July 5, 2024, 9:36 PM UTC

By Marci Robin

For most of my life, I’ve worn bike shorts or slip shorts under my dresses and skirts. Hey, you never know when a rogue breeze or a klutzy stumble might reveal a little more than you intended. I think my insistence on this extra layer started when I was a teen in the ‘90s — or right after, actually. Skorts, which are skirts with shorts underneath or a skirt-in-front/shorts-in-back hybrid, were all the rage back then. While they eventually fell out of fashion, I still longed for the security, freedom and modesty they offered.

Needless to say, I’ve been thrilled to see that skorts have recently returned to trendiness in a major way. Especially big in athleisure, they’re everywhere these days in lots of comfy and cute styles. One thing I wasn’t prepared for with the Great Skort Renaissance, however, is that most are about as short as the skirt I had to wear for JV tennis in 1993 (read: very), and that’s a length and look I’m not quite as confident wearing over 30 years later.

I thought I might either have to summon the short-skirt self-assurance of my teens or forfeit participating in the skort revival altogether until I found this knee-length option from the brand Viodia on Amazon. I didn’t know there was a skort that came in this length, but now that I do, I’m finding reasons to wear it as often as possible.

Viodia Athletic Skort

Athletic Skort

This versatile skort is great for working – or hanging – out.

$36.99

What we like

20-inch knee length

Something to note

UPF50+

Colorways: 19 | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% spandex

Why I like this skort

The length is ideal

At 20 inches long, this skort sits high on the waist and hits just above the knee on most people, as opposed to just below the booty. At first, I thought this length might be a little awkward for athletic activities, but I find it easy and comfortable to move in. Plus, I’m never worried about showing more skin than I want to when I’m wearing it, especially if I suddenly find myself lunging after a ball on the court. Even the shorts underneath are a generous (but not too long) 7 inches.

But this skort definitely shouldn’t be limited to just activewear outfits. Because of its length, its A-line silhouette, and the wide variety of colors and patterns in which it’s available, it can absolutely be dressed up a bit to run errands, go to brunch, or even wear to work. I’ll throw on a fitted top, an oversized denim jacket, and cute shoes whenever I need an effortless outfit that still looks like a little effort was made.

I can carry so much

If “Thanks, it has pockets,” is your default response when someone compliments your dress, this skort is going to blow your pocket-loving mind.

Like many athletic skorts, this one has a pocket built into the shorts, but the shorts also have a second upside-down, elasticized pocket to hold balls if you’re wearing it for sports. The skirt itself has deep side pockets on each side seam, as well, and there’s even a zippered back pocket at the waist for a key or cards. If you’re keeping track, that’s as many if not more pockets than most pairs of jeans!

It offers sun safety

In addition to inherently covering more skin than shorter skirts, the material itself — a stretchy blend of polyester and spandex — has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50+, offering my skin much-needed damage defense. Whether I’m playing pickleball after work before sundown or taking a walk to get coffee on a weekend morning, it’s nice to know not too much sun is sneaking through.

I’ve been practically living in the black version of the skort — arguably the most versatile color — but at $37 on Amazon, I’m planning to snag the red, army green and especially sassy leopard print versions, too.