My Hunt for the Mini-est Skort

I began my hunt at Zara, where I tried on a skort I’ve picked up and put back many times. This was no different; it’s a bit more structured and high-waisted than I’m looking for. The exposed shorts (an automatic negative to me) also kept peeking out when I tried it on, which only really works when done intentionally, à la thisPradaskort.

I usually love everything Reformation makes, but this skort didn’t impress me. While cute in theory, it had two strikes against it immediately, being linen (the material screams summer to me, and I’m looking for something I can reach for year-round, not just when the weather is above 70 degrees) and, again, having exposed shorts. For the price, the fabric felt flimsy, and it would be nearly impossible to wear nine months out of the year. If they introduce this skort in another fabric for the fall, I’d be open to revisiting, but it’s a no for now.

My back side felt more exposed in this Free People skort than it ever has in a skirt or pair of shorts before, which is a bummer considering the versatile material (100 percent cotton) and fit (from the front) would have made it a leading candidate. When I was returning it, a lovely Free People employee let me know that thelinen versiontends to run longer, but since I’m trying to stick with a more seasonally neutral fabric, I decided to pass on it.

Does built-in underwear make a skirt a skort? TikTok seems to think so, and since GUIZIO’s “skort” has been receiving rave reviews, I figured I’d fish it out of my closet and give it a second try. I first purchased this back in 2022, and even as a 20-year-old NYU student, I felt it was just too short (and slippery) for public wear. Three years later, I stand by that. In my opinion, this skort takes too much fidgeting to make work, and the part-nylon, part-spandex fabrication and panty lining situation poses the unique question of whether or not to go commando or just accept my underwear lines will be entirely visible. I’m not thrilled by either option.

I was unsurprised to find that this Lululemon skort felt like butter — it’s similar in texture to the beloved Align leggings, which have been a staple in my life since middle school — naturally making this skort a top contender for daily wear. But while its sporty design makes it a sturdy, secure option for running around, the more technical fabric means it’ll be difficult to transition to non-athletic activities, unless you’re going somewhere extremely dimly lit.

Abercrombie’s skorts get a lot of praise, and I definitely preferred the fit of its micro, which is just over ten inches long, over its mini, which measures at 14 inches and was too long, too structured, and just generally unflattering. My only qualm with the micro is that the back fabric bunches around my waist, something I could foresee needing constant readjustment that I won’t want to be doing after an Aperol spritz or two.

I don’t often frequent Urban Outfitters, but this skort surprised me; the material, while thin, is soft and the elastic waistband isn’t suffocating. But despite being described as low-rise, it felt high-waisted on me, and I’m looking for a skort more in the mid-rise territory. That said, thanks to its practical nature and full-coverage shorts (a rarity), I could definitely see myself throwing this on for a full day of errand-running and keeping it on for happy hour. For $39, it’s a solid starter skort, and it comes in a million colors and patterns—including a very Dorothy-inspiredblue ginghamand a deepberryshade—if you’re more adventurous than I am.

This Lisa Says Gah skort is the flounciest of the bunch, a silhouette I found to be extremely flattering, if a little skater girl. This one really ranks in terms of comfortability; I couldn’t even feel the shorts underneath. Automatic A. But while I might be the lone Gen Z left who appreciates a good high-waist every now and then, I do think a lower rise would make this skort a bit more versatile. It excels as a casual, throw-on option, but I don’t see myself reaching for it for occasions that call for dressier attire. For that reason, it wasn’t my all-around winner.

A good portion of my wardrobe is from Aritzia, so when I found myself in the fitting room’s communal mirror, I wasn’t surprised by how much I liked this skort. This would be my top choice for going out; the “softly structured,” primarily polyester fabric gives it an elevated feel best suited for nighttime, and the combination of the mid-rise and mini-length left just enough skin exposed without making me feeltoobare.

It was close to perfect, but alas — exposed shorts. It was here I began to understand why skorts often take this design route; a short can get you closer to the desired micro length, even if it ruins the whole skirt illusion. But honestly, I loved how this looked so much I’m still debating getting it.

I’ve long pined over Geel’s skorts online, and my only regret is not trying one sooner. This is the most fantastic skort — or skirt — I’ve ever tried on. The “luxuriously plush” fabric is sturdy, the waistband hits at just the right mid-rise point, and the length isn’t too micro. Thanks to the hidden elastic waistband and slight A-line silhouette, it molds perfectly to the body, eliminating any potential bunching or adjusting. While most skorts lean a littletoocasual, this one falls perfectly in the middle of the spectrum, since it’s not overly tight, short, or structured. It’s the Goldilocks of skorts. I’m already envisioning all the places I’m going to wear it: an upcoming weeknight dinner with friends, my next midday jaunt to the grocery store, and basically any other time I have to leave my apartment for the foreseeable future.