Versatile and Stylish Chic Athletic Skirts for Active Women

The Rise of Chic Athletic Skirts

Athletic skirts, sometimes called skorts, have become an increasingly popular activewear item for women in recent years. With their sporty yet feminine aesthetic, athletic skirts allow women to look stylish while comfortably participating in physical activities.

While skorts have been around since the 1970s, the recent athleisure trend has led to a major resurgence of this versatile garment. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and more have started offering chic athletic skirts made with high-tech, moisture-wicking fabrics. These skirts are designed to keep the wearer cool and comfortable during workouts while also looking fashionable.

The Appeal of Athletic Skirts

So what's driving the popularity of athletic skirts? Here are some of the key benefits these activewear skirts offer:

• Freedom of movement - Athletic skirts provide full range of motion for activities like running, tennis, dance, yoga, and more. The slit or short design allows wearers to move freely without restriction.
• Airflow - Skorts are made of breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate, keeping wearers cool and dry during sweaty workouts.
• Stylish look - Athletic skirts come in fun colors, prints, and cuts that look fashionable at the gym, running errands, or out and about.
• Modest coverage - The skirt overlay provides more coverage over leggings or shorts for women who prefer that.
• Flattering fit - Skorts highlight the waist and hips in a graceful, feminine way even during athletic movements.

Features of Quality Athletic Skirts

High-performance athletic skirts will be designed with active women in mind. Here are some features to look for:

• Stretch fabrics - Quality skorts will contain some spandex or elastic material to allow flexing and bending without restriction.
• Breathable fabrics - The best athletic skirts use moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics to keep you cool and dry through sweaty workouts. Polyester and nylon blends work well.
• Built-in shorts - Skorts will have a pair of shorts attached underneath the skirt overlay for coverage and modesty while moving.
• Side slit design - Slits and vents in the skirt provide greater ease of movement. Look for slits that don't rise too high for coverage.
• Compression - Compression shorts or leggings under the skirt provide muscular support during athletic activity.
• Pockets - Convenient pockets built into the skirt let you stash small essentials securely.

Choosing the Best Athletic Skirt for You

With so many athletic skirts on the market, here are some tips for picking the right one for your needs:

• Consider your planned activities - Choose shorter, lighter skorts for highly active pursuits like running or tennis. Opt for longer skirts with maximum airflow for lower intensity exercise like yoga or pilates.
• Choose the right fabric - Match the fabric to the activity. Sweat-wicking polyester blends work for high-exertion exercise while stretchy cotton blends are fine for lighter activities.
• Get the right fit - Skorts should fit close to the body without restricting your movement or range of motion. The waistband should be comfortable without gaping or pinching.
• Consider plus size options - Many brands now offer chic athletic skirts in a full range of sizes for a flattering, comfortable fit.
• Check the slit length - Make sure side slits don't extend too high up the leg for your comfort and coverage needs.

Styling Athletic Skirts for Any Occasion

One of the great things about athletic skirts is their versatility. With the right styling, they can easily transition from the gym to the streets for a fashionable athleisure look. Here are some tips for styling skorts:

For the Gym

• Pair with a moisture-wicking tank or tee for peak performance. Look for tight-fitting tops that won't ride up.
• Add a light performance jacket for outdoor cardio in cooler weather.
• Wear sweat-wicking leggings or compression shorts underneath for support and coverage.
• Complete the gym ensemble with supportive cross-training shoes.

For Casual Wear

• Pair with a tucked-in blouse or flowing tank for a flattering silhouette.
• Add a denim jacket on top for a hint of casual cool.
• Slip on fashion sneakers or sandals for comfy, laid-back style.
• Accessorize with a crossbody bag, hat, or sunglasses to accentuate the look.

For Night Out

• Dress it up with a sequined or satin cami on top.
• Layer with a cropped leather jacket or kimono cardigan.
• Strappy heels or wedges take the look to trendy new heights.
• Complete the ensemble with a few sparkling hair clips or barrettes.

Popular Athletic Skirt Styles

There are many cute athletic skirt styles on the market today catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular silhouettes:

Tennis Skirts

The classic pleated tennis skirt remains widely popular both on and off the court. Made of lightweight, breathable fabrics, these short skirts allow free leg movement while keeping athletes cool.

Golf Skirts

Golf skorts offer panel construction that mimics the look of a skirt in the front and shorts in the back for modest coverage during swings. Moisture-wicking performance fabrics keep golfers dry.

Running Skirts

Designed for maximum mobility, running skirts use sheer, lightweight fabrics with inner compression shorts. Side slits and vents provide a full range of motion stride after stride.

Yoga Skirts

Stretchy yoga skirts allow flexibility and airflow during poses and inversions. Longer lengths and wide waistbands ensure coverage through contortions. Foldover waistbands can also double as yoga mats.

Dance Skirts

For ballet and performance dance, floaty dance skirts allow fluid movement and show off graceful legwork through twirls and leaps. Elastic waistbands keep skirts in place.

The Future of Athletic Skirts

As women continue to break boundaries in sports and fitness, athletic skirts will only grow in popularity thanks to their sporty style and freedom of movement. Here are some predictions for the future of this activewear staple:

• More technical fabrics - Expect continued innovation in high-performance fabrics that wick moisture, block UV rays, resist odors, and more.
• Custom design options - Look for athletic skirts that allow women to customize lengths, slits, colors, and other design elements to match their needs and tastes.
• Expanded size ranges - More brands will offer athletic skirts in inclusive sizing for women of all body types.
• Multipurpose functionality - Skirts with multi-use design features like reflective strips, pockets, and foldover waistbands will grow in popularity.
• Skirt and short sets - Matching skorts and shorts will emerge as versatile athleticwear sets for mixing and matching looks.

Athletic skirts have earned their place in women's activewear thanks to their style, performance, and versatility. With innovative new fabrics and feminine fits, they are poised to only increase in popularity as more women discover their benefits both in and out of the gym. The future looks bright and stylish for this functional fashion staple.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of athletic skirts?

Athletic skirts offer full freedom of movement, breathability, stylish looks, modest coverage, and a flattering fit. The slit design allows wearers to move freely while staying cool and comfortable.

What features should I look for in a quality athletic skirt?

Look for stretchy, breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking properties. Built-in shorts, side slits, compression leggings, and pockets are other useful features in athletic skirts.

What are athletic skirts made of?

Most athletic skirts are made of polyester or nylon blends. These synthetic fabrics wick moisture, dry quickly, and stretch to allow full range of motion.

Can you wear athletic skirts casually or for a night out?

Absolutely! With the right styling like heels and a dressy top, athletic skirts easily transition from the gym to the streets for cute casual or night-out looks.

What is the most popular athletic skirt style?

The classic tennis skirt with a short, pleated silhouette remains the most ubiquitous athletic skirt found both on and off the court.