This is a guest post written in collaboration with former division I college tennis player & professional writer/editor, Kristen Rimeza. Read more about Kristen at the bottom of this page.
When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product. See our list of partners & how we get paid here. You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here.
Tennis has recently seen a resurgence, and because of that, tennis fashion is on the rise as well. In fact, the tennis skirt has become an athleisure essential, a staple of busy women who are on the move, on and off the court. In this guide, I’ll review the 11 best tennis skirts on the market.
Each skirt was analyzed for fit, fabric, weight, length, stretch, tennis ball storage features, color, and price.
Before I go into each skirt review, here is my list of the 11 best tennis skirts.
- Nike Victory Flouncy Skirt – Best Overall
- Nike Core Club Pleated Skirt– Best Pleated Skirt
- Fila Essential Tiered Skirt– Best Affordable Skirt
- Lucky in Love Palm Island Skirt
- Sofibella Bella Lite 13” Skirt – Lola
- Adidas Core Club
- Nike Summer Victory Straight Skirt
- BPassionIt High-Waisted Skirt
- Lululemon Court Rival High-Rise Skirt
- Vuori Core Volley Skirt
- Nike Advantage Mini Pleat Skirt
Best Tennis Skirts by Category
Tennis skirts come in all different styles, lengths, and colors. Here are our top 4 picks for each category.
The 11 Best Women’s Tennis Skirts: Reviewed
Below I review the top 11 tennis skirts from major tennis brands to top lifestyle brands and include these features:
- Skirt Length | How long is the skirt (in size small).
- Rise | Top of the waistband to seam.
- In-seam | Length of the built-in shorts, if any.
- Features | Are there built-in shorts, zippers, or pockets?
- Colors | How many colors are available?
- Price | Scale from 1-3 dollar signs.
If you need to shop for a dress or shorts to go with your tennis wardrobe, we’ve reviewed the best tennis dresses and best tennis shorts for women as well.
#1 – Nike Victory Flouncy Skirt
Traditional Tennis Style
This Nike tennis skirt has a traditional style with all the features you need.
With a length of 12.5 inches and built-in ball shorts, the skirt allows you to move well on the court and provides great coverage. The pleat in the front adds some style to the skirt. The Nike Dri-Fit material makes it both comfortable and cool on the court. The ball shorts can easily hold two or more tennis balls for matches or practice.
This skirt looks great off the court as well. Overall, this skirt checks all the boxes, making it our top pick. A plus size is also available.
Skirt Length | 12.5 inches
Rise | Natural Waist
In-seam | 3.5 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Multiple
Price | $$
Best for: Most tennis players who want a traditional, classic style tennis skirt.
Pros
- Traditional style looks great on & off court
- Ball shorts hold 2+ tennis balls
- Comfortable & cool Dri-Fit material
- Allows for great court movement
- Plus size available
Cons
- Limited colors available
#2 – Nike Core Club Pleated Skirt
Feminine & Flirty
This popular Nike tennis skirt is a classic with a trendy twist. It incorporates the mullet skirt by having two distinct lengths. In fact, when I tried it on, my initial reaction was “business in the front, party in the back.”
The skirt transitions from 14 inches to 17 inches, and as it does, the pleats get slightly wider. Unlike old-school pleated tennis skirts, which were typically made of stiff polyester, this Dri-FIT material is feather-light and won’t weigh you down on the court. The extra-stretchy built-in shorts are super-comfortable, and the wide elastic waistband holds everything in place without being too restrictive. I was worried that the extra material would get in the way while playing tennis, but that wasn’t the case at all.
An added bonus I love: The skirt is part of Nike’s “Move to Zero” line, which emphasizes sustainability, and is made of at least 75% recycled fibers.
Skirt Length | 14 to 17 inches
Rise | Mid to high
In-seam | 4 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Multiple
Price | $$
Best for: Taller tennis players who want to turn heads while playing.
Pros
- Unbeatable comfort
- Fashion-meets-function styling
- Wide waistband
- Environmentally sustainable: 75% recycled fibers
- Great for taller women
Cons
- The pleats may fade after multiple washings
#3 – Fila Essential Tiered Skirt
Feminine & Flirty
This swingy Fila Essential Tiered Skirt is understated yet flattering. The lightweight, angled layers make it feminine without being bulky. It feels slimming due to the built-in compression shorts and the wider elastic waistband.
