Best Hiking Skirts and Dresses of 2026
Skorts, Skirts, and dresses for hiking, traveling, and backpacking in comfort and style
June 18th, 2026, updated with 3 new dresses and skirts, discontinued items removed
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When people think of a hiker, they often don't picture someone in a dress. But those of us who've spent a lot of time on trail know hikers don't look any one way, and dresses and skirts have real practical advantages: better airflow on hot days, easier bathroom breaks in the backcountry, and the ability to go from trailhead to town without a full outfit change. After a year of testing, we understand the hype.
I tested 17 adventure dresses, skirts, and skorts on hikes across Colorado and Maine, wearing each on everything from Rocky Mountain day hikes to casual outings around Denver, and prioritized size-inclusivity, comfort, performance, and the ability to transition from trail to town. We also drew on outdoor education experience leading youth backpacking trips across varied conditions, from intense Sawtooth winds to high summer heat in the Rockies.
What separates a genuinely good hiking skirt or dress from one that stays in the closet comes down to how well the fabric manages moisture and movement without clinging, whether the pockets are actually deep enough to be useful, how the fit holds up over a full day on trail rather than just at the trailhead, and whether the piece is size-inclusive enough to work for a range of bodies.
Top Picks: The Cotopaxi Tolima Overall Dress earns our Best Overall Dress award for its moisture-wicking 96% recycled nylon construction, UPF 50+ protection, practical pockets including a large zippered chest pocket, and a look that holds up equally well on a day hike and at a coffee shop afterward. The Purple Rain Adventure Skirt earns our Best Overall Skirt award for its four deep pockets, sizing from XS to 3XL, made-in-Oregon construction from a small cottage brand, and a breezy fit that handles sweat as well as it handles post-run.
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 | PRICE* | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotopaxi Tolima | Best overall dress Read why |
Above the knee | Yes | XS - XXL | $100 | 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) |
| Cotopaxi Brinco Skort | Best skort Read why |
Mid-thigh | Yes | XS-XXL | $80 | 84% recycled poly, 16% spandex |
| Royal Robbins Spotless Evolution Tank Dress | Best for travel Read why |
Knee | Yes | XS - XXL | $110 | 86% polyester, 14% elastane |
| Icebreaker 125 Cool-Lite™ Merino Blend Active Skort | Best merino wool 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 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 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.
Compare prices of the Purple Rain Adventure Skirt
The Purple Rain Adventure Skirt is breezy, quick-drying, and comfortable.
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.
Best Hiking Skort: Cotopaxi Brinco Skort
Material: 84% recycled poly, 16% spandex
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes (two thigh pockets)
Available sizes: XS-XXL
Price: $80
With plentiful pockets, an adjustable belt, useful hiking features, comfortable shorts, and a “throwback” skort style, the Cotopaxi Brinco Skort is our favorite hiking skort.
Cotopaxi dolled up their beloved Brinco shorts and added a skirt-like flap to the front, which immediately brought me back to the year 2001 (like, in a fun way). Made from a recycled nylon blend, this skort is moisture wicking and offers UPF 50+ protection. The encased elastic waistband has a webbing belt that allows for an adjustable fit at the waist.
The fit on the shorts is incredibly comfortable, as it's a loose fit like with the Brinco Shorts rather than a spandex fit. I appreciate that you don’t have to worry about the shorts fitting too tightly. They have a 3” inseam, which may feel too short if you prefer longer.
Cotopaxi Brinco Skort
The Cotopaxi Brinco Skort is great for hiking as it fits comfortable and has five pockets. Photo by Jon Rudolph
And what good is a hiking skort without pockets? The Brinco Skort has two hand pockets, two cargo patch pockets, and a snap back pocket with drain hole.
On top of the skort’s comfort and features, Cotopaxi’s sustainability efforts make the Brinco Skort a feel-good clothing investment. By using recycled materials, donating 1% of revenue to their nonprofit partners that support communities experiencing poverty, committing to decreasing emissions across their supply chain, and guaranteeing their products through their Guaranteed For Good program, Cotopaxi is ahead of most outdoor companies regarding sustainability efforts.
Plus, it’s a really cute skort. I get compliments on it all the time. The Cotopaxi Brinco Skort is a stylish and functional option for hikers seeking an early-aughts look that can handle the dirt and sweat of the outdoors, too.
Best for adventure travel 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. That is why the Royal Robbins Spotless Evolution dress wins our award for best for adventure travel. It works for adventure and for looking good.
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 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.
Best Merino Wool Hiking 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 UPF Hiking Dress: 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 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: $150
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.
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.
Other hiking skirts, dresses, and skorts we tested
Title Nine Limitless Midi Dress
Material: Top: 68% recycled poly/32% elastane; Skirt: 90% nylon/10% spandex with PFC-free DWR
Length: Midi (mini available)
Pockets: Yes (3)
Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: $149
The Title Nine Limitless Midi Dress is a versatile trail-to-town dress we found to be a great option for travelers more so than hikers. The athletic top with built-in shelf bra is soft, comfortable, and supportive for under C-cup wearers. And while the skirt can be cinched up for better movement, we found the skirt—which is very cute—to feel too heavy for comfortable hiking. This would be a great option for travelers who want a stylish dress for everyday wear that can handle more casual walking/hiking, or a comfortable dress for camp.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Title Nine Limitless Midi Dress.
