Best Hiking Skirts and Dresses of 2024/25
Skorts, Skirts, and dresses for hiking, traveling, and backpacking in comfort and style
December 18th, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Apparel
When people think of a hiker, they often don’t picture someone in a dress. Typically, they think of khaki pants, heavy boots, and a button-up shirt. But those of us who have spent lots of time on the trails know that hikers don’t look any one way. Over the years, we’ve seen folks in dresses and skirts who enjoy talking up the benefits of such apparel. And after testing 17 dresses, skirts, and skorts ourselves, we understand the hype.
Dresses and skirts can be incredibly comfortable and useful on the trail. Shorts and pants can feel restrictive or too tight, while a skirt encourages airflow. Plus, it’s easier to pee!
The dresses, skirts, and skorts we tested aren’t just for hiking, though. Many of these can be worn for other activities as well, like walking, running, racket sports, traveling, or just wearing around the campsite or town. Heck, if the dress has built-in shorts — you could even climb in it!
After researching popular and intriguing options, our testers wore 13 dresses, skirts, and skorts on trails, running paths, short and long hikes, scrambles, and around the city to write this comprehensive guide on the best hiking skirts and dresses. We prioritized size-inclusivity, comfort, performance, and quality in our decisions.
Related: Best Women's Hiking Tights
Read more: Best Women's Hiking Pants and Best Women's Hiking Shorts
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Skirts & Dresses Comparison table
| WOMEN'S SKIRTS DRESSES | TREELINE AWARD | LENGTH | POCKETS | AVAILABLE SIZES | MSRP* | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotopaxi Tolima | Best overall dress Read why |
Above the knee | Yes | XS - XXL | $100.00 | 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex |
| Purple Rain Adventure Skirt | Best overall skirt Read why |
Above the knee | Yes | XS-3XL | $80 | Recycled polyester, nylon, spandex (% differs by color) |
| Youer Treasure Dress | Best for cold weather Read why |
Above the knee | Yes | XXS-XXL | $179 | Fresh Corduroy' (a Polartec Thermal Pro fleece) 193 gsm, 100% recycled poly |
| Royal Robbins Spotless Evolution Tank Dress | Most versatile Read why |
Knee | Yes | XS - XXL | $110 | 86% polyester, 14% elastane |
| Icebreaker 125 Cool-Lite™ Merino Blend Active Skort | Most comfortable Read why |
Mini | No | XS - XL | $130 | 80% lyocell, 20% wool |
The winners
Best overall hiking dress: Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress
Material: 96% recycled nylon, 4% spandex
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS - XXL
Price: $100
What we liked: Versatile use, useful pockets, comfortable
What we didn’t like: ideally offers more sizes
The Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress is comfortable, functional, versatile, and cute enough to wear casually. I tested it on hikes in Colorado and Maine and wore it to casual outings around Denver.
The moisture-wicking and motion-friendly material — 96% recycled nylon and 4% spandex — makes this dress a great option for active days without looking too technical to wear around town. I felt comfortable going on day hikes in this dress, and could easily wear a flannel shirt over it on chillier spring days in the mountains. The material also offers 50+ UPF protection.
Compare prices of the Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress
The side pocket of the Cotopaxi Muevo dress fits snacks, keys, or a phone.
The pockets were also standout features for me. The hand pockets are convenient, and the large zippered chest pocket is great for easy access to a variety of items, like your phone, cards, or a trail map.
Available sizing for this dress is, unfortunately, only XS - XL. However, Cotopaxi does offer extended sizes on some of its other clothing and packs, and we hope eventually they’ll extend its sizes in this dress as well.
Despite the lack of sizing options, the Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress is our top choice as the best overall hiking dress, as you can comfortably hike in it and it’s stylish enough to wear around town. The pockets, fabric, and sun protection mean it’s technical enough for a day hike. The overall look and cute colorways mean you can style this for a visit to your favorite coffee shop or brewery afterward.
