It’s official: In 2025, the new “it has pockets!” is “it’s a skort!”
Skorts have been back in the zeitgeist for a while now, thanks to fashion’s years-long embrace of athletic wear, the rise of racket sports, and athletes moonlighting as influencers. (We’re looking at you, Cameron Brink!) That all would’ve been reason enough for brands to pump out a steady stream of skorts. Then Challengers — and Zendaya’s 2024 press tour for the movie — happened, and tenniscore reached a full-on fever. Add to that skorts’ appeal as a more practical spin on Y2K’s micro-mini skirt trend, and there’s no going back now. The skort is here to stay and serve, on and off the court.
Whether you're going true athletic mode, doing the “hiking skort, but make it city” thing like Taylor Swift, or dressing a skort up with heels and a blazer like Sydney Sweeney, there’s a skort for every occasion — our favorite brands today are pretty much swimming in them today! To help keep things simple, we’ve edited down all the options to the 21 best skorts of the season, from sporty skorts and pleated tennis skirts for active days to leather and mini denim skorts for active nights.
How to style skorts:
Before we get into skort-styling, first, a quick history lesson.
Skorts got their start in the 1890s for women bicyclists; inspired by Turkish trousers, these “bicycle bloomers” became the first pants worn by American women. The point here? Skorts were literally created to help their wearers move more freely, physically and through society. Today, we can all embody that easy-breezy spirit by effortlessly pairing skorts with all kinds of outfits. No need to overthink it!
For a sporty daytime look, just swap out those 1990s bike shorts in your closet with a skort. You can pair it with a crop top and some trendy soccer-inspired sneakers, like the ones from the FENTY X PUMA collection. For preppier daytime garb, pair a denim or linen skort — a light, neutral color is best — with a striped oxford shirt. Tuck it in and add low-top sneakers, a leather belt, and your favorite sunnies.
At night, a Y2K-befitting denim mini skort — pleats and rhinestones optional — makes the right base for a halter top and low, strappy heels. For a slightly edgier spin, you could go for a plaid skort with ankle boots and a baby tee (band tees preferred). Or, go full 2000s-era red carpet with a ruffled skort; a layered one with frills peeking out from beneath adds a fresh spin. Wear it with a cropped sweater and buckle shoulder bag for a “cuteness overload” look.
Our picks for the best skorts:
- Best athletic skort: adidas Optime Skort with Integrated Bike Shorts, $55
- Best pleated tennis skirt/skort: Wilson Midtown Tennis Skirt, $78
- Best mini denim skort: BDG Shaina Belted Denim Micro Mini Skort, $59
- Best khaki skort: Helsa Workwear Pleated Mini Skort, $121
$198 - Best skort to dress up: Good American Twill Suiting Wrap Skort, $149
- Best skort on a budget: Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Mini Wrap Skort, $15
$30 - Best skort for a splurge: Maje Pleated Tweed Skort, $183
$365
Best athletic skort: adidas Optime Skort with Integrated Bike Shorts
This simple black skort from Adidas isn’t reinventing any wheels, and that’s the appeal. It’s just classic and comfy, with a thigh-placed logo that feels sporty-cool in an unstudied way. Plus, it’s from a brand you can trust to hold up, whether you’re wearing your skort to spin class or just speed-walking to your 10 a.m. For another solid sporty skort from Adidas, there’s no going wrong with the three-stripe version either.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Best pleated tennis skirt/skort: Wilson Midtown Tennis Skirt
A lot of fashion brands may be doing tennis skirts these days, but you’ll feel like a real pro in this pleated pick from Wilson. It comes as no surprise a sporting goods company known for racket sport equipment would get what goes into an ideal tennis skirt: the length here is right, the pleats are the perfect size, and the compression waistband is a plus. This skort also comes in a bunch of colors, with some featuring a sporty stripe and color-blocking on the waistband or hem. We’ll take one of each, thanks!
Sizes available: XS-XL
American Eagle Stretch Low-Rise Mini Skort
This is a great dress-up-or-down skort, with a layer of pleats peeking out from beneath for a flirty touch. Taller folks — or anyone who wants a little more coverage — will appreciate the longer length options for each size, too.
Sizes available: 000-20
Maeve Menswear Pleated Skort
This playful, preppy skort sports the cutest mini-houndstooth print in a summery shade of green. From the structure of the wide pleats to the foldover belt loops, it’s got a classic retro look that’s sure to last you from season to season.
Sizes available: 00-16
Puma X LaQuan Smith Tear-Away Mini Skort
This sporty skort with contrasting snap-up side plackets is almost too cool to exercise in. That said, we’ll still wear it to the gym, given we plan to wear it just about everywhere. The extra-large Puma X LaQuan Smith patch, placed front and center, ups the fashion stakes.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Flirty Mini Skort
Animal prints have been back in a big way, and this super-soft Abercrombie & Fitch skort reminds us why. It also comes in leopard print, but the cow print is just begging for some Tanner Adell-inspired glam getup.
