For plus-size travelers, it’s a constant struggle to find good options for warm-weather travel clothes. Is it too short? Will everyone be able to see my butt? How badly will my thighs chafe in it?
In a previous post about preventing thigh-chafing, Erin (one of our lovely commenters) mentioned that skorts (a handy skirt-shorts hybrid) were her solution on an extended trip to Southeast Asia:
I just got back from 7 months in SE Asia and found skorts to be the answer to my chub rub. I found a cute knee-length one from athletica, but there are tons of options around including a million types of tennis skorts. Helpful for not only reducing the dreaded chub rub, but also great multifunction item for days that you need a skirt to visit temples but want to ride an elephant or hop the back of a moto without flashing everybody.
I was totally inspired! I wore skorts as a kid, but I hadn’t thought about them in years. After doing some research, I’ve found that skorts are making a comeback, and there are plenty of options available for plus-size travelers.
Here are a few of my favorites:
UK retailer New Look has more of a variety of cute skorts in plus sizes.
ASOS Curve will sometimes have skorts, like this patterned pair. Many times, these skorts will be from New Look. For US buyers, it’s often cheaper shipping-wise to order New Look items from ASOS.
Woman Within has a couple different types of skorts. There’s a tighter stretch cotton skort (Amazon link) and a looser, more flowy cotton skort (Amazon link). They have pockets, come in a bunch of colors, and are highly rated on Amazon. I love that the skirt part wraps fully around the back, which I prefer over just the skirt in the front with the shorts showing in the back. I’m definitely going to pick up one of these for my next warm-weather trip!
This skort from faded glory can be dressed up or dressed down, and its versatility can help save on packing space.
HPL commenter Karen found this great skort from LL Bean. It’s made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying nylon and has three zip pockets, making it an ideal travel garment. I could definitely see myself carrying one of these in my backpack!
Skorts are pretty common golf and tennis attire, so if you’re into a sportier look, there are an abundance of skorts to be found from sports sections or retailers. Kohls and Lane Bryant both offer pretty reasonably priced athletic skorts. Golf skorts are a little on the pricier side, but are often made of synthetic, moisture-wicking materials, and sometimes have very cute patterns! Lori’s Golf Shoppe has a pretty good selection of plus-size skorts.
Have you worn a skort on your travels? How did you like it? Know of any good places to buy plus-size travel skorts? Let us know in the comments!
Great article!! I love skorts!! Two places I’ve had luck finding cute plus size skorts are http://www.sahalie.blair.com and qvc. Qvc even has some that just look like cute flowy skirts versus sportier fabric if you need something dressier
Thanks Donna! I’ll have to check those out.
I have a skort from athleta which is made of super fast drying material. It is cute enough to wear around town and durable and comfortable enough for sport activities. I also chafe so skorts like that are a great solution for me.
Thanks Vladyta!
Forgot to add, tj maxx and Marshalls usually have some sporty skorts for about $20.
Great recommendations. I love the budget options!
USA Duluth Trading Company has a skort that I wore a few times on a summer trip to Central Europe. It is supposed to be quick drying. In fact, it’s marketed that way. But their obsession with rugged pockets probably cost it some of its quick-drying capability. It’s a pretty good skirt with hidden shorts combo anyway.
Thanks Mandy!
If you live in Europe, Decathlon has good and cheap hiking (but not only) skorts 🙂 ( http://www.decathlon.co.uk/Buy/skort) I have two pairs.
Also Columbia has them in in their collection (at least they did this season).
Thanks Monika!
In Aus TS14 sell the Easy Breezy Shorts.
Fantastic for wearing under skirts and tunics to prevent thigh rub.
Also double duty as PJ bottoms and in cold climates I have worn them under cargos for extra warmth.
I have 6 pairs !!
I not plus size but my go to travel skort is the “Discovery” by Royal Robbins. I have it in tan and black. I hike in it by day but it’s also very plain and in a nice fabric so I throw on a nicer top for evening. Not dressy evening, mind you, but it can certainly do for many occasions. It has a nice length, not too short but not in the least dowdy long. I also have a nice skort by Lole. It has a jeans type front with zipper and button, so more casual but the stretch in it works a bit better for hiking.