Summer of the Skort: Meet My Best-Ever Warm-Weather Clothing Purchase

Wall Street Journal

2 days ago

Dressing for the summertime (especially in hot and sticky New York City) has always been a pain for me. Shorts feel too casual, jeans or trousers are too heavy in humid weather, and while dresses and skirts bring a breezy feel, I run the risk of strong winds or whooshing air from subway grates accidentally revealing my underwear choices to passersby.
My solution has always been to opt for activewear during the warmer months, since sweat-wicking materials keep me cool when I'm running errands, especially on days where humidity reaches over 70%. This habit meant that I was comfortable plopping down for a picnic, but made me look like a gym rat if I showed up at a nice restaurant or a friend's home for an impromptu dinner party (a good pair of workout leggings can only take you so far). Then I found a surprisingly versatile skort while scrolling through the site of Girlfriend Collective, a brand I already loved for its leggings. It's been a wardrobe staple ever since.
For the past four summers, I've lived in the brand's Sport Skort. Although it's designed as activewear, I wear mine whether I'm headed out for a brisk walk around my neighborhood or attending a casual weekend picnic. It has all the breezy charm of a mini skirt without the need to constantly adjust it or worry about a stray breeze. Instead, I'm full of confidence when I wear it, thanks to the security of built-in bike shorts that have a compressive, but not restrictive, fit.
I appreciate that the discreet pockets in the shorts and in the waistband offer a secure place to stash my keys and AirPods case. The shorts pocket isn't quite big enough for my iPhone, so I'll throw that in my favorite fanny pack for longer walks or errands.
Not long after I purchased the skort in black back in 2021, I paired it with a sweater tank and my favorite Adidas Stan Smith sneakers to attend a friend's birthday party in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park. I toted a bag full of party supplies and hiked up a grassy hill in the middle of August while remaining comfortable (and covered). I was able to lounge on a picnic blanket, lean over to light candles and slice up birthday cake, all without the fear of a wardrobe malfunction. Plus, the summer heat was no match for the skort's soft, stretchy blend of RPET (a fabric sourced from recycled plastic bottles) and spandex. This year, my original skort was starting to show minimal signs of wear (but was still perfectly wearable), and I wanted to size up. The replacement has the same comfortable fit and look of the original.
Up close, the skort's texture looks like a typical pair of leggings, yet the fabric's matte finish makes it blend nicely with non-athletic clothing. I've had friends who've complimented the wardrobe staple while out for a coffee and ask me where I bought it, and I'm always quick to reveal my secret: 'Look, it has built-in shorts!'
Shopping tip: The brand occasionally sells out of certain size and color combinations, but I've found that I've always been able to get my hands on a certain product when I add my email address to the restock waitlist.
Of course, Girlfriend Collective isn't the only brand to enter the activewear-that-doesn't-necessarily-look-like-activewear space. Outdoor Voices (which is currently undergoing a rebrand) made waves in 2018 when it launched its Exercise Dress with the slogan 'you can do anything in a dress,' while a wide range of brands, from Lululemon to Gap to Quince all have their own version of an athletic skort.
Dressing with both comfort and style in mind in hot weather can be tricky, but my beloved skort takes much of the hassle (and sweat) out of doing so. And I'm no stranger to the old adage, 'if you love something buy it in every color.' This season, I'm deciding between Terrace (forest green) and Skyline (navy) to add to my closet. Other skorts you should know about Nice-price option
This high-waisted skort from Old Navy offers a similar look to the Girlfriend Collective version, with an A-line cut, smooth fabric and built-in bike shorts. It's available in five colors, including black and navy, as well as a rosy pink, khaki green and burnt orange. Great if you want a longer hemline
In addition to its famous shapewear, Spanx also makes a line of sleek, stylish activewear. And if you're looking for a slightly longer skort, the brand's AirEssentials Skort, with its 17-inch inseam, is a smart choice. It also has a drawstring waist and built-in bike shorts with the Spanx's 'Booty Boost' fabric, designed to provide support and compression. Great if you love bold colors
Lululemon offers a variety of skorts in different styles and inseams, including pleated options and maxi-length styles, though the Align High-Rise Skirt is perhaps its most classic version. It's made from the brand's Nulu fabric (a blend of nylon and lycra elastane), which is designed to be breathable and sweat-wicking, whether you're wearing it for errands or a yoga class. It also features 3-inch liner shorts with a slip pocket on either side. This skort is available in 13 colors, from basic black, white and navy to bold College Purple and Raceway Green.