L’Etoile Sport Performance Lace Skirt
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 1 | Length: 16 inches | Special feature: Breathable perforated fabric
- What’s notable: It’s very stylish, and the longer length appeals to those who prefer more coverage.
- What could be better: The skirt may not be as durable and long-lasting as some other brands, and it’s expensive.
L’Etoile is known for their fashionable styles and thoughtful details. This skirt is made from a pointelle-inspired nylon and polyurethane fabric that keeps me cool when I play, and it has a comfortable pull-on waistband and roomy ruffle skirt. L’Etoile skirts tend to be a little delicate and require more maintenance than my other skirts—I usually try to hand wash them to prevent them from wearing out—but they are so chic that I don’t mind the extra effort. They also tend to be a little longer than average skirt (this one is 16 inches), so I can run errands after playing without worrying about showing too much skin.
Best Tennis Skirt With Sun Protection
Keeps You Safe and Comfy On The Court
Lily Pulitzer UPF 50+ Luxletic Miesha Scallop Skort
Sizes: XXS to XL | Colors: 2 | Length: 13 inches | Special feature: Moisture-wicking fabric
- What’s notable: The skirt offers a high level of sun protection and is made from moisture-controlling fabric. A matching scalloped top is available.
- What could be better: Some may find the skirt a little short.
This tiered scalloped skirt (part of Lily’s Luxletic collection) is made from soft Meryl nylon fabric, which wicks away moisture. It also provides UPF 50+ sun protection, which is a nice perk because I’m out playing in the sun for hours and it’s hard to keep reapplying sunscreen. I bought this skirt for the preppy scalloped detailing but soon found it to become one of my go-to’s because it’s so comfortable and has a matching top with a built-in bra.
Best Sustainable Tennis Skirt
Made From Breathable Organic Cotton
The Upside Bounce Cordova Mini Tennis Skirt
Size: XXS to XL Colors: 1| Length: 14 inches | Special feature: Organic cotton material
- What’s notable: The fit is flattering and the material is soft and durable.
- What could be better: It’s expensive.
Cotton is soft and breathable and feels great against your skin—but you rarely find it anymore in tennis skirts. The Upside Bounce Cordova is made from 100% organic pique cotton, which has a nice weight to it and washes well. I have sensitive skin so I wear cotton whenever I can, and despite the lack of moisture-wicking properties, I never feel weighed down with sweat when I wear The Upside’s tennis clothes. From a style standpoint, I love the fit and striped waistband.
Best Tennis Dress
A LBD For The Court
Staud Court Cross-Court Two-Tone Minidress
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 2 | Length: 31 inches from shoulder to hem | Special feature: Moisture-wicking fabric
- What’s notable: Ultra-fashionable, this dress is made from a silky-feeling fabric and provides a flattering fit.
- What could be better: It’s a little low cut in the front which may not work for people with larger chests.
If this dress wasn’t pictured in a story about tennis clothes, you’d never know it was a tennis dress—which is exactly why I bought it. But while this dress feels formal enough for a cocktail party, it’s actually a fully functional and technical tennis outfit made from lightweight, silky-feeling, moisture-wicking fabric. It’s so flattering and comfortable, and I get compliments every time I wear it. It’s also available in a sophisticated white color with green trim.
We research, test and thoroughly analyze all the products we recommend, including the best athletic wear on the market.
- The publication of this article was overseen by deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has written and edited lifestyle content for more than 20 years.
- This story was written by Lesley Rotchford, who has been covering men’s and women’s fashion for more than 20 years, and who has playing tennis since she was a teenager.
How We Chose The Best Tennis Skirts
We performed in-depth research on tennis skirts to find the skirts that rated high in terms of comfort, function and style.
- Forbes Vetted contributing writer Lesley Rotchford has worn dozens of skirts over the years and tested out more for this story to ensure they were comfortable and dependable on the court. She also surveyed her tennis friends and teammates for their favorite skirts. This list reflects the her top picks.
