It’s the year of the skort, and it’s not hard to see why. Skorts look like skirts but operate as shorts, so you’ll never have to fear any Marylin Monroe-esque underwear sightings. They’re versatile enough to accompany you on your travels for everything from touring a new city to a night out on the town, and even to the tennis court over a competitive round of doubles. They come with some serious specs that make them far more functional than their strictly skirt counterparts.
I’m always on the hunt for the perfect skort, and of the dozens of options I’ve tried over the past few months, nothing compares to Lululemon’s viral Court Rival High-Rise Skirt, which I currently own in two colors. Here’s exactly what it is, why I love it (and where it falls short) and whether it’s worth the investment — especially as you consider it as a travel wardrobe essential.
When it comes to wardrobe staples that are versatile for travelers of all kinds, the Court Rival skort is a great option. Available in two inseam lengths, it offers discreet pocket space and anti-chafe perks and is extremely packable.
What is the Court Rival skort?
The Lululemon Court Rival skort has recently gained steam on TikTok, so at many points in recent months, you’d be hard-pressed to find your desired color and size in stock. If you do find an option that suits you available, you’re in for a serious treat. The Court Rival skort features a slightly flouncy double-layer skirt, is available in two lengths — 15- and 17-inch inseams — and includes a pair of built-in bicycle shorts underneath.
Each thigh features a deep pocket suitable for your phone, cards or a tennis ball. It has a high waistband and is made of the brand’s quick-drying Luxtreme fabric with four-way stretch. It comes in sizes 0 to 14 and in up to 11 cool colors from Lip Gloss to Kohlrabi Green , and it retails for $88.
What we liked about it
It’s perfect for traveling
Not sure what to pack? The Court Rival skort rivals anything in your wardrobe. Not only is it an incredibly stylish piece that’ll take you from day to night no matter what’s on the itinerary but the 4-inch inner biker shorts also make the perfect hidden money belt when traveling in densely populated areas. While I recommend avoiding placing anything incredibly valuable in a side pocket in, say, a pair of leggings, the skirt layer conceals the pockets in the biker shorts, which provides a literal layer of security when I need to temporarily store cash, cards or a passport and go hands-free in crowded areas.
The skort’s benefits go beyond the anti-theft features. While traveling, I’m prone to chafing due to all that walking in humid climates. The biker shorts underneath the skirt completely eliminate that discomfort by serving as a barrier between my upper thighs. Unlike other biker shorts I own, they don’t ride up, thanks to a light, sticky silicone layer that keeps them fixed in place.
Because of its lightweight material, the skort packs down into a nearly paper-thin pile, making it ideal as a backup garment in your carry-on bag or day bag. With its moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, it makes for the perfect beach coverup as well, whether you’re rocking it over a bathing suit or on its own with a bathing suit top or crop top.
It’s incredibly flattering
I frequently suffer from a case of nothing-to-wear-itis, but the Court Rival skort consistently solves that problem. Between its flattering high waist that creates an hourglass figure and compression at the tummy, I always feel confident in this athleisure staple. The skirt itself is flattering as well. It dips down slightly in front and back, which draws the eye downward and creates the illusion of mile-high legs.
Despite its multiple layers, it’s breathable
Sure, it features two layers of recycled polyester and elastane at the skirt, but they’re each so lightweight and airy I always feel comfortable wearing them, even on scorching-hot days. What’s more is that the inner biker shorts feature a layer of mesh that provides some much-welcomed ventilation. If you’re the type to show sweat stains no matter what you wear (guilty as charged), you’ll find comfort in the skirt layers that completely conceal any perspiration, even in bright colors.
It comes in multiple inseams
At 5 feet, 3 inches tall, I’m on the shorter side. Since the skort is available in both a 15-inch and a 17-inch inseam, I like having a shorter option to better suit my proportions. When I’m looking for extra coverage — say, I’m having a beach day with more traditional family members — I always feel more comfortable wearing my Court Rival skort with the longer inseam. The difference is subtle at only two inches, but it’s profound enough to make an impact that shoppers of all heights will appreciate.
It holds up well in the wash
Both of my Court Rival skorts get so much wear, they’ve gone in the wash a combined 100 times. The fabric remains in pristine condition with its moisture-wicking properties completely intact. What’s more is that I’m able to delay the length of time between washes — a quick spot treatment of hand soap and warm water has completely gotten rid of everything from coffee to soup stains without discoloring the material or compromising its texture.
What we didn’t like about it
The waistband can get a bit finicky
When it sits flat, the elastane and nylon waistband is as flattering and functional as ever. But if you happen to store it a little bent one time, be prepared for it to stay that way. I’ve placed heavy books and furniture on top of the waistband to get it to lie flat again, but it’s been quite stubborn in maintaining its new folded-over shape. While it doesn’t compromise the true fit of the skort, it is a bit of an eyesore. And because the care instructions recommend against ironing, I haven’t gone that route.
It tends to wrinkle
Out of all the athleisure items I own, this one tends to wrinkle the quickest. Yet, again, Lululemon recommends against ironing in the care instructions. Granted, it is my fault for not taking it out of the dryer quickly or dredging up my clothing steamer from storage often enough, but it does really hold on to wrinkles in a way that doesn’t seem to loosen throughout the day with wear.
It sells out fast
While this is undoubtedly a testament to its popularity, I was shocked to see the Court Rival skort available in only a single color at two of my local Lululemon stores recently. Had it been in stock in the color I had my eye on, I would have grabbed it stat. If you’re on the hunt for a particular size and color, your best bet is to shop online for a wider inventory or set up an alert to be the first to find out about any new availability. If you’re not picky, you can browse the brand’s We Made Too Much section for sweet deals on Court Rival skorts in select sizes and colors from past seasons.
The shorts are on the tighter side
If, like me, you’ve been blessed with thick thighs (they are said to save lives, after all), you might find the inner biker shorts a little tight. Sure, they squeeze my upper thighs in a way that keeps them in place, but they don’t create a streamlined flattering effect akin to shapewear. For this reason, I prefer not to flaunt that portion of the garment and keep only the skirt visible when I can.
Bottom line
I can’t think of a piece of clothing in my wardrobe I get more excited about wearing than the Court Rival skort. Whether I have something active on the travel itinerary or the dress code calls for something between laid-back and dressy, I know I can always count on the Court Rival skort to make me feel put together without even trying. Between its inner biker short lining that always makes me feel covered in windy conditions to its quick-drying material that holds up to sweat, rainstorms and coffee spills, the $88 price tag is worth every penny and then some.
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