Best overall hiking skirt: Purple Rain Adventure Skirt
Material: Recycled polyester, nylon, spandex (% differs by color)
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-3XL
Price: $80
What we liked: Comfortable, good pockets, great material for hiking, size-inclusive
What we didn’t like: Not much, except there’s no built-in shorts or adjustable waistband
Purple Rain Adventure Skirts is a small cottage brand based in southern Oregon. Founded by Mandy “Purple Rain” Bland in 2014, these skirts have humble beginnings in her studio dining room. Still today, the skirts are made in Oregon and Bland handles customer relations directly. We love this personal touch just as much as we love the quality of these skirts, from the moisture-wicking material, the breezy and cute fit, the deep pockets, and the comfortable waistband.
View the Purple Rain Adventure Skirt
The skirts are made from a 91% recycled polyester and 9% spandex blend that meets Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate. They have a DWR finish to repel water as well. With a whopping four pockets, including two deep hand pockets, this shirt is a dream for hikes and even casual wear.
I tested this skirt on hikes in Colorado, but found my favorite use for it was post-trail runs. I loved pulling this skirt up over my spandex shorts, making changing out of them in public much easier, and going into town for a post-run coffee and snack. The moisture-wicking material handles sweat like a champ, and the colorways are easy to style when re-joining the non-trail world.
Sizing is available from XS to 3XL. This skirt is simple yet thoughtful in design. Anyone who wants to hike in a skirt will be pleased with this purchase.
The Purple Rain Adventure Dress is breezy, quick-drying, and comfortable.
Best cold weather hiking dress: Youer Treasure Dress
Material: “Fresh Corduroy” (a Polartec Thermal Pro fleece), 100% recycled polyester
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes (one kangaroo pocket)
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Price: $179
What we liked: made in the US by a small, woman-owned company, fun style, warmth, quality, durability
What we didn't like: less versatile for warmer weather
The Youer Treasure Dress is adorable, warm, high quality, and a compliment magnet. The fleece material has a corduroy look, and the design on the side paneling is a stylish touch. But this dress isn’t just cute — it’s durable and great for playing outside in cold weather.
View the Youer Treasure Dress
Youer is a woman-owned outdoor clothing company founded by Mallory Ottariano and based in Missoula. They seek to reduce waste by making quality clothing that folks will wear for a long time, avoiding fast fashion. They use recycled materials, too. You can learn more about their sustainability ethos here.
Much like with the Icebreaker Merino Blend 200 Crush dress, I found I reached for this more for lounging and casual wear than for hiking, but it would also do well on short, cold day hikes. This dress is also much more affordable than the Icebreaker dress. With so many fun new colors available (and a wider shoulder fit than the previous model), this is a fun trail-to-town dress to style in cold weather.
We're partial to the Treeline pattern of the Treasure Dress (you can read an entire article of gear items named 'treeline' just to see how much we like the name). It's forest green and features chanterelle mushroom paneling.
Most versatile dress: Royal Robbins spotless evolution tank dress
Material: 86% polyester, 14% elastane
Length: Knee
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS - XXL
Price: $110
What we liked: Performs well on day hikes, walks, and can be dressed up off the trail
What we didn’t like: Could be more size-inclusive
While the Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress won Best Overall in part because of its versatility, the Royal Robbins Spotless Evolution Tank Dress impressed us with its even more versatility. By that we mean the dress can be dressed up better than the Tolima. I recently packed the Spotless Evolution Tank Dress on a backpacking trip because I knew I had a fancy dinner in a nice hotel at the end of it, and of all the packable options, this dress was the best for the job. The Royal Robbins Spotless Evolution Tank Dress would also win our award for most stylish–it works on the trail and for fancier events like traveling in Europe, too.
Compare prices of the Royal Robbins spotless evolution tank dress
This isn’t just a casual wear dress, though. The material is a bluesign-approved recycled blend of polyester and elastane, making it comfortable and breathable on the trail. It’s also made with PFCs-free HeiQ Stain Away technology to help wash out spills and dirt more easily. We found the material among the most quick dry of all the dresses, for easy sink washing while traveling for weeks on end. Two hand pockets, a zip pocket, and hidden mesh pocket also along for easy storage on day hikes, walks around the city, or wherever your travels take you.
The A-line skirt falls just above the knees, so there’s coverage for hikes and a classy look for casual wear in town. The built-in bra was comfortable for me, though this fit can be hit-or-miss for a lot of folks. We pack it for adventure travel, hot springs trips, or any place that has us moving outdoors where we want to look a little more formal while still moving around outside.