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Best mini denim skort: BDG Shaina Belted Denim Micro Mini Skort
This pleated jean skort masquerades well as an extra-micro denim mini skirt straight out of Y2K times. The tiny grommets, buckle, and low-rise waist are right on trend, and it’s hard to choose which of the three light-to-dark washes we like best. Like the look but want a bit more coverage? Try pairing it with an oversized button-up and loafers.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Amanda Uprichard Rizzo Skort
One thing’s for sure: There’s no mistaking this skort for athleticwear. Its trendy silver buckles, floaty pleats, and extra peekaboo sliver of leg showing make this the perfect black skort for date night.
Sizes available: XS-XL
Beverly and Beck Ruffle Micro Mini Skort
This ruffled mini skort is the definition of flouncy. Wear it with a knit top and a locket for some sugary-sweet vibes.
Sizes available: XS-XLG
Best khaki skort: Helsa Workwear Pleated Mini Skort
Thrift this preppy skort for some serious Abercrombie & Fitch circa-2005 vibes. The center-cut pleats on the front and back add a touch of professional polish, but the low-rise waist and micro-mini length are the stuff of business-casual-but-make-it-clubwear dreams. Throw this on with a Y2K-befitting wide belt with grommets and you’re good to go.
Sizes available: U.S. L, International XL
Manière De Voir Juliette in Black Leather Pleated Skort
London-based brand Manière De Voir may have made the black vegan leather skort of our dreams here. That said, the gray pinstripe version is a close second for our fave.
Sizes available: 0-12
Athleta Crosscourt High Rise Tipped 14" Skort
We might start taking tennis lessons just for a reason to wear this whole ‘fit. The spliced wrap skirt and contrast stripe details are too good, and the pockets and gripper tape on the undershorts add some helpful practicality. (FYI, for a cheaper alternative, we like the PowerSoft Faux-Wrap Skort from sister brand Old Navy. That skort is also available in more sizes: up to 4X.)
Sizes available: XXS-XL
Express High Waisted White Denim Wrap Mini Skort
This crisp white denim skort keeps things sharp with an asymmetrical button detail and streamlined fit. Wear it with a basic white tee, then add in some color-coordinated shades and shoes in a fun pastel shade, and you’ve got a stylish summer uniform.
Sizes available: 0-16
Baleaf Women's Pleated Tennis Skirt
Okay, so it’s another black pleated tennis-slash-golf skort. You got us there! But it also isn’t just another black pleated tennis-slash-golf skort. With almost 3,300 5-star reviews, it’s one of the best-selling skorts on Amazon for a reason. The pleats are only in the back, which adds a fun, flirty detail, and it comes in multiple colors.
Sizes available: XS-XXL
Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Sienna Mini Skort
Here’s an undeniable truth: A good plaid skort is one of the best ways to do summer-to-fall transition dressing. This Abercrombie & Fitch one nails it, with a soft, woven fabric that scores high on comfort factor.
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Best skort to dress up: Good American Twill Suiting Wrap Skort
Who doesn’t love a good suiting moment? This chic wrap skort from Good American makes it easy with a light grey twill fabric and matching vest. Even without the full set, though, this is a skort that’s easy to dress up with a boatneck top, strappy black heels, and a baguette bag. For a more affordable option with pleats, this ASOS set gives the same polished effect.
Sizes available: 00-12
Alo Yoga Tennis Club Sweater Knit Skirt
We’re already fans of Alo’s tennis skirts, like the bestselling Grand Slam skort. But it’s possible this lightweight knit skort feels even more elevated, thanks to its subtly textured fabric and classically collegiate stripes. There’s a matching bra and cardigan, too, if you want to go full prep school with your ensemble. Just add in a headband or scrunchie and some lettuce socks!
Sizes available: 00-14
Hollister Medium Wash Pleated Denim Mini Skort
Hollister has been doing denim minis right since the actual Y2K days, so we’re guessing they didn’t have to dig far in the archives for revival inspo. This low-waist, perfectly flared pick is proof of why we love pleats on denim skorts so much.
Sizes available: XXS-XXL
Best skort on a budget: Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Mini Wrap Skort
Old Navy
High-Waisted Linen-Blend Mini Wrap Skort
How sweet is this yellow gingham linen-blend skort? Its waistline sits at the belly-button and its hemline hits at the thigh — perfect for those who aren’t into micro-mini lengths. It also comes in a bunch of sizes, colors, and patterns, and at this price point, we’ll be stocking up on more than a couple of these breathable bottoms for summer.
Sizes available: XS-4X
MM6 Maison Margiela Fold-Over Two Tone Long Shorts/Skort
Micro-mini skorts are back center stage — which is why opting for a knee-length skort, like this thrifted skort from MM6 Maison Margiela, makes for an interesting fashion choice. Pair it with a slinky top, strappy shoes, and dangling earrings for a chic date night look.
Sizes available: U.S. 2
Best skort for a splurge: Maje Pleated Tweed Skort
This sequin tweed skort from Parisian brand Maje shows just how far from athleisure a tennis skirt can really get. With a wraparound skirt and pleats peeking out from one side, it’s almost impossibly preppy. Wear it with a monochromatic sweater — or, if you really feel like splurging, the matching cropped tweed jacket — to feel like the poshest person at the party. (Love a good below-the-knee skirt? There’s a matching tweed midi, too!)
Sizes available: 2-10
