the skorts on our list, they all fall within the athletic category, so their function requires breathable materials, a balance of stretch for comfort and compression for security, and movement so they can serve you when you’re on the go (whether actually playing sports or just running around town). If you’re wearing a skort to play a sport like pickleball, tennis, or golf, you’ll want a ball pocket or two within the shorts portion of the skort like the Vuori Halo Performance Skirt. Conversely, for more casual wear, you might want a small zippered pocket on the back to store your keys, airpods, or other small belongings.
Materials
Comfort, durability, and performance are a result of the materials used in a skort. Many athletic skorts are made from a type of polyester or nylon like The North Face Never Stop Wearing Skort, which is durable and sweat-resistant. Others, like the Spanx The Get Moving Skort, have elements of elastane, which creates a stretchy yet compressed fit that's perfect for active movement.
How You’ll Style It
There are lots of ways to style a skort depending on its appearance and your occasion. “Skorts can be paired with your favorite platform sneaker [or Doc Martens] for a casual, cool girl aesthetic,” says Volpe. “Or grab your favorite over-the-knee slouchy suede boot and oversized cable knit sweater for a cozy-comfy fall look.” She adds that “a pleated skort [like the Baleaf Women's Pleated Tennis Skirt] in dark colorways is a great good go-to for a ladies' night when paired with a satin corset and over-the-knee boots.”
Behind the Scenes
A team of 19 testers wore 34 popular skorts for a few weeks to determine the best options in terms of fit, comfort, opacity, performance, and value.
Fit: When each tester tried on the skorts, they considered if the fit matched the sizing expectations. Specifically, they looked at whether the waistband dug in anywhere, if the shorts sat at the right height or caused any chafing, and how easy or difficult it was to put on the skort.
Comfort: In terms of comfort, our team looked at how the fabric felt against their skin, if it both stretched but also had compression, and whether the skort had good movement.
Opacity: One area of concern when you’re dealing with thin, breathable materials is whether they will be see-through. To test this, we looked for noticeable sheer spots, and if you could see the color of undergarments through the skort material.
Performance: In looking at the overall quality and performance of each skort, we considered whether it was comfortable and supportive. If the skort material bunched up at any point or rolled, we took note of it. We looked at whether our testers could move and exercise in the skort, and if the fabric was breathable.
Value: After considering each of these qualities, our team weighed the value of each skort with what it offered our testers. We then determined if the price matched the quality of the skort in terms of fit, comfort, opacity, and performance.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE with a focus across lifestyle verticals such as home, pets, travel, and beauty. She has a special appreciation for athletic wear as daily clothing, and frequently wears her tennis skorts for errands, walking the dog, and even for brunch. For this story, she spoke to celebrity fashion stylist Chelsea Volpe about what to look for in skorts and how to best style them. She also used tester insights from 19 individuals who tried 34 skorts in the real world, looking at fit, comfort, opacity, performance, and value. Using all of this information, Madison determined the best skorts of 2024.
Meet Our Expert
Chelsea Volpe is a New York-based fashion and still-life stylist with a penchant for bold colors and imagery. She’s worked with celebrities like Alicia Keys and brands like Bloomingdale’s, Victoria’s Secret, and more. Volpe puts a focus on emerging designers and innovative brands and loves finding vintage pieces across Europe. She’s also shared her expertise with PEOPLE on trends such as linen pants, puffer jackets, and dumpling bags.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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Read the original article on People.