Title Nine Limitless Midi Dress
Material: 86% recycled 20D 6 nylon and 14% elastane
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes (1)
Available sizes: XS-L
Price: $139
The Norrona senja flex1 skirt is a skort with built-in shorts and is designed for trail runners. Like many running shorts, it has a zippered back pocket that can hold a key and a gel.
We wanted to love this skort, but the fit is tricky—the skirt fits true to size and has a drawstring for some adjustability, but is more of a low-waisted fit (which some folks may like) and the built-in shorts felt uncomfortably tight in our usual size. Plus, the XS-L sizing is already pretty limited.
However, the material is durable, breathable, and comfortable. If you’re looking for a hiking or trail running skort that looks more like a skirt and find the fit comfortable, this is a good option.
Norrona senja flex1 skirt
Material: 66% organic cotton, 29% recycled polyamide, 5% elastane
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes (3)
Available sizes: XS-L
Price: $139
The Norrona femund cotton skirt is a comfortable, durable, breathable skirt well suited for hiking and casual wear. It fits true to size and has an adjustable belt to customize the fit at the semi-elastic waist, though unfortunately it only comes in sizes XS-L. The range of motion isn’t quite as great as the Purple Rain Skirt, but it’s adequate for hikes that do not require a lot of scrambling.
It has two hand pockets and a front zippered pocket, which is great, but they weren’t quite deep enough to securely hold our iPhone 16 Pro. While the organic cotton is soft and comfortable, it’s not as quick drying as other materials.
This skirt is comfortable, durable on the trail, and easy to style for in-town, casual wear. Unfortunately, the sizing isn’t inclusive enough to make this a winner for us, but if you fit in the size range and this skirt fits in your budget, it’s a great hiking skirt option.
Norrona femund cotton skirt
Material: 84% recycled poly, 16% spandex
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes (two thigh pockets)
Available sizes: XS-XXL
Price: $104
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.
I wish I could adjust the fit at the waist—it hangs a little lower on the belly than I prefer. The adjustable belt on the Cotopaxi Brinco is one of the reasons it earned Best Skort. However, the Youer Get After It Skort is generally comfortable otherwise. 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. This is another reason to look at the Cotopaxi Brinco Skort, as it has secure pockets.
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 stylish and comfortable active skort to consider.
Material: 88% recycled polyester (12% polyester)
Length: Above the knee
Pockets: Yes, 2
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Price: $120
The Fjallraven Abisko Sun Hoody Dress is the dress version of their Abisko Sun Hoody shirt, and is light and breathable. The jersey knit fabric is made from 88% recycled polyester (12% polyester) that offers a little stretch. Two hand pockets are a bonus, because who doesn’t appreciate when dresses have pockets?
The dress drapes to fit a variety of body types. It has long sleeves for sun protection and the hem lands above the knee. I found this fit to work really well for hiking in warm, but not hot, temperatures–even though it’s light and breathable, the long sleeves are tighter (thus, collect more heat) than I prefer when it’s really hot out.
Fjallraven Abisko Sun-hoodie Dress
The Fjallraven Abisko Sun-hoodie Dress is lightweight, breathable, and offers sun protection. Photo by Jon Rudolph
I found this dress perfect on a moderate spring hike in Durango when it was about 65 degrees and sunny, but found it a little too warm (particularly in the sleeves) for 75 degrees and sunny hiking in Sedona. However, I don’t handle heat well, so many folks would still probably appreciate the sun protection and breathability of this dress in even hotter weather.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable hiking dress that offers protection from the sun and won’t weigh you down on the trail, the Fjallraven Abisko Sun-hoodie Dress is an excellent option.
Material: 96% nylon/4% spandex
Length: Mid-thigh
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: 2-20
Price: $90
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: $115
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.
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.
Cotopaxi Muevo Dress
The side pocket of the Cotopaxi Muevo dress fits snacks, keys, or a phone.
Material: 100% merino wool/lining: 89% lyocell
Length: Mini
Pockets: Yes
Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: $150
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
I'll be honest: when I first heard that hiking skirts and dresses were a thing, I assumed they were a gimmick. I pictured something impractical and fussy, not something I'd actually want to wear while scrambling over rocks or pushing through brush. Two years ago I caved and bought a now-discontinued Athleta skort with low expectations. I've worn it dozens of times and many miles since, and I'm fully converted.
As a plus-sized person, I've never loved hiking pants. They can feel constricting at the waist, too warm, and not quite flexible enough when I'm scrambling or navigating dense trees. Hiking skirts and dresses solve all of those complaints at once. The freedom of movement is better than anything else I've worn as a hiking bottom, and I have yet to find a skirt or skort with a tight waistband.
Chafing was my biggest concern before trying one. It's a non-issue. Almost all hiking skirts and dresses come with built-in shorts, and for the rare ones that don't, a pair of bike shorts underneath fixes it completely.