- Rotchford cross-referenced her opinions with online reviews to ensure each shoe on this list is highly rated by customers.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Tennis Skirt
Comfort is paramount when selecting a skirt, but there are other things to keep in mind too. Here are the most important features to look for:
Most tennis skirts are made of nylon or polyester with Spandex or elastane for stretch (usually 8% to 15%). Technical fabrics are a bonus because they offer sweat-wicking properties to keep you feeling dry and cool in warm conditions. Some fabrics also have built-in sun protection and anti-odor capabilities. And while it’s less common to find cotton tennis skirts, the The Upside Bounce Cordova Mini Tennis Skirt is made of 100% organic cotton.
One swift move or gust of wind can kick up a pleated frill, exposing your bottom for all to see. That’s why skorts are so popular; skirts with built in Spandex shorts offer extra coverage so you don’t need to worry about flashing your partner when you bend forward at the net or reach up to serve. Some of these built in shorts are seamless and others have silicone strips applied to the hem to prevent them from riding up (although I don’t always find that they work). As an added benefit, these stretchy shorts give you a place to hold an extra ball during your serve, and some have pockets too. When wearing a tennis skirt off the court, these pockets come in handy for holding your phone or your car keys.
Tennis skirts are intentionally short to offer unrestricted movement. Most skirts these days measure at around 13 inches, which some taller women may find too short. If you prefer more coverage, look for a skirt that is closer to 16 or 17 inches, like Spanx 17-Inch Booty Boost Skort.
Pleats are popular for tennis skirts because they expand to allow for wide movements (for example, lunging and sliding) and provide extra room to hold balls. If pleats feel too traditional, opt for styles that offer a few subtle pleats in the back, a ruffled skirt, or an A-line shape, which will give you the room you need to move around freely.
Most private tennis clubs still require that tennis whites be worn on the court. Even if you don’t belong to a club with a whites policy, it’s wise to invest in a couple of white skirts in case you are invited to play at one. Interestingly, you rarely see anyone wearing white at clubs that don’t require whites. You’ll see plenty of bright colors and sometimes even bold patterns—anything goes.
When selecting a skirt, consider other ways you may want to wear it. Tennis skirts are now being paired cardigans and button downs and worn off the court—so look for styles that can transition from the court to the street. Classic pleated styles like the Alo Yoga Grand Slam Skirt and the Tory Burch Tech Twill Pleated Tennis Skirt have a timeless preppy appeal and can be dressed up or down. Some tennis skirts, like the Mcedar Pleated Tennis Skirt, are simple enough to be used for running or working out.
What’s The Difference Between A Tennis Skirt And A Golf Skirt?
While some skirts can be used for both sports, there are a few fundamental differences. Golf skirts tend to be longer, more structured and less flexible, and the undershorts aren’t as tight and stretchy (since they don’t need to trap tennis balls). Golf skirts also have deep front pockets for stashing tees, markers or an extra golf ball.
Why Are Tennis Skirts So Short?
Shorter skirts offer more mobility and flexibility, while longer skirts can feel too bulky to run around in. Shorter hemlines are also breezier, so they help keep you cool and comfortable on the court in hot weather.
Can You Wear A Tennis Skirt Casually?
Yes, most tennis skirts are versatile enough to wear on and off the court, and the tennis-core aesthetic is more popular than ever thanks to Zendaya’s recent tennis-inspired looks on her Challengers press tour. Pair your pleated tennis skirt with a cropped top, sweater, button down—even a blazer or cropped jacket—and throw on white sneakers or loafers for a casual-cool look.
What Is The Best Way To Care For A Tennis Skirt?
It’s always important to carefully read the care instructions on the label of your skirt, since each fabrication requires a specific type of care. However, there are some general rules to follow: Wash skirts in cold water, on a short cycle (the washing machine beats up clothes over time, so it’s best to keep cycles as short as possible), and lay flat or hang to dry. If skirts have any fussy details like lace, mesh, eyelet or embroidery, I always hand wash them to protect these delicate features.
Can You Wear Shorts On The Court Instead?
Yes, although it’s not common. The World Tennis Association only requires “appropriate tennis attire,” and that can be either a skirt of shorts.
