6 Must-Have Swim Skirts for When You Want a Little More Coverage

Similar to the Athleta swim skirt, this fan-favorite Amazon find (it has over 6,700 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating from shoppers) has an athletic silhouette complete with a built-in brief. The tulip-hem swim skirt is stretchy and slightly compressive, offering a stylish and functional option. The outer material is a stretchy nylon-spandex blend, while the lining is mainly polyester with 5 percent spandex for a bit of stretch (so it doesn’t shift around, yet doesn’t completely feel like you’re wearing regular underpants). The elastic spring closure makes it easy to put on without help (score), and it’s sold in a bunch of solid colors and prints. Some shoppers say they’ve filled their swim drawers with the style entirely.

Colors: 24

Sizes: XS-3XL

Pros:

• Great for all body types

• A huge variety of colors and patterns

• Thick, sturdy material

• Built-in briefs

Cons:

• Some colors and patterns are selling out quickly

• Shoppers say it’s not as compressive as they hoped

• It runs small for some—try ordered a couple sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit as well

Designed to be worn over a swimsuit, the Summersalt Ruched Swim Skirt can transform any one piece into a lunch-ready ‘fit. The pull-on skirt features subtle ruching on the front left side for a bit of flare and a bit more coverage than other options on this list. Since it doesn’t have a liner, you do need to wear a bikini bottom underneath, and it’s not meant for any high-impact activities. While this skirt is a bit more expensive, we will say Summersalt swimwear is meant to last a long time—it takes a LOT for the material to pill or wear down, so consider it an investment (there’s a reason why the brand is so popular). Hack: Pair it with the matching Summersalt Sidestroke or Ruffle Backflip Swimsuit, it will look like a chic mini dress.

Colors: 5Sizes: XS-2X

Pros:

• Great for all body types

• High-quality, long-lasting

• Ruching detail is stylish (and flattering)

Cons:

• Doesn’t have a liner, if that’s what you’re looking for

• On the more pricey side

This swim skort isn’t entirely a “skort”—it’s really a swim skirt with built-in briefs. But what makes it stand out is a list of features we absolutely love. First, the pique texture of the fabric gives it a high-quality look (it looks like an actual piece of clothing, versus swimwear), so you can do double-duty with it at the pool *and* at brunch. Second, it has hidden tie-down features that keep your skirt down in water (so you won’t have to keep patting down floating fabric all the time—genius). Like everything Spanx does, this gives you a little bit of compression and shaping, making you feel like the best version of yourself. Also? The high waist is super stylish.

Colors: 1

Sizes: XS-3X

Pros:

• Built-in lining

• Hidden ties to keep skirt down while in water

• Super flattering on all body types

• High-quality

Cons:

• Expensive

• Not actually “shorts”

Here we have another adjustable swim skirt, only this one can actually be worn in the water, thanks to the attached liner. Made with lycra Xtra Life spandex, this material is designed to last 10 times longer than your average spandex swimsuit, so the longevity on this piece is impressive (no pilling or wear and tear for a decade—and it resists damage from chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat). The mini skirt has ruching on each side, a contoured waistband, plus side ties to adjust the length and body-hugging nature of the piece, and it features a light tummy compression for a feel-good silhouette. Plus, it features UPF 50 for UV protection.

Colors: 2

Sizes: 2-18; 16W-26W

Pros:

• Comes with a built-in liner

• Fit is adjustable

• Made of super-sturdy material

• Features UPF protection

• Perfect coverage

Cons:

• Runs a size small for some shoppers (size up)

While most swim skirts are mini in length, maxi swim skirts exist, too (and they’re thriving!). We especially love the SIE Isabel Maxi Skirt, which shimmers and stretches for an eye-catching end look. It pairs beautifully with the coordinating SIE Taylor Bikini Top, Stella Bikini Top, and Dani Bikini Top. While it’s meant to be worn over a bottom, thanks to its length, you likely wouldn’t flash anyone if you went without. Made with a nylon-spandex material, it’s water-safe, but not meant to be fully submerged (although you technically can). Size up for a more relaxed fit.

Colors: 1

Sizes: XS-XL

Pros:

• Provides a ton of coverage (great for chilly summer nights)

• Water-friendly

• Stylish

Cons:

• Not meant for swimming

• Expensive

If you’re not quite sure how you feel about the swim skirt trend, you can’t go wrong with this popular split hem option sold on Amazon. It has a built-in bikini bottom so you can wear it from a dip in the ocean and out to drinks, all without having to go home and change. Made of a nylon-spandex blend, it’s meant to be worn in the water, and it provides the perfect amount of coverage. It’s also not super expensive, so you really don’t have to commit if you decide it’s not a summertime wardrobe keeper (but we like it because it’s so versatile!).

Colors: 18

Sizes: S-XXL

Pros:

• Features a built-in liner

• Easy to style

• Comfortable

• Has tons of color and pattern options

• Affordable

Cons:

• Could be more size inclusive

• Shoppers say it runs small

• Not something that will last you years and years