Skort vs Shorts vs Leggings: What to Wear for Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel
The bottoms question decides comfort, coverage, and where your spare ball lives. Here is how to choose.
Theo Marsh6 min read
In This Story
In This Story
Key Takeaways
- Choose a bottom with a pocket that securely holds a ball.
- Skorts and shorts suit warm weather; leggings suit cool courts.
- Check skort liners for ride-up and leggings for opacity in a deep lunge.
Court bottoms have one job that studio bottoms do not: hold a ball. Beyond that, the choice is about coverage, temperature, and the look you want after the game. Tennis skirts and skorts have gone from club uniform to everyday athleisure, while lined shorts and pocketed leggings cover everything else.
| Compare | Skort / tennis skirt | Shorts | Leggings / tights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Excellent | Excellent | Very good |
| Ball storage | Pockets in built-in short | Hip or liner pocket | Deep side pockets |
| Weather | Warm | Warm to mild | Cool to cold |
| Coverage | Built-in short underneath | Liner or 5–7" inseam | Full leg |
| After-court style | Most fashion-forward | Casual | Athleisure staple |
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
Skorts and tennis skirts
A good skort combines a pleated or A-line skirt with a compressive short underneath — ideally with a pocket on each leg. Check that the inner short is long enough not to ride up when you lunge, and that the waistband stays put when the pockets are loaded. Pleats look sharp but add a little bulk; flat A-line skirts read sportier.
Shorts
For most players, a 5–7" lined short with a hip pocket is the easiest choice. Men's tennis shorts often have deep front pockets built for balls; women's options increasingly add liner pockets. Look for stretch woven fabric that dries quickly and does not cling.
Leggings and tights
Leggings shine on cold mornings and indoor courts with aggressive air conditioning. Choose a mid-weight knit that stays opaque in a deep lunge — the squat-proof guide explains how to check — and confirm the side pockets fit a ball without bouncing. Men can layer tights under shorts for the same benefit.
Quick decision rules
- Hot outdoor courts: skort or lined shorts.
- Cold or windy mornings: leggings or tights under shorts.
- Indoor: whatever you are comfortable in — temperature is usually stable.
- Want one piece for court and coffee: a pocketed skort or a neutral pair of leggings.
For the full kit, see what to wear to play pickleball and what to wear for padel. For leggings fit by height, read petite and tall leggings.
Frequently Asked
What is the difference between a skort and a tennis skirt?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A skort always has built-in shorts; some tennis skirts are sold without them and are worn over separate shorts.
Can I wear leggings to play tennis?
Yes. Leggings are common in cooler weather. Choose a pair with secure pockets for balls and a fabric that does not go sheer when you lunge.
Why do tennis skirts have shorts underneath?
Built-in shorts give coverage during lunges and serves and provide pockets to hold balls.
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