Fitness Gear Apparel The 8 Best Running Skirts of 2022 BALEAF's Athletic Skirt has built-in shorts that make it comfortable for runs 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 April 13, 2022 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 made of moisture-wicking materials that keep sweat at bay and are built with pockets to hold keys. We recommend BLEVONH's Tennis Skirt Shorts for something more form-fitting and budget-friendly. When buying a running skirt, look for ones that are lightweight and made from fabric that allows you to move freely. Pockets aren’t required, but most runners appreciate them. We researched dozens of running skirts and evaluated them for materials, comfort, price, and breathability. Below, you'll find the best running skirts on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: BALEAF Skorts at Amazon Best Budget: BLEVONH Shorts at Amazon Best With Mesh Shorts: X31 Sports Running Tennis Skort at Amazon Best Sparkle: Sparkle Athletic Sequin Running Skirt at Amazon Best Skapri: ANIVIVO Women's Capri Yoga Leggings at Amazon Best for Long Runs: Ultimate Direction Running Skort at Amazon Best Size-Inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Skort at Girlfriend.com Best Splurge: Athleta Skort at Gap.com In This Article Expand Our Picks 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 With a sizeable pocket to store your keys and breathable fabric, BALEAF Women's Athletic Skorts with Shorts Pockets has earned a spot as our top pick. The sweat-wicking material keeps you dry and cool, with the outer layer covering the built-in mesh shorts. The shorts are made of flexible mesh that doesn't ride up and are comfortable for long-distance running. The shorts contain a headphone cable hole for easy access to headphones for music or audio workouts. There’s a side pocket on each leg to store your essentials, and the pocket material is stretchy enough to hold a larger cell phone. The other pocket is suitable for your ID, keys, and credit card. Reflective details on the skirt are ideal for running in lower light conditions. What's more, they come in sizes extra-small to 3XL and they're available in every color of the rainbow. Best Budget: BLEVONH Women Tennis Skirts Inner Shorts Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon If you want to stock up with apparel that’s easy, comfortable, flattering, and affordable, the BLEVONH Women Tennis Skirts Inner Shorts fits the bill. 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 running or hitting the golf course. They're available in sizes extra-small to extra-large. 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. Best With Mesh Shorts: X31 Sports Running Skirt Tennis Skort Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon X31 is a small company in California specializing in endurance athletic designs. This running skirt is made to go the distance, from a 5K to a marathon. It has built-in mesh shorties and it's made from sweat-wicking polyester and spandex. The pockets will let you stash your essentials while you are walking, running, or exercising. They include hidden side pockets and a rear zipper pocket with a headphone cord hole. They are offered in sizes extra-small to extra-large. You can choose from pink, turquoise, or black The Best Women’s Running Shoes, According to a Running Coach Best Sparkle: Sparkle Athletic Sequin Running Skirt Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon With more races like fun runs encouraging costumes, you need a sequined skirt to show your fun side while covering your backside. This skirt is made from polyester fabric woven with foil sequins that won’t fall off. The skirt must be worn over running shorts or leggings as it doesn’t have an integrated panty or short. It’s light, comfortable, and short enough that it won’t get in your way during a race. The runners who've bought the skirt say they got plenty of compliments during their race. In many cases, runners who bought other brands came back to Sparkle Athletic for the superior quality. The sizes are available in extra-small to extra-large and in bright, playful colors like Royal Blue, Turquoise, and Purple. Best Skapri: ANIVIVO Women's Capri Yoga Leggings Amazon View On Amazon A skapri combines a running skirt with capri-length leggings. Ideal for when you want a modest option with more coverage, the ANIVIVO Women's Capri Yoga Leggings have a three-quarter-length silhouette that will keep you warm and comfortable. 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 and in sizes S-4XL. 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 Whether you're running a marathon or a 3K, it's always a good idea to carry water with you, which is why serious runners 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. A large center-back pocket holds an iPhone 8+, among other items like cash and keys. The outer skirt is made with ultralight nylon with a pretty scalloped edging. The skirt is available in extra-small or large. It comes in two colors—Blue Spruce or Onyx. The 12 Best Running Belts of 2022, According to a Running Coach Best Size-Inclusive: Girlfriend Collective Midnight Skort View On Girlfriend.com For runners wearing a plus size, this athletic skort is a must-have. The inner shorts from the size-inclusive brand will help prevent thigh chafing, while the outer skirt provides coverage so you can run, walk, or bike with confidence. Women who bought it say it’s versatile enough to wear hiking, exercising, shopping, and traveling. Some even wear it for roller skating since the material is stretchy and breathable, allowing the garment to move around and multi-task. The high-waisted active skirt is simple but sleek, and attractive but functional. The skirt integrates compressive fabric, which is sweat-wicking. The built-in shorts with mesh pockets carry your phone, keys, and cash. It's just form-fitting enough that it fits comfortably but not too tightly. It comes in versatile colors like Moon, Plum, Moss, and Midnight, so you can pair the skirt with anything. It comes in sizes extra-extra small to 6 extra-large. The 9 Best Plus Size Leggings of 2022 Best Splurge: Athleta Run With It 14" Skort View On Gap.com Ideal for long or short distances, runners love and wear this skort for hiking and running, while others think it's stylish enough to use for golf or sightseeing. It's made with stretch fabric constructed with recycled polyester, providing a featherweight, sleek feel. Those who have purchased the skort appreciate that “stay put” feel, perfect length, and flattering look. The skort is available in extra-extra small to 3XL. It comes in standard black and white, and in more fun colors like Sequoia Blue and Agate Purple, all colors versatile enough to be paired with anything. The Best Running Shorts for Women That a Running Coach Loves Final Verdict For a comfortable, convenient, and versatile running skirt, you’ll appreciate 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, the BLEVONH Women Tennis Skirts Inner Shorts fits the bill. 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. 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 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 and feminine while running, especially when you're covered in sweat. They also offer a better range of motion and flexibility than some types of running pants.For runners who prefer bare legs, running skirts allow you to keep your legs clothes free without any of the 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 from which they are made. Try a skirt out on a run to see how you like them. It is completely a matter of 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 that the skirt has flat seams or offers a seamless design.Wear a pair of shorts underneath the running skirt if you're worried. This gives you extra protection from your legs 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit