This Sporty Skort Is the Perfect Athleisure Alternative for Summer

There are some trends I embrace like a warm hug: oversized sweatshirts, tie dye everything, and even camo activewear. (Don't come for me—it's celeb-approved). But one item I continue to give the cold shoulder, or rather buttocks, is bike shorts. It seems like everyone can't stop raving about the summer staple, but I'm firmly team Kris Jenner on this one. The spandex shorts are a no-go for me. And this year, there's finally a worthy contender to replace them: active skorts.

Before you completely question my judgement, let me ask a few questions: What other activewear item can you wear for a sweaty bike ride and a nice dinner? What other piece allows your legs to feel the breeze without exposing all your lady parts to the public? What other item can be worn on the tennis court, golf course, and your couch? None, I'd argue.

There's a reason so many popular activewear companies are stocking up on skorts this year, including Outdoor Voices, Nike, and Athleta. They're flirty, functional, and downright fantastic. Yet, one brand stands above the rest when it comes to a design that's simple, sleek, and sustainable: the Girlfriend Collective Skort (Buy It, $58, girlfriend.com). (This is also the company behind my favorite sports bra of all time, BTW.)

I purchased the trendy skort on a quarantine whim. I wanted to mix up my wardrobe, but couldn't justify spending money on anything I wouldn't wear around my home. When I received a Girlfriend Collective email notifying me of a new skort launch, I realized it was the incredibly versatile piece I'd been waiting for and added it right to my cart.

It arrived a couple of weeks later in the brand's signature mauve pink zip pouch (which doubles as a laundry bag to prevent microplastics from entering the water stream). I immediately slipped it on, ready to channel my inner Sporty Spice, and was not disappointed. The flattering cut hugged my body without constricting it, while the built-in compression shorts doubled as coverage and chafing protection. The shorts even had iPhone-sized pockets.

Buy It: Girlfriend Collective Skort, $58, girlfriend.com

One plane ride, a handful of workouts, and countless bike rides later, my obsession stands. I also love that the skort's high waistband stays firmly in place without rolling down, whether you're squatting or snoozing. Plus, the eco-friendly material (made from recycled water bottles) offers the perfect amount of compression (just like the brand's signature leggings), yet is still breathable and quick-drying. I've worn the skort at least once a week for the past month—even if that required hand-washing it between laundry days. (

I'm not alone in my adoration: There are 278 reviews for the skort on the website, and a majority are five-star reviews. Not to mention, it completely sold out after the launch in every single size (which is a lot, considering GC stocks sizes XXS to 6XL). Luckily, the brand just brought the skort back in all of its essential colors, including a ready-for-fall moss green and perfect-for-date-nights plum, as part of its biggest restock ever.

While your bike shorts will always be a part of you, it's officially time to put them into retirement (or at least on pause, guys). I'm declaring 2020 the year of the skort—and you've already got the perfect one to try out first.