Who would’ve guessed that mixing shorts and skirts would become the 'go-to' style in women's athletic wear? And honestly, what’s not to love about skorts for women? Who said you can’t look chic while hitting a tennis ball or swinging for a hole-in-one? Skorts are the perfect choice for women seeking style, comfort, and versatility.
Now, in fashion trends in 2024, skorts are popping up just about everywhere—not just in activewear, but also in casual, everyday fashion. So, in this article, I’m going to break down the current skort trends, provide a skorts trend analysis, and share what’s in store for this fashionable sportswear later this year.
Trend Overview
Skorts have undergone a significant transformation over the years, from their origins on the tennis court to becoming a trendy piece in everyday fashion. But this growing trend of athleisure fashion didn’t just happen overnight.
In its humble beginnings, skorts were designed to be ‘shorts that look like skirts, but with the functionality of shorts.’ This would prove useful for sports like tennis and golf, where women can have the freedom to move, stretch, and play confidently without compromising their style.
So, how exactly did the athleisure trend blow up over the years? It all started with yoga pants back in the 2010s, fueled by the growing focus on fitness and health. Now, with everyone juggling busy schedules and trying to stay active, this laid-back, sporty style fits perfectly into our on-the-go lifestyles!
This paved the way for the rise of skorts. Although skorts have been around for a long time, today's versions are more innovative and versatile. Today’s skorts feature fabrics like moisture-wicking materials that absorb sweat easily and stretchable blends that make movement more comfortable. I mean, why wouldn’t you wear skorts every day when they are this comfortable and flexible?
Current skort trends now include various styles that appeal even to those who aren’t sports aficionados. People are selling skorts with plaid patterns and cute designs. They’re using eco-friendly vegan materials, which makes them more affordable. Additionally, these skorts are now more than just activewear—they even have pockets for your phone! This wouldn’t have been the case 10 years ago. But here we are, and I’m all for it!
Influences on Trend
Let’s take a quick dive into what sparked the rise of skorts, especially its fashion influences in 2024. As we discussed before, if there’s one piece of clothing that sets the stage, it’s yoga pants. Originally made for yoga, they quickly became a casual staple thanks to their comfort and affordability. Now, skorts are following suit because their:
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Affordability & comfort:
Skorts are not too pricey, especially if you find them at a thrift store. They’re soft, stretchy, and great at absorbing sweat, making them perfect for everyday wear. Bold and new fabric innovations in fashion are making skorts even more popular these days, and it’s showing no signs of slowing.
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Sustainability factor:
Many skorts are now made from recyclable and eco-friendly materials, which reduces production costs and aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainability. These sustainable skorts such as the Ace A-Line Skort are sleek, simple, and stylish, making them an easy favorite for women.
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Cultural shifts & body positivity:
It’s 2024 and it’s about time society embraced diverse body types and gender-neutral clothing. Skorts have been adapted to suit a range of shapes, offering comfort and support. This versatility makes them perfect for any occasion—whether you're shopping or jogging right after.
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Athleisure movement:
Skorts have been cemented as a wardrobe staple, thanks to the growing popularity of athleisure. As activewear and casual fashion continue to blend, skorts stand right next to yoga pants as a symbol of this shift in fashion.
Predictions For 2024
As we approach the end of 2024 and move into 2025, we believe that skorts are expected to continue evolving with new designs, materials, and features. One upcoming skorts trend is the minimal aesthetic style, where skorts feature subtle details for those who prefer a more understated look.
Inclusive sizing options are also expected to become increasingly prevalent, mirroring the broader trend toward body inclusivity in the fashion industry. As more brands recognize the importance of catering to a diverse range of body types and sizes, they will be better positioned to meet the growing demand for fashion that embraces all body shapes. This shift not only reflects a commitment to representation and equality but also aligns with consumer expectations for brands that offer stylish and well-fitting options for everyone. In the coming years, brands that prioritize inclusive sizing will likely stand out and thrive in a market that values diversity and accessibility.
And of course, how can we forget about the fashion icons? These celebrities, influencers, and designers are key players in driving trends. All it takes is for Zendaya to wear a skort in a new movie or a viral TikTok trend featuring skorts—both can significantly boost their popularity and influence. Emerging designers and innovative brands are also crucial, as they are poised to lead the charge in skort innovation, introducing fresh designs and concepts that will keep the future of women’s fashion alive and thriving.
Consumer Insight and Industry Expert Opinions
As per CoherentMarketSights.com, the Global Sustainable Fashion Market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% from 2023 to 2030. Just in 2022, the market was valued at approximately USD 7.5 billion! That’s an insane growth rate and it’s showing no signs of stopping as consumer fashion trends start to tilt more on the side of being eco-conscious. Many different types of apparel, including skorts, are already moving toward that trend.
The Sociological Review’s article about comfort or style discusses how COVID-19 helped change the way people think about clothing nowadays. The emphasis on comfort in fashion has increased, which led many to prioritize comfortable clothing over traditional style. The article states and I quote "Fashion is no longer just about how you look but also about how you feel. As comfort becomes central, style adapts to reflect a new, more relaxed approach to dressing." This shift towards comfort over style reflects a broader cultural change, showing that fashion is increasingly about personal well-being and adaptability—areas where skorts truly tick all the boxes.
And as the world gets more and more inclusive, who’s to say that skorts should be worn only by women? An article by The Hypebeast "Skorts: The Menswear Trend to Watch for Fall 2024" dives into how skorts are making a splash in men’s fashion, with their debut at Paris and Milan Fashion Week. Skorts are breaking down gender norms as they were a surprising highlight in menswear collections. Fashion analyst Alexandra Hildreth and other expert fashion predictions put it perfectly: "Skorts are not just a gender-neutral fashion statement but a revolutionary piece that challenges conventional ideas of masculinity in style." This trend is shaking things up and showing how fashion is evolving to embrace more versatile and inclusive styles.
Visuals and Trend Spotting
Celebrities on the Skort-train
Image from the Women’s Final tennis match at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on March 17th. Winner Iga Świątek posed with Zendaya and posted a story on her Instagram.
Zendaya’s latest film “Challengers” about a tennis prodigy turned coach exemplifies the rise of simple tennis skort clothing.
Image by Gilbert Flores/Getty Images. Taylor Swift wearing Halara’s buckle skort at Coachella in April.
Mega popstar Taylor Swift was seen wearing Halara’s buckle skort at Coachella in April. Taylor wore a customized version of the skort featuring a buckle, and you can bet the sales skyrocketed once the internet saw it!
Taylor Swift in New York City on June 27, wearing a denim skort from Free People's 'We The Free' line. Photo by Gotham/Getty Images.
Skorts are now officially denim. Next time you go to a festival, try out this denim skort. You will be sitting on the field and partying with your friends, so you’ll need something comfortable. This one also has pockets for your belongings.
Women’s skorts have truly come a long way from sportswear to a versatile fashion staple. As 2025 approaches, expect new designs and materials that cater to modern needs. So, to stay ahead of the curve, explore the latest skort collections that blend style and functionality. Whether for a casual day or an intense workout, skorts are a must-have. Keep an eye out for more trend insights to stay stylish in the new year.