While attractive on and off the tennis court, it proved to be practical during match time. It’s made of moisture-wicking, breathable material that uses CoolMax Core technology, so tennis players can stay dry even in the intense summer heat.
Skirt Length | 13.5 inches (each size up adds .5 inches)
Rise | Mid-rise
In-seam | 3 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Multiple
Price | $$
Best for: Tennis players who want a lightweight skirt with a classic look and a little flair.
Pros
- Slim fit
- Classic look stays in-style
- Moisture-wicking fabric stays dry
- Lightweight fabric makes it easy to move
- Wide waistband
- Great value
Cons
- Fila logo is small and easily hidden
#4 – Lucky in Love Palm Island Skirt
Patterns & Prints
With spring tennis just around the corner, this skirt is a great piece to add to your wardrobe! It will also be great into the summer months. The pattern around the bottom edge of the skirt pulls in multiple colors making it easy to match with multiple different tops.
The wide smocked waistband adds an extra level of comfort as you move freely around the court. This skirt is light with subtle pleats and with the built in shorts, it has everything you need. This skirt is offered in multiple different colors as well!
Lucky in Love also has a great girls line. Mother and daughter teams can enjoy matching their apparel out on the court.
Skirt Length | 13.5 inches (each size up adds .5 inches)
Rise | At waist
In-seam | 3.25 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Guava pink, Black, Light blue
Price | $$
Best for: Country club players who want to be the envy of their friends.
Pros
- One of a kind
- Easy to mix & match with different tops
- Pleats lay flat and don’t over-accentuate one’s assets
- Pink-colored shorties for holding tennis balls
Cons
- May be too fussy for some tastes
#5 – Sofibella Bella Lite 13” Skirt – Lola
Patterns & Prints
The Sofibella Lola tennis skirt, part of the Bella Lite collection, is a pastel rainbow swirl of pink, yellow, and aqua blues. While the tie-dye effect is apparent in product shots, it’s only when you have the skirt in hand that you see the uneven stripe overlay, which gives the pattern more visual movement.
The way the skirt is built is also unusual. The front is flat, with a traditional bottom seam, but the back material is attached on the bias to provide more fullness and shape. It’s also slightly longer in the back and has a rolled-edge seam.
The built-in white shorts utilize “moisture management” technology, and I was impressed with how thin and lightweight the soft stretch fabric was. I felt like it almost wasn’t there while playing singles.
Skirt Length | 12 inches in front; 13 in back (each size up adds .5 inches)
Rise | Natural waist
In-seam | 3 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Multiple patterns
Price | $$
Best for: Players who like the latest trend of pastels and want a skirt to match their shoes for tennis.
Pros
- Summery print
- Super-lightweight material
- Color variety is easy to match
- The cute, unusual design
Cons
- The waistband is only an inch wide
#6 – Adidas Core Club A-Line Skirt
Cool & Classic
This back-to-basics A-line skirt is part of the Core Club line from Adidas. It is also a staple of the Primegreen initiative, which means that the high-performance fabric is made of recycled materials. The waffle-like feel may be a little stiff, but its extremely durable, so it should stand up to multiple washings.
The AEROREADY fabric, a replacement for Adidas’ ClimaCool technology, absorbs sweat and moisture super-fast, which is great for tennis players who want to hide sweat.
Skirt Length | 12.5 (each size up adds .25 inches)
Rise | Low
In-seam | 3 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Multiple
Price | $$
Best for: Those who want a classic, quality tennis skirt that will never go out of style.
Pros
- Classic, no-nonsense look
- Durable fabric
- Cooling AEROREADY technology stays cool
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- The fabric is a little scratchy
- Sizing runs slightly small
#7 – Nike Summer Victory Straight Skirt
Cool & Classic
The Nike Summer Victory Straight Skirt is a slim-fit straight skirt with a triangular hip cutout that reveals matching shorts beneath. Besides adding flair, the cutout helps keep the skirt from being too restrictive, so players can glide easily across the court.
Part of Nike’s “Move to Zero” line, the skirt is made of 75% recycled materials, which may account for the stiffer weave. Unlike most other skorts, these built-in shorts are longer than the skirt’s hem and are a part of the overall look. I could show off the shorts by pulling them down or pushing them up to hide them, but when playing a tennis match, they didn’t move at all on their own.