For folks looking for a dress for day hikes, walks, travel, and casual wear that can be on the dressier side, the Royal Robbins Spotless Evolution Tank Dress is a great, versatile option. We also tested it the short sleeve version called the Spotless Traveler Short Sleeve Dress. This is a good option if you want some shoulder coverage for the UPF 50+ sun protection or if you are traveling somewhere like cathedrals in Europe where more modesty is needed.
Most comfortable hiking dress/skirt: Icebreaker 125 Cool-Lite Merino Blend Active Skort
Material: 80% lyocell, 20% wool
Length: Mini
Pockets: No
Available sizes: XS - XL
Price: $130
What we liked: Soft and breathable material, very comfortable
What we didn’t like: Not as functional on the trail as other options
The merino blend of the Icebreaker 125 Cool-Lite Active Skort is so soft and comfortable, even in the heat, that I found myself wearing it all the time. While I wouldn’t primarily use this skort for hiking, I found short runs, neighborhood walks, and days working from home were fantastic uses for this skort. I even paired it with a tank and tennis shoes for a cute atheleisure look around Denver.
View the Icebreaker 125 Cool-Lite Merino Blend Active Skort
The body of this skort is made from a breathable and lightweight fabric (80% lyocell, 20% wool) designed to keep you cool. The soft, stretchy waistband and inner shorts, as well as the flatlock seams, all contribute to its overall comfort.
The skort is also designed with Icebreaker’s proprietary Cool-Lite technology, which is the brand’s body-mapped technology that regulates body temperature and lets skin breathe during activity. The Merino wool is also naturally odor-resistant, which is another plus.
While Icebreaker markets this short as a hiking dress, I found I preferred other options that had more pockets or had a longer length for hiking. Instead, I enjoyed the Active Skort for walks, easy runs, and lounging and casual wear. Of course, it will still work for hiking too! That just wasn’t my preference. Regardless of what you wear it for, the Icebreaker 125 Cool-Lite Active Skort is the most comfortable of all the dresses, skirts, and skorts we tested.
Best for thru-hiking: Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress
Material: 86% polyester, 14% Spandex
Length: Knee
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-2XL
Price: $120
What we liked: Great useful features, highly technical, comfortable in many weather conditions
What we didn’t like: Less versatile in that it’s specialized for just hiking
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress is our pick for best dress for thru-hiking for its great features, coverage, and sun protection. The long sleeves offer a layer of protection when it’s cold or the weather turns, and the UPF 30 protection, breathable, and antimicrobial material make this dress great for warm, sunny, or high-altitude hikes as well.
View the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress
Some hiking dresses, like the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Sun Dress, come with features like hoods, zippered pockets, UPF protection, and a snap button to convert the dress to a romper.
This dress also boasts thoughtful features, such as a good with vent/hair hold and cinch cord with cord locks, zipper pockets, thumbholes, neck protecting collar, and button-down adjustability for ventilation, and a snap at the hem to convert the dress to a romper (this came in handy on a very windy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park when the winds kept blowing up the dress!).
What makes this dress great for thru-hiking is the long sleeves and overall high coverage of this dress. The hood and snap at the bottom hem both serve to make this dress more comfortable in windy conditions. As a sundress, it also offers excellent protection from UV, which is great for high-altitude hikes where UV is stronger and the weather can turn quickly.
One downside to this dress is that the romper button easily breaks. I recently met a thru-hiker in Colorado who was wearing the dress. She said she loved it but her only complaint was that the romper button broke off. She reached out to Jolly Gear and they sent her another dress. Two days later, while backpacking in this dress myself, the romper button broke off. I reached out to Jolly Gear as well, and haven’t heard back yet at the time this was published. We’ll update if/when they do.
This dress was thoughtfully designed with hikers in mind. It’s comfortable in all weather conditions. We wish it came in a greater size range than just XS - XXL. Additionally, this dress didn’t win best overall because it’s less versatile than the Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress. The Tolima can easily be layered with a base layer shirt or outer layers, and can easily be styled for casual wear, all while still being a great hiking dress, too. So, if versatility is your priority, we recommend the Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress. But if you know you want something that goes all-in on hiking, with all the bells and whistles that will make your hiking experience as comfortable as possible in most weather conditions, the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress is for you.
Best plus size hiking skirt/dress: REI Co-op Trailmade Skort
Material: main fabric: 89% ripstop nylon, 11% bluesign-approved polyester; pockets: bluesign-approved recycled polyester
Length: 13.5 inches
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-3X
Price: $55
What we liked: Durable ripstop fabric that withstands trail conditions and versatile enough for use in town and on the trail
What we didn’t like: Waistband is slightly too narrow for my taste resulting in tightness at the waist, size range from REI should reach 4X at the minimum
The REI Trailmade Skort is an excellent summer companion and our pick for the Best Plus-Size Hiking Skort/Skirt/Dress. We've taken it on short hikes, longer overnight trips, and at every farmer’s market and brewery we’ve found in between. The skort is made from durable 89% ripstop nylon/polyester that has survived being scooted across boulders and through thick brush.
One of our writers has always preferred skorts over skirts, and the Trailmade Skort is an excellent example of a skort, with the functionality of shorts and the aesthetic appeal and ventilation of a skirt. The built-in shorts prevent chafing, and the leg openings are large enough that we don’t feel constricted. The skort has an elastic waistband with an adjustable waist belt to tighten or loosen the fit as needed. We tested the 3X and found the waist not to be too small or pinch my stomach like many hiking shorts and pants do.
View the REI Co-op Trailmade Skort
The ripstop fabric also dries quickly, easily handling the light drizzle we encountered on a test hike and drying by the time we reached the car. We also like how the skort feels, with fabric that feels durable yet soft against the skin.
The Trailmade has enough pockets to carry essentials, with two hand pockets large enough for an iPhone 14 on the front, under the skirt flap, and a zippered pocket at the back. The 4-inch inseam felt slightly short on our tester's 5’9” frame, and when seated on dirt or rock, it’s easy to feel a bit exposed if you’re tall or have long legs.
While slightly too short for our needs when doing lots of scooting or sitting on the ground, the length is perfect for pretty much all other uses walking around. While the Trailmade isn’t our go-to for a rugged hiking bottom, it is useful on most day hikes and transitions easily to casual wear.
Best Skort: Youer Get After It Skort
Material: 84% recycled poly, 16% spandex
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes (two thigh pockets)
Available sizes: XS-XXL
Price: $94
The Youer Get After It Skort is lightweight, comes in a fun print, and most importantly the shorts under the skirt are comfortable. Perhaps the biggest struggle for skorts is finding some with spandex shorts that aren’t too tight, and Youer nails that. While I wish I could adjust the fit at the waist a little — it hangs a little lower on the belly than I prefer and — it is overall a pleasant wearing experience. There’s even a gusset that runs along the inner thigh so you don’t need to wear underwear if you don’t want to.
View the Youer Get After It Skort
The shorts also have two thigh pockets for lightweight items, like keys or cards. I was able to easily fit my phone in the pocket without fear it would fall out and without the material sagging. However, during more intense activities than walking (e.g., scrambling, racket sports, or running), your phone may feel less secure there.
Like with the Treasure Dress, I love the combination of style, comfort, quality, and sustainability practices at play with this skort. If you like the print design, this is a great hiking skort.
Other hiking skirts, dresses, and skorts we tested
Royal Robbins Discovery III skort
Material: 96% nylon/4% spandex
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: 2-20
Price: $72
The Royal Robbins Discovery III Skort is cute and functional. The nylon and spandex blend is comfortable, breathable, and quick-drying. The skort offers 50+ sun protection, jersey-knit shorts for comfort, and pockets.
I wanted to love this skort because it met the level of versatility and general comfort we were looking for. Unfortunately, in testing, the waistband sagged a little on me in my usual size, and there wasn’t a way of adjusting that. We would also love a greater size range, as this skort comes in sizes 2-20 (the XXL mark equates to sizes 18-20).
However, if you find the fit is comfortable, the Royal Robbins Discovery III Skort is cute and versatile, and will serve you well.
View the Royal Robbins Discovery III skort
Material: 86% polyester, 14% spandex
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: $105
The Spotless Traveler Tank Dress is a cute and breezy a-line dress with an adjustable cinching sash belt you can tie around the waist. It’s stylish, comfortable, and has hand pockets (including an inner mesh and zippered pocket).
Made with polyester and spandex, it’s similar to the Spotless Evolution Tank Dress but with a wider tank sleeve instead of the strappy sleeves. The wider tank sleeve offers a little more shoulder coverage and a dressier look than the thin straps of the Spotless Evolution Dress. We also tested the short sleeve version, the Spotless Traveler Short Sleeve, which is a good option for folks who want extra sun protection from the UPF 50+ material or who are traveling to places like cathedrals in Europe, which often require covering shoulders for entry (trust us: we learned the hard way!)
In testing, we found this served best as a traveling dress, as the name implies. You could go on a light hike or walk in this and be very comfortable, but it’s best suited for casual wear and long days traveling.
View the Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Tank Dress
Material: 74% recycled nylon, 26% spandex
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: $100
The Cotopaxi Muevo dress is an adventure dress designed for movement and comfort. Made with 74% recycled nylon and 26% spandex, this breathable material is also UPF 50+ and stretches with your movement. It’s comfortable on the trail and can easily transition to a casual in-town dress.
In addition to the breathable material, this dress offers 50+ UPF protection. The built-in shelf bra was comfortable for me, but could be limiting or uncomfortable to other folks. The phone pocket on the side easily held my phone.
This dress is a great option for hiking, activewear, and casual wear. The reason it didn’t win a category was simply because it didn’t have as many pockets, hiking-specific features, or sizing options as other dresses, or as much versatility. However, if you like the look and fit of the Cotopaxi Muevo, this is a great hiking dress.
View the Cotopaxi Muevo Dress
Material: 100% recycled nylon woven ripstop
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-3XL
Price: $85
The NorthFace Spring Peak Skort is a popular hiking skort, with ample pockets and a highly wind-resistant WindWall™ fabric with non-PFC DWR finish. I wanted to love this skort, but found the liner spandex shorts uncomfortably tight. However, we do like the fact sizing includes 3XL. We recommend trying on this skort to test the fit and comfort for yourself — if the shorts aren’t too tight, you’ll probably really like this skort.
View the The North Face Spring Peak Skort
Material: 60% Lyocell, 40% Merino Wool
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: $220
The Icebreaker Merino Blend 200 Crush Long Sleeve Dress is a hooded dress with deep hand pockets. It is so comfortable and perfect for lounging. You can also style it as a casual look around town.
Most of the features center comfort, including the split sides at the hem for mobility, dropped shoulders, and soft merino/TENCEL blend. While you can hike in this dress, especially short chilly hikes, I found I reached for this more to wear around the house as the temperatures started dipping.
The $220 price may be a lot to spend for casual loungewear, but if you go on a lot of day hikes in cold weather, and like the style of this dress, it may be a worthwhile investment. I go through clothing hyperfixations and this dress — perhaps because of the loose fit, soft material, and deep pockets — has been one of them.
View the Icebreaker Merino Crush Long Sleeve Dress
Material: 100% merino wool/lining: 89% lyocell
Length: Mini
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: $140
The Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Active Dress is constructed of a breathable, lightweight merino blend that is soft and comfortable. I found this dress to be cute and comfy, but not as hiker-friendly as other dresses as it only has one side pocket in the shorts that easily sags with the weight of a phone.
The bra shelf with removable cups and adjustable straps is quite comfortable, but could be limiting or less comfortable to some folks who might prefer to wear their own bra, depending on fit and cup size.
The built-in shorts are convenient for active wear as they offer more coverage, so you don’t have to worry about the dress flying up, but also mean totally undressing every time you need to use the restroom. I tried pulling down the shorts from the low-cut back as had been suggested I could do, but it didn’t work well for me.
This dress would be nice for racket sports, walking the dog, or casual wear. It just wouldn’t be our top choice for hiking.
View the Icebreaker Merino Active Dress
Benefits of hiking in a skirt or dress
The Cotopaxi Tolima dress is our favorite overall hiking dress for how well it performs in hot weather and transitions to a cute town look.
The idea of hiking in a skirt or a dress can feel strange, initially. When I (Gabi) first heard that hiking skirts and dresses were an available piece of clothing, I couldn’t imagine I would ever wear them on the trail. Two years ago, I caved and purchased the a now discontinued Athleta skort with low expectations, but in the years since wearing it dozens of times over many miles, I am now sold on hiking and adventuring in skirts and dresses — but specifically ones made to do so. They’re functional, convenient, and look attractive on the trail.
As a plus-sized person, I have never enjoyed wearing hiking pants. They can feel too constricting, especially at the waist, too warm, and not flexible enough as I scramble over rocks or through dense trees. With hiking skirts and dresses, none of those issues arise. The freedom of movement is better than with any other hiking bottoms I have worn, as I’ve yet to find a skirt/skort or dress with a tight waistband.
Chafing, my biggest fear, isn’t present as hiking skirts and dresses almost always have built-in shorts. For those that don’t, adding a bike short underneath is a simple fix.
Skirts and dresses are perfect for hot days, when sliding into an alpine lake or climbing over fallen trees calls for clothing that is comfortable and flexible. Ventilation is also one of my favorite aspects of wearing hiking skirts and dresses. Even with bike shorts or built-in briefs, there’s still more breathability on my thighs and lower legs than with hiking pants that, even when made with light material, still irritate me as I hike, especially when it’s hot outside.
Hiking skirts and dresses are often packed with just as many features as traditional pants and shorts, sporting zippered pockets small enough for keys and large enough for phones. For those looking for a breathable bottom layer that is functional and cute enough to use off trail and on, don’t knock a skort or dress option.
What to look for in hiking skirts and dresses
The Cotopaxi Muevo dress is breathable, quick-drying, and comfortable on hot summer hikes.
When picking a hiking skirt/skort or dress, look for the same qualities that translate across outdoor clothing: durability, material, versatility, weather performance, and functionality.
Material
At the material level, look for fabric that won’t retain sweat or stink (within reason), such as merino wool and synthetic performance material. Stay away from items made with cotton and other knits that will invite stains, won’t wick sweat, and can’t hold up to the conditions one finds on the trail. When possible, look at brands that use recyclable materials in the construction of their clothing.
Durability
Durability, or whether or not your dress or skirt can withstand adverse weather, sharp rocks and trees, and other environmental factors, is innately tied to the material and design used to create the dress or skirt. Look to fabrics that are labeled as “ripstop” and are best suited to the type of adventure one is taking.
Even with insulated leggings, a lightweight and made for summer skort that lacks water resistance or insulation, worn overtop, will not endure wet or snowy conditions. Just as one would for any piece of gear, make sure to choose one best suited to the weather and conditions of where one goes to ensure that the skirt/dress lasts longer and stays durable.
Fit and comfort
Finding the right fit for hiking skirts and skorts is vital to ensuring that chafing, rolling down, or getting too loose does not happen when you’re miles away from your car or out on the trail. When trying on new pieces of gear, it’s always smart to know your measurements and the size chart of the brand you’re looking to buy from.
Check the length of the dress or skirt as well, as you may want a longer length depending on where and what time of year you’ll be hiking. A fit that isn’t too loose, isn’t too tight, and a length that fits your needs will make for a comfortable wearing experience.
Waistband
Some hiking skirts come with elastic waistbands, which can feel exceptionally comfortable but run the risk of sliding down if they stretch out. If you prefer this type of skirt, it’s best to find one with an adjustable drawstring to help it keep its shape throughout the day. Many hiking skirts and skorts come with a traditional belted or zipped up waist, making them easy to tighten or loosen as needed but can feel constricting if not fitted correctly.
Versatility
I’m all about saving money and space in my closet, so when picking clothes I prefer to find items that can be worn in a variety of settings. Hiking skirts and dresses are perfect for those looking for something that can be at home at the campsite and while grabbing tea in town. In the summer, my “uniform” tends to be a large linen shirt, a longline sports bra, and my hiking skirt. When I want to go on a hike, I can easily toss on a hiking shirt and shoes or boots. This is just one example of how easy hiking skirts and dresses can be to transition from trail to town.
Functionality (i.e. Pockets)
Like the insulated jackets, tents, sleeping bags, and other important gear items you may buy for hiking and adventuring outside, functionality is key. Skirts and dresses are no exception, so be sure to choose ones that have features that make them more than just cute pieces of clothing. Zippered pockets that can hold essentials, drawstrings to customize fit, vents and meshing, are all examples of ways that skirts and dresses can be functional and aesthetic.
The Cotopaxi Tolima dress offers great pockets, a comfortable and cute fit, and can easily be layered underneath or over.
Sun and Weather protection
Strappy dresses won’t provide as much coverage from the sun on your neck and shoulders, but that’s not to say that hiking dresses don’t over any protection. Finding out that there are hiking skirts and dresses that are insulated was a surprise to me, and proves that they are just as functional and durable as traditional hiking shorts or pants. We’ve also found skirts and dresses made with merino wool, synthetic insulation, and water resistance. At the bare minimum, you should look for skirts and dresses with at least UPF 50 protection, if possible.
Weight
An additional benefit of choosing a hiking skirt or dress over traditional pants and shorts is with weight. Less material equals less weight to carry as you cover miles.
Sustainability & Minimal Packaging
Without realizing it, outdoor brands that offer hiking skirts and dresses are using less packaging and resources leading to smaller footprints than pants and shorts. You can also focus on sustainability by buying from brands that use recycled fabrics, have lifetime guarantees, have ethical business practices, and use fabrics that take less energy and waste to create. Brands like Cotopaxi, Outdoor Research, and REI fit the bill in at least one of the ways we listed.
How to choose a hiking skirt, dress, or skort
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Sun Dress offers excellent UPF protection and handles both heat and cold quite well.
For which activities will you primarily wear this dress/skirt?
Are you planning to wear a dress for hiking, for traveling, or both? Some hiking dresses make nice travel dresses, such as the Cotopaxi Tolima Overall dress. However, I wouldn’t necessarily hike in the Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress — it’s great for travel as it’s comfortable, cute, and versatile, but isn’t something I’d like to sweat or get dirty in.
If you’re looking to trail run, you might prefer a skort. It has built-in shorts and the skirt adds a little coverage and air flow.
If you’d like the option to change between a tank or long-sleeve shirt, and don’t want built-in shorts, you may enjoy a hiking skirt like the Purple Rain Adventure Skirt. It has pockets…and you can pee with ease.
What conditions will you be wearing them in?
If you’ll be hiking more in the summer or at high altitudes, you may want to consider prioritizing UV protection, breathability, or coverage. While the Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress may seem best for cold weather with its long sleeves, its UV protection, breathable fabric and coverage also make it great for staying safe in the sun. In this sense, it’s a versatile option year round.
How much coverage do you want?
When it comes to hiking dresses, you can consider neck coverage, arm coverage, and how long it is. The Icebreaker Merino 125 Cool-Lite Active Skort, for example, is very short. This is comfortable for folks who like less coverage in the heat, but can be uncomfortable for folks who prefer more coverage.
The Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Sun Dress offers more coverage on your neck and arms than most other dresses we tested.
What is your budget?
As with all outdoor gear, you can find a range in price. Be sure to balance features you want, comfort, and anything else that’s important to you with the price tag.
As mentioned in our Best Budget Hiking Dress section, you can totally thrift a hiking dress/skirt that is comfortable, quick-drying (i.e., made from non-cotton materials like nylon or polyester), and within your budget. If a thrifted sundress is good enough for National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Heather “Anish” Anderson, it’s good enough for us!
Do you want built-in shorts?
One of the great benefits of hiking in a dress or skirt is how easy it is to pee off trail. However, built-in shorts means you essentially have to undress to do your business, which can feel even more vulnerable than wearing shorts or pants.
While dresses with built-in shorts can be inconvenient in that sense, many folks prefer the comfort of shorts with the appearance or breeziness of a skirt or dress. Skorts/shorts can also help prevent chafing.
What features are important to you?
How many pockets would you like to have? Do you want to prioritize UV protection, odor control, drawstrings and adjustability, and so on? We’d recommend deciding on if you prefer a dress, or the versatility of a skirt or skort. Then, consider which features seem most useful to you.
Do you like the appearance of the dress/skirt/skort? Is it comfortable?
If you don’t like the way the dress, skirt, or skort looks or feels on you, you won’t wear it. Choose a fit that is comfortable to hike in (or whatever your preferred activity is), has the right coverage, and pick a style and color that you enjoy!
FAQ
What is the best budget hiking skirt or hiking dress?
As much as we adore hiking dresses, skirts, and skorts, you don’t have to buy something new. In fact, thru-hiking extraordinaire Heather “Anish” Anderson prefers purchasing a thrifted sundress prior to her big hikes. As long as the dress is comfortable, breathable, and preferably quick-drying and won’t chafe, you can find the best option at any secondhand store.
We also love options like REI’s garage sales and outlet, hand-me-downs, or community clothes swaps. Sizing options are often limited in these cases, but sometimes you can snag a great deal.
Care and maintenance tips for hiking skirts and dresses
We tested the Cotopaxi Tolima dress on trails all over Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Indiana.
Read the care label
Hiking clothing, including dresses and skirts, are often made of materials like nylon, spandex, and polyester that may require special care. For example, you may be able to wash in a gentle cycle with cold water, but might need to avoid high heat. The manufacturer’s label should provide proper care and maintenance instructions.
Regular cleaning
While you don’t want to wash too much as that could break down the integrity of the materials, you do want to keep your hiking dress or skirt clean. Dirt, sweat, and other elements can also break down the integrity of materials. If your clothing gets dirty, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to help keep your clothing lasting longer.
Drying
Typically, the best thing to do is air-dry clothes out of direct sunlight. High heat can damage the material, or at least cause it to lose certain properties like water resistance or odor control.
Store properly
If possible, hang your dresses and skirts when not in use. Or, lay them flat. This prevents wrinkles and potential damage. As with all outdoor gear, keep out of sunlight or direct heat as much as possible.
Repair minor damage
Often, minor rips or snags can be repaired. Some brands also will repair or replace damaged clothes that meet certain conditions.
Follow special instructions
If the manufacturer provides special care and maintenance instructions, be sure to follow those. They are provided to help you get the best and longest use out of the product.
Regular inspections
Keep an eye on your hiking dress or skirt after each use to make sure you can catch signs of wear or damage early.
How we researched and tested
Gabi and Becca both did a little research, in addition to some already existing knowledge, to narrow the list of dresses, skirts, and skorts they tested. They considered a variety of activities for which the clothing would be worn, as well as size inclusion and positive reviews.
Gabi tested dresses, skirts, and skorts throughout Idaho’s late spring and early summer. Some items she had owned long before this article, and those have been tested over years and many miles. All items were tested on car camping trips, hikes through the Sawtooth and Grand-Targhee National Forest, and in town during farmer’s market trips and everything in between. Conditions ranged from intense winds, chilly conditions, and early summer high heat.
Becca tested dresses, skirts, and skorts on early spring and summer hikes in the Colorado mountains. She also wore them on walks around her neighborhood, and on casual days around Denver. Conditions ranged from snowy, windy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park to stifling, hot summer days in the city.
About the authors / Why you should trust us
Gabi Reyes-Acosta
Gabi has been adventuring outside since her youth exploring Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest that she grew up close to. As an adult, Gabi has worked in outdoor education and camping, taking youth on backpacking trips, campouts, and hiking excursions. She is dedicated to creating spaces for young people who face structural barriers to accessing outdoor experiences. There is nothing more she loves than sitting around a campfire with a bunch of teens, sharing stories and laughing.
An ankle break in 2019 while working with youth changed her ability to hike longer distances, but Gabi still spends as much time as she can in the mountains. She moved to Idaho in 2023 from California and now lives 20 miles from an entrance to the Sawtooth National Forest. This access allows her to spend most days and weekends exploring and immersing herself in the forest, and Gabi hopes to spend her first full summer finding trails to wander down and lakes to swim in. While she no longer provides direct outdoor experiences for youth, she can still be found advocating for young people through grant support and consulting for nonprofits that take youth outdoors and build outdoor education curriculums.
Gabi focuses much of her writing on plus-size friendly gear and clothing items. Read more about her and find other stories she’s written through her author page.
Becca Downs
While Becca has loved hiking since she was a small child going on frequent trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she leaned more into hiking, camping, and backpacking by way of running. That is, road running led to trail running, which led to dreams of thru-hikes and FKTs.
While a hip arthritis diagnosis forced her to take a step back from competitive endurance sports and long hikes, she still spends as much time as possible hiking, trail running, and existing in the woods and mountains of Colorado.
In addition to her years as a competitive runner, she earned a USATF Level 1 certification for coaching distance running, and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt in 2020, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it.
You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page. You can follow her on Instagram at @beccad___.
