Fitness Gear Apparel The 8 Best Stylish and Functional Running Skirts, According to Experts BALEAF's Athletic Skirt has built-in shorts for miles of comfort By Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner Facebook Twitter Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 01, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michele Stanten Reviewed by Michele Stanten Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. For many runners, finding the perfect piece of running apparel is often an uphill battle. Leggings can sometimes get too warm, and shorts can contribute to chafing. While not new, running skirts can help you switch up your workout look. Reviewed & Approved BALEAF's Athletic Skorts are our top pick because they're made of moisture-wicking materials that keep sweat at bay. We also like BLEVONH's Tennis Skirt Shorts for a form-fitting and budget-friendly pick. When buying a running skirt, look for ones made from a lightweight fabric that allows you to move freely. Pockets aren’t required, but most runners appreciate them. To find the best ones, we researched dozens of running skirts and evaluated them for materials, comfort, price, and breathability. Based on our research, here are the best running skirts on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: BALEAF Skorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: BLEVONH Shorts at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Mesh Shorts: X31 Sports Running Tennis Skort at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sparkle: Sparkle Athletic Sequin Running Skirt at Amazon Jump to Review Best Skapri: ANIVIVO Women's Capri Yoga Leggings at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Long Runs: Ultimate Direction Running Skort at Amazon Jump to Review Best Size-Inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Skort at Girlfriend.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Athleta Skort at Gap.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: BALEAF Women's Athletic Skorts Lightweight Active Skirts with Shorts Pockets 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Reflective details Built-in mesh shorts Breathable fabric Cons Lighter colors may be sheer Runs small Who else recommends it? Today, Best Products, and Reviewed all picked Baleaf Skorts. What do buyers say? 83% of 12,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. With a breathable fabric and a sizable pocket to store your keys, BALEAF Women's Athletic Skorts with Shorts Pockets has earned a spot as our top pick. The shorts are made of flexible mesh that doesn't ride up and are comfortable for long-distance running. The sweat-wicking material keeps you dry and cool, with the outer layer covering the built-in mesh shorts. There are reflective details on the skirt that make them ideal for running in lower-light conditions. There’s a side pocket on each leg to store your essentials, fitted with a headphone cable hole for easy access to headphones for music or audio workouts. The pocket material is stretchy enough to hold your ID, keys, credit cards, and larger cellphones. The BALEAF Women's Athletic Skorts come in sizes XS-3XL and they're available in every color of the rainbow. Sizes: XS–3XL | Inseam Length: 4.4 inches | Material: Body: 90% Polyester / 10% Spandex; Mesh Lining: 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex | Pockets: Yes, side Best Budget: BLEVONH Women Tennis Skirts Inner Shorts Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros High rise Large pockets Cons Runs small Lighter colors may be sheer If you want to stock up on apparel that’s easy, comfortable, flattering, and at a great price, we recommend the BLEVONH Women Tennis Skirts Inner Shorts. Avid runners who need an ample supply of running skirts in their wardrobe will appreciate the price point. Form-fitting but flattering, this lightweight running skirt is perfect for everyday sports or hitting the golf course. They're available in sizes XS-XL. Whether you prefer bright solids or trendy prints, with the wide array of color choices, there's something for everybody, including a hip Blue Geometric and Blue-black Flower print. Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam Length: Not specified | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex | Pockets: Yes, side Best With Mesh Shorts: X31 Sports Running Skirt Tennis Skort Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon Pros Lightweight Zipper closure Stretchy fabric Cons Tight fit Shorts can ride up The X31 running skirt is made to go the distance, from a 5K to a marathon. Made by a small company in California specializing in endurance athletic designs, this skirt has breathable, built-in mesh shorts made from sweat-wicking polyester and spandex. They include pockets so you can stash your essentials while you are walking, running, or exercising and hidden side pockets, and a rear zipper pocket with a headphone cord hole. The X31 running skirts are offered in sizes XS-XL and you can choose from pink, turquoise, or black. Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam Length: Not specified | Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex | Pockets: Yes, side The Best Women’s Running Shoes, According to a Running Coach Best Sparkle: Sparkle Athletic Sequin Running Skirt Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Great for themed races Elastic closure Doesn't cling Cons Doesn't have shorts underneath Lower quality material With more races like fun runs encouraging costumes, you need a sequined skirt to show your fun side while crossing the finish line. This skirt is made from polyester fabric woven with foil sequins that won’t fall off and it’s light, comfortable, and short enough that it won’t get in your way during a race. However, this skirt needs to be worn over running shorts or leggings as it doesn’t have an integrated panty or shorts. The runners who've bought the skirt say they got plenty of compliments during their race. The sizes are available from XS-XL in bright, playful colors, like Royal Blue, Turquoise, and Purple. Sizes: XS–XL | Inseam Length: Not specified | Material: 100% Polyester | Pockets: No Best Skapri: ANIVIVO Women's Capri Yoga Leggings Amazon View On Amazon Pros Soft fabric Non-see through Deep pockets Cons Sizes can be inconsistent A skapri combines a running skirt with Capri-length leggings to make an ideal option for function with more coverage. The ANIVIVO Women's Capri Yoga Leggings have a three-quarter-length silhouette that will keep you warm and comfortable. We love that the spandex-blend fabric allows for ultimate stretch with moisture-wicking capabilities. Plus, the leggings underneath the skirt move with your body without bunching. For those wishing to take small essentials on the go, this skapri includes two spacious pockets on the outside of each thigh. A wide waistband is also great for tummy control and comfort from one move to the next. Find them in 18 styles in sizes S-4XL. Sizes: S-4XL | Inseam Length: 19.3 to 21.7 inches | Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex | Pockets: Yes The Best Cold Weather Running Gear, According to a Running Coach Best for Long Runs: Ultimate Direction Womens Hydro Skirt Running Skort Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Built-in water bottle storage Includes 2 custom 300ml water bottles Hyper stretch knit Cons Doesn't come in many sizes Only two colors Whether you're running a 3K or just around the block, it's always a good idea to carry water with you, which is why we love the Ultimate Direction Women's Hydro Skirt Running Skort. It comes with two water bottle holsters, which can hold two bottles of 10.5 ounces each, and the waist adjuster helps support the bottles and keeps the skort in place. If you're training for a long run, you'll appreciate the stretch mesh, which offers stability and comfort around the waist. The outer skirt is made with ultralight nylon with a pretty scalloped edging and a large center-back pocket holds an iPhone 8+, among other items like cash and keys. The Ultimate Direction Women's Hydro Skirt Running Skort is available in XS or Large and comes in two colors—Blue Spruce or Onyx. Sizes: XS or L | Inseam Length: Not specified | Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex | Pockets: Yes The 12 Best Running Belts of 2022, According to a Running Coach Best Size-Inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Midnight Skort View On Girlfriend.com Pros Built-in compression shorts High rise Sweat-wicking Cons Tight fit The Girlfriend Collective Midnight Skort is an attractive but functional choice from a size-inclusive brand. It’s made from stretchy and breathable material which allows the garment to move around and multi-task, making it versatile enough to wear hiking, exercising, shopping, traveling, and more. We love that the high-waisted active skirt is simple but sleek and integrates sweat-wicking compressive fabric that’s form-fitting but still comfortable. The built-in shorts have mesh pockets and help prevent thigh chafing, while the outer skirt provides coverage so you can run, walk, or bike with confidence. The Girlfriend Collective Midnight Skort comes in a variety of colors—like Moon, Plum, Moss, and Midnight—and is available in sizes XXS-6XL. Sizes: XS-6XL | Inseam Length: 3 inches | Material: Recycled water bottles, Compressive fabric: 79% RPET, 21% Spandex | Pockets: Yes The 9 Best Plus Size Leggings of 2022 Best Splurge: Athleta Run With It 14" Skort View On Gap.com Pros Lightweight, breathable fabric UPF 50+ Back secure zip pocket Cons No side pockets Ideal for long or short distances, runners love wearing the Athleta Run With It Skort for hiking and running, but still think it's stylish enough to use for golf or sightseeing. We love that it's made with stretch fabric constructed with recycled polyester, providing a featherweight, sleek but “stay put” feel, perfect length, and flattering look. The skort is available in sizes XXS-3XL and comes in classic colors, like standard black and white, and in more fun colors, like Sequoia Blue and Agate Purple. Sizes: XXS-3XL | Inseam Length: 2 inches | Material: Recycled Polyester, Spandex | Pockets: Back zip pocket The Best Running Shorts for Women of 2022 Final Verdict For a comfortable, convenient, and versatile running skirt, we recommend the two-layer BALEAF Women's Athletic Skort with Shorts Pockets. The sweat-wicking material keeps you cool and dry, and the two side pockets are big enough for you to carry all you need while running. If you’re looking for something to bring your daily workout gear to life, you can’t beat the bright and playful color offerings. If you want to stock up on apparel that’s easy, comfortable, flattering, and affordable, we also love the BLEVONH Women Tennis Skirts Inner Shorts. This budget-friendly skort comes with a comfortable waistband and two side pockets, big enough to carry a phone without worrying it's going to fall out. Form-fitting but flattering, this lightweight running skirt is perfect for running or hitting the golf course. How We Selected the Best Running Skirts To find the best running skirts on the market, we searched for the best options by reading reviews and evaluating the highest-rated options from multiple retailers. We chose our top picks based on the quality of material, fit, length, sizes available (including plus sizes), design (including pockets!), and waistband details. What to Look for in a Running Skirt Material Choose a running skirt with a cool, mesh fabric or synthetic wicking material to keep your legs and backside from overheating. These materials pull sweat and other moisture (such as rain) away from you, so you stay as dry and cool as possible. This is important in staving off hypothermia or hyperthermia, especially when running in inclement weather. These materials also offer other functionalities—they work to keep you chafe- and blister-free, creating a more comfortable running experience. Fit You want a running skirt that fits tight enough so that you aren't constantly pulling it up as you run, but loose enough to allow for full range of motion for your legs. If possible, try the running skirt on and jog a few steps to see if the apparel stays put on your body. If your body shape is larger on the bottom half, you might want to go up one size in a running skirt from your shirt size. This can help ensure that your running skirt won't be so tight that you experience chafing and also doesn't slide down during your run. Some runners also prefer running skirts with a zipped pocket in the back to store keys or gels. Color If you run in warmer temperatures, a black running skirt can absorb heat. You might want to have a couple of options, black for the winter and a lighter color for summer running. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of running skirts? Running skirts allow you to still feel stylish while running, especially when you're covered in sweat. They also offer a better range of motion and flexibility than some running pants.For runners who prefer bare legs, running skirts allow you to keep your legs clothes-free without any movement restrictions that a pair of shorts might have. Do running skirts slow you down? Running skirts are lightweight and designed to move as you run. They can feel heavy to some runners, though, depending on the type of material they're made of. Try a skirt out on a run to see how you like it. Whether or not it works for you is entirely up to personal preference. How do you prevent chafing with running skirts? To prevent chafing with running skirts, take some proactive measures, such as:Pick a skirt long enough to cover any area that chafes, such as your inner thighs.Make sure the skirt has flat seams or offers a seamless design.Wear a pair of shorts underneath the running skirt if it doesn't already have a pair attached. This gives you extra protection to keep your legs from chafing.Use an anti-chafing stick or lubricant cream on your legs and backside before you put on the running skirt. Why Trust Verywell Fit Wendy Bumgardner has walked over a thousand 10-kilometer events, over 100 half-marathons, seven marathons, two Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks, and one Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Wendy holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of Portland. Wendy has a Leki Nordic Walking Instructor certificate and is an RRCA-certified marathon coach. 3 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 16 stylish skorts and tennis skirts to shop now — starting at $13. Today. https://www.today.com/shop/best-athletic-skorts-t217617 9 BEST SKORTS FOR WOMEN THAT SCORE BOTH ON AND OFF THE COURT. Best Products. https://www.bestproducts.com/fashion/g40035766/best-skorts-for-women/ THE BEST GOLF AND TENNIS SKIRTS OF 2022. Reviewed. https://www.reviewed.com/health/best-right-now/best-golf-and-tennis-skirts See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit