Quick answer: For tennis, a skort is the practical choice for most players: it looks like a skirt but has built-in shorts underneath, so you get full coverage and usually a place to keep a spare ball. A traditional tennis skirt without shorts is mainly a style choice and is normally worn over separate tights or shorts. Choose on coverage, fabric and fit first, then colour.
Tennis skirts and skorts are the go-to on court for a reason: they are cool, they do not restrict a split-step or a wide lunge, and they look the part at the club. But the names get used interchangeably, and the differences matter once you start playing properly. Here is what to look for, from people who play and kit out club and junior teams every week.
Tennis skirt vs skort: what is the difference?
A tennis skirt is a single layer. A tennis skort (skirt plus shorts) has an outer skirt and an inner short or compression layer sewn in, so nothing rides up when you move. In practice almost every "tennis skirt" sold for on-court use today is really a skort. The other variation is the skirty tight, which pairs a skirt panel with leggings for cold-weather sessions.
| Style | Coverage | Ball storage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis skirt (single layer) | Needs separate shorts or tights | Only via the layer underneath | Style-led players who already own undershorts |
| Tennis skort (2-in-1) | Built-in inner short | Often via the inner short | Most players, matches and lessons |
| Skirty tight / skirt with leggings | Full leg | Varies, some have a pocket | Winter and outdoor UK sessions |
| Women's tennis shorts | Shorts only | Pockets on some styles | Players who prefer shorts |
Why most players choose a tennis skort
The built-in short is the reason. It gives secure coverage through lunges, serves and sprints to the net, it stops chafing on long matches, and on many skorts it is where the second serve ball lives. Good skorts also use stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, so they dry quickly between sets. If you are buying one item for club tennis, team sessions or school PE, a skort is the safe choice. Browse our full tennis skorts range.
What to look for in a tennis skort
- Inner short length and grip: the inner layer should stay put without digging in. Longer inner shorts suit players who prefer more coverage.
- Fabric: look for lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester with some stretch. Cotton stays damp and heavy.
- Waistband: a wide elasticated waistband stays flat and comfortable through a full match; drawcords are optional.
- Ball pocket: check whether the inner short holds a ball securely. It saves you tucking one in your waistband.
- Length: a mid-thigh outer skirt is the most common; shorter cuts give more freedom, longer cuts more coverage.
How to choose the right size and fit
Tennis skorts should sit flat at the waist and move with you, not cling or flap. If you are between sizes, go with the size that gives a comfortable waistband, as the outer skirt has plenty of room. For juniors, skorts in junior sizes are cut for younger players rather than being shortened adult patterns. Several in our range, such as the Rhino TRM-61 and Yonex YSKT2024J, come in junior sizes, which is handy for school and club kits.
Skirts and skorts for UK weather
British tennis runs from April sunshine to October drizzle, so it pays to plan for cooler days. A skirty tight gives you the look of a skirt with full-leg warmth, or you can layer leggings under a regular skort. On warm days, a lighter-coloured skort in breathable fabric is the most comfortable. Pair your skort with the right footwear too: our best tennis shoes guide covers court-specific soles.
Skort or shorts?
It comes down to preference. Some players find shorts simpler and prefer pockets on the outside. If that is you, the Yonex YST2024 Women's Shorts (£20 at time of writing) are a lightweight, moisture-wicking alternative, and you will find more in our women's tennis clothing range.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Yonex YSKT2024 Women's Skort (Black): £25.91 at time of writing. Lightweight with built-in performance shorts, sizes S to XL. A dependable everyday skort.
- Original Penguin Floral Jacquard Tennis Skort (Castaway): £32.18 at time of writing. Textured jacquard look with moisture-wicking stretch fabric for players who want style on court.
- Rhino TRM-61 Women's 2-in-1 Skort (Maroon): £14.40 at time of writing. Built-in inner shorts and an elasticated waistband, sized from juniors to XXL. Great value for clubs and schools.
- Rhino Classic Club Sport Ladies Skort (Navy): £15 at time of writing. Dual-layer design with compression-style inner shorts, sizes from junior to XXXL.
- Wilson Midtown Skirty Tight (Black): £66.31 at time of writing. Skirt and 7/8 leggings in one, with a media pocket, for colder sessions. Limited sizes.
- Yonex YSKT2024J Junior Skort (Black): £17.60 at time of writing. Junior-cut skort in sizes J120 to J160.
FAQs
What is the difference between a tennis skirt and a skort?
A skirt is a single layer; a skort has shorts built in underneath. Skorts give more coverage and usually somewhere to keep a ball, which is why most on-court "skirts" are actually skorts.
Do you wear anything under a tennis skort?
Normally just your usual underwear, as the inner shorts provide the coverage. Some players add leggings underneath in cold weather.
Where do you keep tennis balls in a skirt?
Most players tuck the second ball into the leg of the inner short, which is designed to hold it. If your skort does not have a snug inner short, a ball clip or pocketed shorts are the alternative.
Can I wear a tennis skort for badminton or padel?
Yes. A good skort works across racket sports, and many in our range, such as the Rhino and Yonex skorts, are designed for tennis, badminton, squash and padel.
Prefer shorts? Our tennis shorts guide covers length, pockets and fabric.
Find your fit in our full tennis skirts and skorts collection, or shop all women's tennis clothing. Free UK delivery on orders over £65.
