The 8 Best Running Skirts of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

BALEAF Skorts at Amazon

There’s a side pocket on each leg to store essentials, and the pocket material is stretchy enough to hold a larger cell phone.

Best Budget:

BLEVONH Shorts at Amazon

Form-fitting but flattering, this lightweight running skirt is perfect for running or hitting the golf course.

Best With Mesh Shorts:

X31 Sports Running Tennis Skort at Amazon

It has built-in mesh shorties and it's made from sweat-wicking polyester and spandex.

Best Sparkle:

Sparkle Athletic Sequin Running Skirt at Amazon

This skirt is made from polyester fabric woven with foil sequins that won’t fall off.

Best Skapri:

Sport-it Women's Capri Running Skirt at Amazon

A skapri combines running skirt with capri-length tights.

Best for Long Runs:

Ultimate Direction Running Skort at Amazon

It come with two water bottle holsters and the waist adjuster helps support the bottles and keeps the skort in place.

Best Size-Inclusive:

Girlfriend Collective Skort at Girlfriend.com

The high-waisted active skirt is simple but sleek and functional, made of compressive, sweat-wicking fabric.

Best Splurge:

Athleta Skort at Gap.com

It is made with stretch fabric constructed with recycled polyester, providing a featherweight, sleek feel.

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. The running skirt is not new to workout fashion but has become more popular over the years. Runners often look to bring their own sense of style to a race, whether it's a fun run or a themed marathon.

Running skirts come in a wide variety of colors, sometimes with sequences or more subtle features at the skirt bottom, like a scalloped hemline.

A running skirt can have different short inner lengths you can choose from. It should be lightweight and made from fabric that allows you to move freely. Pockets aren’t required but they are appreciated by most athletes.

To help you narrow your choices, here are the best running skirts on the market.

Runners know it’s tough to go for a long run without having a sizeable pocket to store our phones, keys, and cash, which is why athletes love the BALEAF Women's Athletic Skorts with Shorts Pockets.

However, it is more than the sizeable built-in pockets that have runners stocking up on these skorts. The sweat-wicking material keeps you dry and cool, and the two-layer activewear provides modesty, 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.

They come in sizes extra-small to 3XL and they're available in every color of the rainbow.

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.

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

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 your 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.

A skapri combines a running skirt with capri-length tights. It’s perfect when you want to wear something more substantial during cold weather running. What makes this brand's design different is that they have a 360-degree tubular pocket waistband. You can use the two slits on the inside of the band to slip in your phone, keys, cards, energy gels, and any other essentials. You won’t need a separate running belt to wear this skapri for a race or workout.

The wide waistband gives your stomach support as well. The fabric is a blend of nylon and spandex with four-way stretch. The flirty skirt gives you bun coverage without getting in your way when you’re running, walking, or exercising.

If you prefer, they also have models with full-length leggings or a tennis-length skort. The skapri is available in sizes large to extra-extra-large in black.

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.

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.

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.

Final Verdict

For a comfortable, convenient, and versatile pair of running shorts, you’ll appreciate the two-layer BALEAF Women's Athletic Skorts with Shorts Pockets. The sweat-wicking material keeps you cool and dry, with two side pockets 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.

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