Choosing the right athletic skort matters — from running errands to racing across the tennis court, the fit, fabric, and pocketing decide whether a skort is truly practical. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, expert analysis, and consumer feedback to help you pick the best option for your activities.
Our Methodology
We evaluated dozens of contenders and focused on real-world performance across these key areas:
- Fit & Comfort: How the waistband, cut, and built-in shorts perform during movement and extended wear.
- Fabric & Breathability: Material composition, moisture-wicking, and stretch for athletic use.
- Functionality: Pockets, inseam length, and secure storage for phones, keys, or balls.
- Durability & Construction: Stitching, waistband stability, and how the skort holds up to repeated washing.
- Value & Price: How features compare to cost and brand reputation.
Testing combined treadmill, court, and casual-wear trials, plus cross-referencing expert reviews and customer feedback to ensure recommendations are practical, not just theoretical.
Pleated Performance Skort
A lightweight, pleated athletic skort made of 79% nylon/21% spandex that balances court-ready style and performance. Built-in shorts with pockets, quick-dry fabric, and a high-rise elastic waistband make it an excellent budget-focused activewear pick for tennis and golf.
Why we picked it (Best Budget Pick)
This pleated skort delivers surprising performance for the price. Constructed from 79% nylon and 21% spandex, it’s lightweight, quick-dry, and has enough 4-way stretch for sprints and lateral movement. The built-in shorts include side pockets that keep essentials secure, and the A-line pleated skirt provides a flattering, athletic silhouette. Expect minor differences in finish compared with premium models, but overall it offers excellent breathability and comfort for recreational tennis, pickleball, or everyday workouts.
Who it's for: Budget-conscious players and casual athletes who want functional pockets and a flattering pleated style without paying top-dollar.
Pros: Light, breathable, secure pockets, good stretch. Cons: Simpler hardware and sewing quality vs premium brands; may be slightly shorter in some sizes.
Lee Cargo Comfort Skort
A durable, workwear-inspired cargo skort from a trusted brand. It features a Flex-To-Go knit waistband, hidden mesh shorts for coverage, and multiple utility pockets — ideal for heavy daily use where comfort and storage are priorities.
Why we picked it (Premium Choice)
Lee’s cargo skort brings heritage construction and practical design to the athletic-skort space. The Flex-To-Go knit waistband adapts with movement for all-day comfort while the built-in hidden mesh shorts provide coverage during active moments. Made from a soft cotton blend with stretch, this skort trades some technical-sport fabric attributes for durability and everyday comfort. The cargo and utility pockets are genuinely useful for hands-on work or travel, making it a hybrid between utility and activewear.
Who it's for: Users who want a durable, comfortable skort with lots of storage — good for active outdoor days and work-casual environments.
Pros: Durable build, comfortable waistband, multiple pockets. Cons: Not as quick-drying or sweat-wicking as synthetic technical skorts; heavier fabric.
3-Pocket Athletic Skort
A versatile athletic skort featuring inner mesh shorts, a wide high waistband for tummy control, and three secure pockets (two deep side pockets plus a zip back pocket). Lightweight polyester-spandex fabric provides quick-dry comfort and four-way stretch.
Why we picked it (Best Value for Money)
This skort strikes the best balance of features to price. The inner breathable mesh shorts are supportive and paired with two deep side pockets plus a zippered back pocket for secure storage. The high & wide waistband offers reliable tummy control and prevents rolling, and the polyester-spandex blend brings quick-dry performance and four-way stretch. It’s versatile enough for tennis, golf, running, and everyday wear — delivering feature-rich comfort at a mid-range price.
Who it's for: Active users who need dependable pockets and support without overspending — great for multi-sport players.
Pros: 3 pockets including zip security, supportive waistband, quick-dry fabric. Cons: Pleat/hem styling varies by size; may run slightly small for some body shapes.
Knee-Length Performance Skort
A longer, knee-length skort offering extra coverage and sun protection. Made with 4-way stretch fabric, mesh inner shorts, and two side pockets — this model emphasizes modesty and comfort for golf, walking, and multi-hour outdoor activities.
Why we picked it (Editors Choice)
This 19" knee-length skort stood out for offering coverage without sacrificing mobility. The softer, breathable 4-way stretch fabric and 5.5" inseam mesh shorts limit chafing while preserving range of motion. Two internal pockets fit phones and cards, and the high-rise wide waistband provides tummy control and a secure fit. It’s ideal for golfers, walkers, and anyone wanting a more modest athletic skirt that still performs in hot weather.
Who it's for: Users seeking extra coverage and comfortable all-day wear for outdoor sports or travel.
Pros: Long coverage, comfortable fabric, good pocketing, strong waistband. Cons: Slightly higher price; bulkier look compared with mini skorts.
Comparison & Key Differences
- Pleated Performance Skort (Best Budget Pick) — Lightweight nylon/spandex, pleated look, built-in pockets, best low-cost option for court play.
- Lee Cargo Comfort Skort (Premium Choice) — Cotton-blend durability, Flex-To-Go waistband, many utility pockets; ideal for heavy use and casual work/active hybrid days.
- 3-Pocket Athletic Skort (Best Value for Money) — Polyester/spandex, breathable inner shorts, two side pockets + zipper pocket; best overall feature-to-price balance.
- Knee-Length Performance Skort (Editors Choice) — 19" length, 4-way stretch and mesh shorts, excellent for modest coverage and prolonged outdoor wear.
Best overall pick: 3-Pocket Athletic Skort for balancing performance fabric, pocketing, and price. Alternatives: choose the Pleated Performance Skort to save money, Lee for durability and utility, or the Knee-Length Performance Skort for extra coverage.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and analysis of fabric, fit, pockets, and durability, the 3-Pocket Athletic Skort is our top recommendation for most people — it offers technical fabric, secure storage, and a supportive waistband at a reasonable price. If budget is the primary constraint, the Pleated Performance Skort delivers the essentials at the lowest cost. Choose the Lee Cargo Comfort Skort when you need durability and extra pockets for long days, and the Knee-Length Performance Skort if you prefer more coverage for outdoor activities.
These picks reflect testing in movement, sweating conditions, and everyday wear, combined with consumer reviews and construction analysis. Match the model to your primary activities (court sports, golf, long walks, or utility-focused wear) and you’ll have a dependable skort that fits both function and style.