The Best Tennis Skirts, According To Our Writer Who Plays Constantly

Wilson was never on my radar for tennis clothes, but they’ve recently upped their game when it comes to their styling. The Midtown Tennis Skirt is a prime example of their chic new look. The thick knit compression fabric is so flattering, and the skirt comes in 16 pretty colors—some of which have contrast stripes on the waistband that you usually only see with luxury brands. The skirt also offers plenty of functional features, like quick-drying, anti-odor fabric and UV protection. I have the dress version of the skirt and love the streamlined silhouette and seamless undershorts.

Sizes: XXS to XXL: Colors: 22 | Length: 13 inch (small)| Special feature: Back and side pockets

• What’s notable: It has an adjustable drawstring waist, built-in undershorts, and inclusive sizing—and it’s well-priced at just over $30.
• What could be better: While the fit is perfectly fine, it’s not as stylish as some of the more expensive skirts on this list.

Less expensive tennis skirts tend to be made of a thin, shiny fabric, but the Mcedar is a substantial weight, and made from a sweat-wicking, quick-drying, four-way stretch fabric. It has pleats in the back which make it a dead-ringer for the more expensive Lululemon Pace Rival skirt, which is one of the reasons my winter tennis team bought it last season to wear as our team skirt. We all found it to be comfortable, and it was flattering on a range of body types.

Sizes: XXS to L | Colors: 3 |Length: 14 inches (small) and 17 inches (large) | Special feature: Airlift technology waistband

• What’s notable: This classic-looking pleated skirt is soft, comfortable and flattering around the midsection.
• What could be better: The pleats can sometimes look a little wrinkled after washing.

Alo Yoga’s sporty basics have gone viral on social media for their figure-hugging cuts and soft fabrics that feel luxurious against your skin. The Grand Slam’s high-rise waistband contains Alo’s Airlift fabric to gently hold in your stomach (without feeling tight and restrictive like compression wear), and the shorts under this skirt have wide side pockets without the classic upside-down opening. I never use pockets—I just tuck balls under the hem of the shorts—but they do come in handy to store things like your phone or keys when you’re not playing.

Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 1 |Length: 15 inches | Special feature: Woven tape trim

• What’s notable: The style is sophisticated and timeless, the material is moisture-wicking, and it’s a little longer than some other skirts on this list. Those who find tennis undershorts uncomfortable will like that this skirt doesn’t come with built-in shorts.
• What could be better: It’s more of an off-white than a true white, which is hard to match with other non-Tory Sport tennis tops, and the zipper and button closure is a little fussy for a tennis skirt.

Fashion designer Tory Burch is a tennis player herself so, unsurprisingly, her Tory Sport line includes a variety of well-designed skirts and dresses. The Tech Twill Pleated Tennis Skirt has an old-school A-line cut with chic navy woven tape trim, but the fabric is a thoroughly modern stretchy, moisture-wicking performance twill. Some people may like the fact that the skirt doesn’t come with built-in undershorts (or you can buy the Seamless Short to go underneath).

Sizes: XS to 3X| Colors: 3| Length: 17 inches | Special feature: Sculpting undershorts

• What’s notable: This pick has inclusive sizing and the skort comes in a new longer length for those looking for more coverage.
• What could be better: The longer hemline may be too conservative and bulky for those used to shorter skirts.

Spanx’s 17-inch four-way stretch, UPF 50+ skirt looks pretty basic at first glance, but there is a lot going on underneath. The built-in Booty Boost shorts hold everything in and offer a slim, streamlined look—plus the shorts have silicone to keep the legs from riding up as you play (while also keeping balls tucked in as you serve), and there are perforated pockets to stash your phone or keys. I personally prefer my skirts on the shorter side, but side slits and subtle pleating help make this skirt feel light and airy—and women I know who want more coverage are grateful for the extra inches of material.

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.

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.

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.

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.