The ventilation is probably my favorite thing. Even with built-in briefs or shorts, there's noticeably more airflow than in hiking pants, even lightweight ones. On hot days this matters a lot, especially when the trail involves an alpine lake or a long exposed climb. Hiking pants, even the light technical ones, still irritate me in the heat in a way that skirts and dresses just don't.
They're also more functional than they look. Zippered pockets sized for both keys and a phone are standard, and the better ones are constructed well enough to handle real trail conditions without looking out of place at a brewery afterward.
One more thing worth knowing: hiking skirts and dresses aren't just a warm-weather option. Paired with long underwear, they become a genuinely useful three-season piece of gear.
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
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Built-in liners solve two issues—thigh chafe and modesty in high winds—but they also force you to drop the whole garment when nature calls. If you prefer the ventilation of a true skirt, pair it with bike shorts or anti-chafe balm on longer, sweaty days. Choose the system you’ll actually wear; many hikers keep both options in rotation.
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As a rule of thumb, aim for a hem that lands no higher than mid-thigh when you lift a knee to hip height. That keeps you covered when high-stepping onto boulders or switchbacks. If you hike in windy alpine zones, look for dresses with a snap-to-shorts tab (Jolly Gear) or an A-line skirt that flares less.
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Use the belt to your advantage—cinch it over the dress or skirt to keep fabric from bunching. Choose pieces with low-profile waistbands (Purple Rain, REI Trailmade) so you don’t stack thick elastic under the pack. If you feel the dress creeping, slide the hip belt an inch lower; the fabric will settle.
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Yes—layer fleece tights or light soft-shell pants underneath, then add the skirt for wind protection and extra warmth over the glutes. Cold-weather-specific dresses like the Youer Treasure (Polartec fleece) give you that insulation in one piece. In deep winter, treat the skirt like a breathable over-short.
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Three tactics: (1) wear moisture-wicking liners (merino or synthetic), (2) apply anti-chafe balm before you leave camp, and (3) choose skirts with inner thigh gussets that don’t ride up. Merino-blend skorts (Icebreaker Cool-Lite) naturally resist sweat and friction.
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UPF-rated fabric guarantees coverage after sweat rubs sunscreen away and eliminates re-application on hard-to-reach areas (backs of knees, upper thighs). If you hike in high-UV zones or have sun-sensitive skin, prioritize dresses with UPF 30+ and shoulder coverage—or add sun sleeves.
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Look at fabric weight and weave: 140 g/m² or heavier nylon/spandex blends resist snags, and ripstop grids prevent small holes from spreading. If you expect alder bashing or sandstone chimneying, wear a cheap pair of running shorts over the skirt on that section, then strip them off afterward.
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Quick-dry synthetics: sluice in a gallon-size zip bag with a drop of biodegradable soap, rinse, wring in a pack towel, and clip to your pack for an hour. Merino blends: rinse only, avoid soap every time to preserve the wool’s lanolin. At home, machine-wash cold and line-dry—high heat degrades elastane waistbands.
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Skirts with wide elastic yoga bands (Purple Rain, Icebreaker) have plenty of give—size down for a secure fit. Structured waistbands with buttons or zips (Royal Robbins) run truer; size up and use the internal drawcord or a thin trail belt if needed. Always check garment-specific charts; numerical pant sizes don’t translate 1:1 across brands.
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If the dress has four-way stretch, a gusseted liner, and secure pockets, absolutely. Jolly Gear’s snap-to-romper function keeps fabric out of belay devices; lightweight skorts like the Youer Get After It excel on trail runs. Just remember: if you’ll wear a harness, avoid metal buttons or bulky chest pockets that create pressure points.
Care and maintenance tips for hiking skirts and dresses
We tested the Cotopaxi Tolima dress on trails all over Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Indiana.
Check the care label before you wash anything for the first time. Hiking skirts and dresses are usually made of nylon, spandex, or polyester blends that do best with cold water and a gentle cycle. High heat is the main thing to avoid, whether that's a hot wash or a dryer on high, since it can break down the fabric and strip away any water resistance or odor control properties.
Air dry out of direct sunlight whenever you can. Most technical fabrics dry quickly enough that this is no real inconvenience.
You don't need to wash after every single wear, but sweat and trail grime do break down materials over time, so don't leave them sitting dirty for weeks either. A sports detergent helps pull odor out of synthetic fabrics better than regular detergent.
Store them hung or laid flat rather than crumpled at the bottom of a gear pile. It keeps the fabric in better shape and means you're not shaking out a wrinkled mess before your next hike.
After each use, give the skirt or dress a quick look for snags, pulled seams, or small rips. Minor damage caught early is easy to fix. Left alone, a small snag becomes a larger problem. Several of the brands in this guide offer repair programs, so if something goes wrong, check with the manufacturer before assuming it's done.
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.
- Sawtooth & Grand-Targhee National Forests
- Rocky Mountain National Park & Colorado trails
- Car camping trips & farmers market outings
- Snowy, windy hikes to stifling summer heat
- Casual town wear & post-run errands
- Moisture management & airflow
- Pocket depth & phone security
- Fit through a full day on trail
- Size inclusivity across body types
- Trail-to-town versatility
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___.
