How to Choose a Pickleball Skort: Length, Pockets and Fabric

The best pickleball skort has a length you can lunge in, pockets that hold a ball without bouncing, and a light, stretchy fabric with a built-in liner. For most players, that means a 13 or 15 inch skort with ball pockets on the liner shorts and a quick-dry, four-way stretch knit.

We design and play in our own skorts, so this guide comes from the court, not a spec sheet. Here is how to choose length, pockets, fabric and fit, plus a few tests you can do at home before you commit.

What length pickleball skort should you choose?

Skort length is usually measured from the top of the waistband to the hem. Where that hem lands on you depends on your height, your leg length and where the waistband sits on your body.

Neither length is better. It comes down to your height and how much coverage you like when you are low at the kitchen line.

How to pick your length at home

1. Grab a skirt or pair of shorts whose length you already like.
2. Lay it flat and measure from the top of the waistband to the hem.
3. Note where you wear that waistband, high on the waist or lower on the hips.
4. Put it on and do a deep side lunge and a squat in front of a mirror.
5. If you liked the coverage, match that measurement to the closest skort length.
6. If you wanted more coverage, or you are tall, choose the 15 inch.

Where should the pockets be on a pickleball skort?

You need somewhere to keep a spare ball between points. On most performance skorts, ball pockets sit on the liner shorts, against the outer thigh. That keeps the ball close to your leg, so it moves with you instead of swinging.

Ball pockets vs phone pockets

A ball pocket should be snug. The ball should stay put through a split step, yet come out with one hand. A phone pocket needs a different design. Look for one that sits close to the body and holds the phone flat, so it does not flap during a sprint.

The pocket test

• Put a ball in the pocket and do five quick split steps. It should not bounce.
• Lunge wide to each side. The ball should stay in.
• Reach in with one hand and pull the ball out in one motion.
• Check that the pocket does not show through the skirt or pull it sideways.

What fabric is best for a pickleball skort?

Look for a knit with four-way stretch that dries fast and stays opaque when you bend. Most performance skorts use nylon or polyester blended with spandex, also called elastane. Nylon blends usually feel smooth and soft. Polyester blends are known for durability and quick drying. Both work well on court.

Run the squat test

Stand in front of a mirror with good light and squat low. If you can see through the liner or the skirt, the fabric is too thin. A good skort stays opaque in every position you play in.

Sun protection

Some fabrics carry a UPF rating for sun protection. If a skort lists one, it was tested for it. If no rating is listed, do not assume one. Wear sunscreen on exposed skin either way.

Why the built-in liner matters

The liner shorts do three jobs. They give you coverage on every lunge. They reduce inner thigh chafing on long, hot sessions. They also carry the ball pockets. A good liner sits a little shorter than the outer skirt and does not ride up.

How should a pickleball skort fit at the waist?

The waistband should stay put when you lunge, reach and twist. It should not roll down or dig in. A wider waistband usually holds better and feels smoother under a tucked tank.

Use the brand's size chart and measure your natural waist and the fullest part of your hips. If you fall between sizes, choose the size that fits your hips. The liner shorts need room there to sit flat and keep the pockets in place.

Pro tip: Do the split step test in your fitting room or living room. Hop, land, then lunge wide to each side with a ball in the pocket. If the skort rides up or the ball bounces, try the other size or length.

Skort, shorts or skirt: which is best for pickleball?

A skort gives you the look and airflow of a skirt with the coverage of shorts underneath. That is why it is so popular on court. Shorts work too, but many players find pockets on shorts bulkier. A skirt without a liner lacks a safe spot for a ball and gives less coverage in low positions.

A tennis skort can also work for pickleball. The sports share the same movements: quick starts, lunges and low reaches. Just check that it has secure ball pockets.

What small details make a big difference?

Once length, pockets and fabric check out, a few smaller details decide whether you reach for a skort every week.

Hem and side shape

A slightly curved or split side hem gives your legs room on wide lunges without adding length. A straight, narrow hem can pull tight across the thighs when you drop low.

Flat seams

Flat seams lie smooth against the skin. They are less likely to rub on the inner thigh or waist during a long session of doubles.

Color and sweat

Light colors stay cooler in direct sun. Darker shades and prints hide sweat marks better. Many players keep one of each for different courts and seasons.

How do you care for a performance skort?

• Wash in cold water, inside out, with like colors.
• Skip fabric softener. It coats fibers and can reduce how well the fabric wicks sweat.
• Hang dry or tumble on low. High heat wears down spandex over time.
• Close any zippers before washing so they do not snag the knit.
• Wash after every session, so sweat does not sit in the fabric.

The Synergy take

Our pickleball skort comes in 13 and 15 inch lengths, so you can pick your coverage. It has ball pockets on a built-in liner and moves with you on every lunge. It is $58.

On cooler days, layer it with our high-waist leggings, and explore the rest of our sportswear. Outfitting a club or league? Add your logo through our custom studio, or order through wholesale from 25 pieces.