Skirt Length | 12.5 inches
Rise | Higher on the waist
In-seam | 4 inch
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | 4 (black, white, washed teal, obsidian)
Price | $$
Best for: Tennis players who want a skirt that won’t move around on them and get bunched up.
Pros
- Made from 75% recycled materials
- Fixed-position shorts
- Cutout makes it easy to move fast
- The higher waist offers a bit more coverage
Cons
- Tight elastic bands
- Less-stretchy material
#8 – BPassionIt High-Waisted Skirt
More Coverage
This little-known brand is my insider’s secret. BPassionIt, a woman-owned, American-made company, makes my go-to tennis shorts. I’ve been wearing one pair for over six years now, proving their durability and quality. Their tennis skirts are excellent as well.
This High-Waisted Skirt was the second product BPassionIt developed, and it’s still a bestseller. Trying it on, I could see why. The waistband is higher and wider than any skirt on this list, which gave me a feeling of security. The ribbed fabric is a silky-soft yet durable nylon-spandex blend. The A-line design incorporates a slit on each side, which lets you move effortlessly on the tennis court. The shorts have a significant amount of stretch, so fitting three tennis balls is no problem.
All of BPassionIt’s tennis clothes are made of quality materials that flatter a range of shapes. They also offer great promotions, including tell a friend and get 25% off, and regular half-off sales. Plus, the shipping is fast and the customer service is great.
Skirt Length | 13 inches in front, 14 inches in back (size Medium)
Rise | High
In-seam | 3 inches
Features | Built-in shorts (the Fuse High Waist has a pocket)
Colors | Two
Price | $$$
Best for: Tennis players who want a long-lasting product that is made in the USA.
Pros
- Ribbed fabric
- Double-wide waistband
- High waist
- Silky, stretchable fabric
- Looks good in a range of sizes and shapes
- Great for off the court
Cons
- It only comes in two colors
#9 – Lululemon Court Rival High-Rise Skirt
Feminine & Flirty
Lululemon, a favorite of yogis everywhere, has recently started making tennis gear. This Court Rival High-Rise Skirt looks like a double-layered skater’s skirt, which is longer in the back than the front (16 inches versus 14.5).
Constructed of two thin layers of quick-drying Luxtreme fabric, this tennis skirt has the most features of any I tried. What appears to be a single pocket is actually a dual-entry pocket that can fit a cell phone from the top or a tennis ball from the bottom. The shorts stay in place with the help of elastic dots along the inside edge. The mesh construction gives it a cooling effect for playing tennis outdoors in the heat.
I loved that I could go from the tennis court to the mall in this skirt and not be too self-conscious, as it is longer than most. Whether I’m hitting a backhand or carrying my tennis bag off the court, this tennis skirt looks fun and sporty.
Skirt Length | 14.5 inches (front) to 16 inches (back)
Rise | Mid
In-seam | 4 inches
Features | Built-in shorts with dual-entry pocket
Colors | Multiple
Price | $$$
Best for: Full-figured women who want more coverage and built-in shorts that don’t ride up.
Pros
- Bright color options
- Good range of sizes, from 0 to 20
- Comfortable shorts
- Versatile style
- Dual-entry pocket that holds more than tennis balls
- Mesh ventilation
Cons
- Voluminous
- Runs large
- Some reviewers report that the waistband may stretch too soon after washing
#10 – Vuori Core Volley Skirt
Traditional Tennis Style
This is a perfect skirt for both on and off the court. The biggest contributor to this is the built in ball shorts that have a ball pocket on the left-side and a phone pocket on the right. Another, much appreciated bonus, is that the ball shorts on the white skirt are a light gray to provide better coverage.
This skirt is made of the classic buttery soft fabric that is a trademark to Vuori’s clothes. With a wide waistband, this A-Line skirt is an easy everyday addition to your wardrobe.
Skirt Length | 14 inches (each size up adds .5 inches)
Rise | At waist
In-seam | 2 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | White, Green
Price | $$
Pros
- Multi Use ball shorts
- Wide waistband to provide extra comfort
- Classic style
Cons
- Limited color options
#11 – Nike Advantage Mini Pleat Skirt
Modern Pleated Skirt
I instantly fell in love with this skirt the second I put it on. Sometimes I am hesitant to wear a fully pleated skirt because I find they can be distracting during matches. This skirt has a slightly fitted top that transitions into mini pleats to prevent the fly-ups during a tennis match.
