Why a Swim Skort Belongs In Your Summer Wardrobe

If you’ve ever stood in front of your swimsuit drawer and thought, “There has to be something better than this,” you’re not alone. Maybe bikinis feel a little too bare, one-pieces ride up in all the wrong places, and swim shorts just don’t have the vibe. Enter: the swim skort.

Equal parts polished and practical, a swim skort offers the coverage you want, the function you need, and the confidence you didn’t know was missing. It’s a fresh alternative to the same-old swimwear—and once you try one, you might just wonder how you ever packed a pool bag without it.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a swim skort actually is, how to style it, and why our SPANX Pique Shaping High Rise Swim Skort deserves a permanent spot in your summer lineup.

What Is a Swim Skort?

A swim skort is a hybrid between swim shorts and swim skirts. It’s got the look of a flirty mini skirt, but with hidden briefs underneath—so you can move, swim, and lounge without worrying about things shifting out of place.

Unlike a swim skirt (which is often just a fabric overlay on a bikini bottom), a swim skort is a full-coverage bottom with an extra layer of confidence built in. It’s made to stay put, cover more, and keep things smooth—whether you're doing laps or walking to the snack shack.

A good swim skort should fit like your favorite high-waisted shapewear—secure but not restrictive. It should sit comfortably at your natural waist, hug your hips just enough to stay in place, and allow full movement without riding up or rolling down. The briefs underneath should be supportive, not bulky, and the skirt overlay should float, not cling.

All About the SPANX Pique Shaping High Rise Swim Skort

Not all swim skorts are created equal. Our SPANX Pique Shaping High Rise Swim Skort is designed to flatter, move, and stay in place no matter how active your beach day gets.

Crafted from a beautifully textured pique fabric, this skort features flexible layers that feel smooth on the skin and look polished on the outside. Underneath the flirty outer layer? A hidden high-rise bottom for coverage and support—so you can dip, dive, and lounge without a second thought.

Here’s what sets it apart:

UPF 50+ Sun Protection

Let’s face it—applying sunscreen under your bikini bottom isn’t exactly on anyone’s to-do list. Built-in UPF 50+ protection helps shield your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, so you’re covered even in the spots you usually forget. It’s an extra layer of defense without the effort.

360 Degrees of Shaping

Thanks to the built-in power mesh, this swim skort offers light, flexible compression all the way around. It smooths your midsection and flatters your natural shape without feeling stiff or restrictive. Whether you’re walking the shoreline or sitting poolside, you’ll feel supported and confident.

Hidden Tie Feature

One of the most underrated features? A hidden tie that keeps the outer skirt in place underwater. No more skirt-flip surprises when you jump in the pool. It’s a small detail, but once you experience it, you’ll never want to go back.

What to Wear With a Swim Skort

The beauty of a swim skort is its versatility. You can style it like you would any other swim bottom—just with more coverage and polish. Here are three great pairings that keep things stylish, flattering, and pool-ready.

Plunge Bikini Top

The SPANXshape™ Swim Pique Plunge Bikini Top is a perfect match for a swim skort. With its flattering neckline and supportive fit (thanks to built-in bust darts and removable invisible pads), it balances out the modesty of the skort with a touch of feminine flair. Plus, the pique textured fabric matches the skort perfectly—so you’ll look intentionally styled, not thrown together.

Bandeau Bikini Top

Looking for a strapless option? Try the SPANXshape™ Swim Convertible Pique Bandeau Bikini Top. It gives you a sleek, sculpted look without tan lines, and it’s convertible, so you can wear it halter-style when you need more support. It pairs well with a swim skort for beach volleyball, paddleboarding, or just reading a book without needing to adjust your straps every five minutes.

Plunge One-Piece

Yes, you can wear a one-piece with a swim skort—and the SPANXshape™ Swim Pique Plunge One-Piece proves it. This pairing is ideal if you want extra core support or full-body shaping under the skirt. The high back and underarm coverage keep things streamlined, while the plunge neckline adds a little edge to the overall look. It’s functional, elevated, and yes—actually cute.

Your New Favorite Poolside Power Move

Swim skorts are proof that coverage and confidence aren’t mutually exclusive. They give you the freedom to move, the structure to feel secure, and the style to show up to any pool party, beach day, or resort getaway feeling like your best self.

Whether you're pairing it with a sleek bandeau, a bold plunge top, or a smoothing one-piece, a swim skort works hard behind the scenes—so you don’t have to think twice about what you’re wearing. It's the summer staple you didn’t know you needed.