Skorts in the UK: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping, Styling and Scoring the Best Deals

Why skorts deserve a place in your wardrobe

Skorts are one of those clever fashion inventions that quietly solve problems: they look like a skirt but move like shorts. Whether you’re chasing kids around the park, playing a round of golf, or just want an easy summer outfit, skorts blend femininity and function. In the UK you’ll find skorts across high-street shops, sports brands, and online specialists — so there’s an option for every budget and purpose. Think of a skort as the Swiss army knife of lower-body clothing: stylish on the outside, practical on the inside.

Where to buy skorts in the UK: key stores to check

There’s no shortage of places to buy skorts in the UK. High-street favourites like Marks & Spencer and Next offer reliable everyday styles, while ASOS and Boohoo bring trend-led options for younger shoppers. For activewear, brands such as Decathlon, JD Sports, and Sports Direct stock performance skorts made for tennis, golf, and running. Premium options can be found at John Lewis and specialty sports shops, and fast-fashion chains like H&M and Zara often carry seasonal silhouettes. Shopping across these stores gives you a wide price range and plenty of design variety.

High-street staples: Marks & Spencer, Next, H&M and Zara

If you want classic cuts, durable fabrics, and familiar sizing, start with Marks & Spencer and Next. These retailers tend to offer skorts that are easy to style for work or weekend wear, and they often provide a few length and colour choices. H&M and Zara are great when you want a fashion-forward skort—think unexpected fabrics, prints, and details like asymmetric hems. Expect shorter lengths around 14–18 inches for fashion styles and slightly longer for practical options.

Online marketplaces and trend-driven sites: ASOS, Boohoo, Zalando

Online marketplaces are a goldmine for variety. ASOS and Zalando carry multiple brands and sizes, from petite to plus, and you can filter by material, length, and price. Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing are good if you want on-trend pieces at lower prices, but watch for fabric quality. The upside of these sites is easy comparison shopping and often free returns — handy when you’re trying to dial in the right fit without a store fitting room.

Sports and performance brands: Decathlon, JD Sports, Sports Direct

For anyone buying skorts for sport, performance brands are the place to go. Decathlon features budget-friendly skorts with moisture-wicking fabric and built-in shorts, ideal for running or racquet sports. JD Sports and Sports Direct carry performance-focused collections from labels like Nike and adidas that offer stretch, sun protection and pockets built into the shorts layer. These are designed to move with you, so look for breathable blends and a gusset or venting for better mobility.

Choosing the right skort: fit, fabric and length

Picking a skort is all about balancing comfort and silhouette. Fit-wise, you want the waistband to sit where you feel most comfortable — that could be low on the hips or at the natural waist. The shorts underneath should be snug enough to prevent chafing but not so tight that they ride up. Fabric matters: lightweight blends with a touch of elastane are best for active wear, while cotton or linen blends give a more relaxed, everyday look. Length is personal: mini skorts can be as short as 12–14 inches, while modest or sporty styles often sit around 16–20 inches.

Fit and sizing tips

Always check size guides if you’re shopping online. Measure your natural waist and hips in inches, and compare those figures to the retailer’s chart. If you’re between sizes, think about how the skort will be worn—choose the larger size for a relaxed fit or the smaller size if the item has stretch. For men’s or unisex skorts, consider hip measurement and the rise (the distance from waistband to crotch) to make sure the shorts layer sits comfortably when you bend or sit.

Fabric, features and pockets

Skorts come in fabrics from cotton and linen to technical polyester mixes. If you want breathability and a soft hand, go for cotton blends; if you need performance, look for polyester with elastane for stretch and moisture management. Pay attention to features: built-in shorts, zip or patch pockets, and UV protection are common on sporty models. Pockets are a tiny miracle—deep side pockets or hidden zip pockets make carrying a phone or keys simple without adding a bulky bag.

