The Best Tennis Skirts

Buying Guide for Tennis Skirts

Why buy a tennis skirt?

A tennis skirt provides movement and freedom to stand up to a grueling match. It’s a cute, more feminine alternative that has built-in features to offer more protection from the sun and any wardrobe malfunctions that could occur during a play. Even if you aren’t into tennis, you can easily wear one out for a casual day in the park or a nice walk on the trail.

What should you look for in a tennis skirt?

• Design: Like many items of clothing, there are some design variations when it comes to tennis skirts. You can find pleated or straight tennis skirts, varying lengths (though they’re generally short, as short skirts are less restrictive), and skirts with high or low waists. Some simply slide on, while others zip shut. Some have elastic waists; others don’t. Some tennis skirts also have built-in underwear or shorts for extra convenience, coverage, and security.
• Features: Tennis skirts can offer extra features that some women might find useful. These can include pockets for tennis balls, drawstrings for a more custom fit, side mesh panels for breathability, reflective details, moisture-wicking systems, and more. Consider which traits you might prefer in a tennis skirt and keep an eye out for those when shopping.
• Care: Most tennis skirts are safe to be cleaned and dried in washing machines and dryers, but not all. If you want one that is machine washable, check to be sure it’s listed as such before you buy. Some are also not meant to be ironed, so be sure to keep an eye on the wash and ironing settings of any tennis skirt you purchase.

What makes a tennis skirt more preferable to a normal skirt or shorts?

While there are no rules or dress codes that require them to wear skirts over shorts while playing tennis (or pickleball), many women simply prefer them over shorts. Skirts allow for just as much, if not more, freedom of movement as shorts. Tennis skirts can be made of the same materials as athletic shorts, so they offer the same comfort, properties, and benefits. Many women like tennis skirts better because they find them more stylish or more comfortable. Some designs have a built-in underlayer, which offers extra security that some shorts may not have. Unlike other types of skirts, most, if not all, tennis skirts tend to have pockets to hold a spare tennis ball or two. That combination of comfort, freedom, and style makes tennis skirts a popular choice for women tennis players.

Our Picks for the Best Tennis Skirts

Pros: This tennis skirt is designed with the right combination of convenience and comfort to help you feel supported out on the court. It has two layers, an exterior skirt with interior compressive mesh shorts, while the triangle-shaped gusset prevents pinching or the skirt from riding up. The polyester and spandex material is light and comfortable and wicks away sweat. The wide elastic waistband provides security, and you can use the internal drawcord to adjust the skirt at any time. The reflective details keep you visible in low-light conditions, no matter which of the 11 skirt colors you choose to buy. The two hidden side pockets on the interior shorts are great for storing personal belongings. There’s also a headphone cable hole so you can stash your phone in your pocket and thread your headphones through for easy access. The skirt is machine washable on cold settings.

Cons: The sizes and fit can be inconsistent depending on the color you get.

Bottom Line: With double layers and reliable support, you’ll be able to easily hit those angles and tennis balls in this practical tennis skirt. Enhance your range of motion in this skirt that will move with you in every play.

 

Pros: Here’s a cute pleated skirt for those looking for a tennis skirt with a more feminine look. This deceptively simple skirt is bright and attractive, available in 20 different colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that fits your preferred look and style. The high-quality fabric is comfortable, whether you’re exercising or not. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and can be washed without the pleats losing their shape, while the inner shorts provide you with more coverage. Thanks to the cute, pleated, feminine look, you can wear this skirt during the day, then hit the tennis courts immediately after without needing to change.

Cons: The fit and length run small, so you might want to size up.

Bottom Line: From a tennis match to a casual meet-up with friends, this preppy, pleated tennis skirt will have you looking put together in the cutest way. It plays with the old-school plaid charm that will always have a place in fashion.

 

Pros: It’s all “business in the front and party in the back” with this tennis skirt that sports a plain front while the pleated back flows and moves as you do. It is made of a stretchy polyester spandex blend and comes with an elastic high waist, so it stays in place as you bend. There are two layers to keep you supported and covered as well as three built-in pockets to hold golf balls, keys, and other small essentials. If the basic black is too boring for you, you have plenty of other solid colors to choose from.

Cons: The built-in shorts may fit too loose or too tight.

Bottom Line: This adorable, flattering tennis skirt will have you scoring points in the style department. With its convenient pockets, you’ll be able to store your belongings when you hit the courts or take a stroll in the park.

 

Pros: Stand out from the rest of the players in this knee-length A-line skirt that elongates your body in all the right ways. It’s made of a polyester spandex blend that has moisture wicking to keep you cool and dry on the hottest days. The skirt measures 20 to 21 inches in length, while the built-in mesh shorts fall at 7 inches to keep any mishaps off the court. It has an adjustable high waist and includes four pockets—two on the side, one inside the waist, and a zippered one in the back. You also have several other color and pattern options to fit your taste.

Cons: The seams of the pockets stick out and can be visibly seen.

Bottom Line: You’ll get ultimate comfort and protection in this modest but tasteful tennis skirt. Having that extra coverage to keep you safe from the UV rays and from any slip-ups will have you match-ready.

 

Pros: Whether you’re a novice or advanced player, you’ll be winning in this uniquely designed tennis skirt. RYANDREW claims that their new treatment of the fabric prevents pilling, shrinking, and fading. It’s made of a quick-dry material that has a four-way stretch, so you can experience maximum comfort and breathability. You’ll also feel safe and secure with the underlying mesh shorts and a side and a front zippered pocket to stow away your personal items. You’ll want to get your hands on these, as certain designs are rare and limited edition.

Cons: While it has a nice structure and conforms to the body, it fits more snugly and doesn’t give as much room to move around in.

Bottom Line: You’ll be the star of the match in this fashion-forward tennis skirt that serves in style and functionality. While the designs may be loud, the cut is casual and comfy enough to also run your most basic errands.

Final Thoughts

A tennis skirt can bring more to the court than meets the eye. For those days you want more freedom and a cuter, flattering silhouette than a restrictive pair of shorts can offer, you’ll be glad you purchased a reliable tennis skirt to check those boxes.