This skirt includes built in ball shorts that are a bit longer than shorts in most other skirts. I found this to help prevent the ball shorts from riding up while moving around the court. The shorts have side pockets on each side that could fit a cell phone.
While this new skirt seems to be selling fast, I’m hoping Nike will continue to introduce new colors as the year goes on!
Skirt Length | 14 inches (each size up adds .5 inches)
Rise | At waist
In-seam | 2 inches
Features | Built-in shorts
Colors | Multiple
Price | $$
Pros
- Mini pleats at bottom to prevent fly ups
- Lightweight
- Longer ball shorts with side pockets
Cons
- Limited color and sizes due to popularity
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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Tennis Skirt
When deciding which tennis skirt to buy, you’ll want to consider your style, goals, budget, and more. Below, we’ll help you narrow down your options and find the best tennis skirt for you.
The Different Types of Tennis Skirts: Choose Your Style
Below is a list of the different types of tennis skirts and a description of each.
- A-line: Classic A-line tennis skirts are flattering on most body types, which is why they never go out of style.
- Pleated: Pleated tennis skirts are best for those who want to accentuate their assets, or for thin women who want to create curves.
- High-waisted: This style is perfect for players who want to hide their tummy and avoid a muffin-top look.
- Full skirt: Also known as skater skirts, these create a twirling effect when worn, so they are best for players who don’t mind grabbing a little extra attention. However, longer skirts, such as our Lululemon recommendation above, give extra coverage all around.
Note: The extra fabric of a skater skirt is often too much to fit under sweatpants. - Mullet skirt: The high-low trend in tennis skirts is best for women who want to show their stylish side while also having more coverage in the back.
Know Your Goals: Is Your Tennis Skirt For On the Court, Off-Court, or Both?
Competitive tennis players may need a different skirt than a recreational player or someone who doesn’t play much tennis. Here is what you should look for.
- Recreational or club tennis players may want something that looks good on and off the court. Style is their first consideration.
- Competitive players might prefer a tennis skirt that allows them to move quickly around the court and has a functional design.
- Ladies who don’t play tennis may want a stylish skirt with built-in shorts to run around town in.
Look For a Skirt That Matches the Weather You Play Tennis In
If you play tennis in the heat in Texas like I do, you’ll want a lightweight skirt that breathes well and dries fast.
If you play tennis indoors or in cooler environments, then the material will be less of a concern, but you may want a tennis skirt without shorts built in so you can pair it with leggings underneath. Just make sure the leggings have a pocket for the tennis balls.
Note: All the tennis skirts on our list include tennis ball pockets or shorts, so you won’t need to worry about that when deciding which skirt to buy.
What is Your Budget?
Tennis skirts can range from as low as $20 to over $100. Narrow down your search for tennis skirts based on the quality you’re looking for and your budget.
Typically, the more expensive the skirt, the better the fabric and the longer it will last. Many brands, like Nike and Adidas, offer both high-end tennis skirts and more affordable options.
Some brands have a higher starting price point like Nike, Lululemon, Lucky in Love, and Sofibella. But keep in mind that tennis skirts regularly go on sale.
If you’re looking for a low-cost tennis skirt, you should look for skirts from last season. Tennis Warehouse always has skirts on clearance from the previous season or year. And BPassionIt has a regular clearance page with 35% to 50% off.
List of the Best Tennis Skirt Brands
All the companies below make great tennis skirts.
Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Tennis Skirt Overall
Our top pick for the best overall women’s tennis skirt is the Nike Victory Flouncy Skirt. This traditional tennis skirt is great for women who play tennis on and still looks good off the court. It comes in several colors, has comfortable ball shorts, and is made from Nike’s Dri-Fit material that is lightweight and cool.
However, when choosing the best tennis skirt for you, you’ll need to personally decide your favorite brand and style.
This is a guest post written in collaboration with Kristen Rimeza.
Kristen is a 4.5 USTA tournament & league tennis player from Austin, TX. She shops and tests the latest in women’s tennis fashion and gear. She played Division I college tennis at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has worked as an editor at national consumer magazines and RetailMeNot.
When she’s not on a tennis court trying to boost her NTRP and UTR ratings, she’s probably in a dressing room assembling just the right outfit. See Kristen’s experience on LinkedIn.
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