Styling skorts for every occasion

Skorts are surprisingly versatile. You can dress one up with a crisp shirt and loafers for smart-casual office days, or keep it casual with a graphic tee and trainers at the weekend. Add layers — a lightweight cardigan or denim jacket — for unpredictably cool British weather. Accessories like belts and ankle boots change the vibe fast: swap sneakers for sandals and you’ve got a summer date look. Don’t be afraid to mix prints or try tonal dressing for a modern feel.

Casual everyday looks

For an easy everyday outfit, pair a denim or jersey skort with a white tee and trainers. Throw on a crossbody bag and sunglasses, and you’re ready for errands or coffee with friends. Skorts with a slightly longer length around 18–20 inches work well for casual days because they give more coverage while keeping that breezy skirt appearance.

Sporty and active styling

When you’re heading out for tennis or golf, match a performance skort with a moisture-wicking polo or tank. Compression shorts underneath can prevent chafing and add support. Choose neutral colours for club play, or pick brighter shades and prints to stand out on the court. Don’t forget socks and shoes designed for the sport — a good grip matters more than matching fabric.

Skorts for men: finding the right fit and style

Men’s skorts are less common, but they’re gaining traction in leisure and sportswear. Brands that push boundaries or specialist sporting labels sometimes carry men’s skorts with a straightforward, athletic cut. If you’re trying one for the first time, look for a unisex or men’s specific size guide, and choose neutral colours and structured fabrics. The key is confidence: treat the skort like any other piece of clothing and build the outfit around comfort and personal taste.

Budget vs premium: where to spend and where to save

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a useful skort, but there are good reasons to invest in higher-quality pieces. Save on trend-led, seasonal skorts from fast-fashion retailers if you want variety or a short-term style. Spend more on performance fabrics, robust stitching, and branded technical skorts if you’re using them frequently for sport. A premium skort often lasts longer, maintains shape after washes, and offers better movement—so if you wear skorts a lot, consider it an investment.

How to compare prices and spot good deals

Comparing prices across different stores is a smart move. Look at base price, but also check the quality indicators: fabric composition, brand reputation, customer reviews and any extra features. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales — end-of-summer markdowns and January clearance can yield great bargains. Sign up for newsletters from stores like ASOS or Next to get early access to discounts, and use comparison tools on shopping sites to quickly see where the best price sits.

Sustainable skort options and eco-friendly materials

If sustainability matters to you, seek out skorts made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel blends. Some UK retailers and niche brands focus on eco-friendly production, transparent supply chains, and long-lasting design. Choosing a durable skort that you’ll wear repeatedly does more for the planet than buying multiple cheap pieces. Also consider secondhand platforms — pre-loved skorts in good condition are both economical and eco-conscious.

Care and maintenance to extend skort life

To keep a skort looking sharp, follow the care label — most technical skorts prefer cold washes and air drying, while cotton blends can usually handle a gentle machine cycle. Avoid high-heat tumble drying when fabric contains elastane, as heat can break down stretch fibers. Treat stains promptly and store skirts and skorts on hangers to prevent creases. With a little care, a good skort can last season after season.

Final tips before you buy

Before you hit the buy button, pause and think about how you’ll use the skort. Is it for sport, work, or weekend wear? Do you need pockets, UPF protection, or a longer length? Measure your waist and hips in inches, check the rise and inseam if listed, and read user reviews for fit clues. Mixing store types—high-street, online marketplaces, and sports retailers—will give you the widest view of styles and prices. And remember: a skort is supposed to make life easier, so choose one that fits your routine.

Conclusion

Skorts are a refreshingly practical piece that proves style and function can happily coexist. In the UK you can find them at high-street stalwarts, online trend hubs, and sports specialists, so there’s a skort for every activity, body type, and pocket. Focus on fit, fabric and purpose when choosing, and don’t be afraid to try styles outside your usual comfort zone. With the right care, a well-chosen skort will become one of the most useful pieces in your wardrobe — a small switch that keeps life moving comfortably and stylishly.