Summary
Editor's rating
Design: Functional or Just for Show?
Comfort: How Does It Feel?
Materials: Quality or Just Hype?
Pros
- Practical pocket design
- Adjustable waistband with drawstring
- Decent sun protection
Cons
- Material can be slightly restricting
- Phone pocket is cumbersome during activity
Specifications
View full product page →| Brand | Outdoor Ventures |
| Item model number | 21L044 |
| Department | womens |
| Date First Available | May 5, 2022 |
| ASIN | B09ZLFJHXW |
| Best Sellers Rank | See Top 100 in Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry |
| Fabric type | 93% Polyester, 7% Spandex |
| Origin | Made in the USA or Imported |
Getting to Know the Outdoor Ventures Skirt
I've spent a good couple of weeks with the Outdoor Ventures Women's Tennis Skirt, putting it through the wringer on tennis courts and outdoor trails. This isn't just a skirt; it's a skort, which means it comes with built-in shorts, a feature I appreciated during my runs and games. The brand markets it as versatile for tennis, golf, and hiking, so I was keen to see if it really holds up across activities.
The first thing that caught my attention was the skirt's design. It looks sporty enough for a tennis match but casual enough for a walk in the park. The pockets are a nice touch, especially the zippered ones on the sides. However, I was curious to see if these pockets were really practical during movement.
What makes this skort stand out initially is the elastic waistband and inner drawstring. While these features seem great in theory, I wanted to see if they really would keep the skirt in place during intense activity. Would this skort slip and slide, or would it stay put like a solid piece of activewear should?
Overall, my first impressions were cautiously optimistic. The claims were promising—sun protection, quick-drying fabric, and anti-slip strips—but I needed to see how these worked in real scenarios.
Design: Functional or Just for Show?
Design-wise, this skort from Outdoor Ventures looks quite appealing. The length is just above the knee, which is a good compromise between coverage and freedom of movement. But beyond aesthetics, the functional elements are where the design really gets tested. This skort has a total of four pockets, two of which are on the inner shorts. In my experience, the side zippered pockets are great for small items like keys or a card. However, once I tried to put my phone in the pocket of the inner shorts, things got a bit tricky.
While the pocket is designed to hold a phone, it felt kind of bulky and was somewhat uncomfortable during running. The tennis ball pocket, though, did its job without much issue. I did appreciate the anti-slip strips on the inner shorts. They did a decent job of keeping the shorts from riding up, which is a common annoyance with other skorts I've tried.
The elastic waistband and inner drawstring are interesting features. They offer an adjustable fit, which is a plus if you fluctuate between sizes or just want a little extra support. After a few hours of activity, I found that the drawstring really helps keep the skort in place, though I occasionally had to stop to adjust it for maximum comfort.
Ultimately, the design is pretty solid for what it aims to be. It’s not groundbreaking, but it gets the job done for most casual athletic activities.
Comfort: How Does It Feel?
Comfort is usually the make-or-break factor for me when it comes to athletic wear, and the Outdoor Ventures skort does a fair job here. Right out of the package, the fabric felt soft against the skin, and I didn't experience any immediate irritation, which is always a good sign.
After wearing it for a few activities, I can say that the comfort level is pretty reliable. The inner shorts stayed in place thanks to the anti-slip strips, which I appreciated during runs and tennis matches. However, the waistband, while adjustable, did need occasional tweaks. It wasn't uncomfortable, just a bit of a hassle when you're focused on your game.
The breathability of the fabric adds to the comfort, preventing any clammy feeling during extended wear. Yet, it's not the lightest skort I've worn, especially when compared to high-end brands specifically engineered for breathability and moisture management. Still, for its price range, it’s better than many other options available.
In summary, comfort-wise, this skort is quite decent for everyday sports. It's not a revelation, but it keeps you comfortable enough to enjoy your active pursuits without constant adjustments.
Materials: Quality or Just Hype?
The materials used in this Outdoor Ventures skort are primarily polyester with a touch of spandex. To me, the fabric felt lightweight and breathable, which are must-have qualities in activewear. During my tests, I noticed that the skort did a good job of wicking away sweat, and it also dried fairly quickly after a wash, making it convenient for repeated use.
The fabric's claim of providing sun protection is an interesting feature. While I can't measure UV protection with certainty, I didn't experience any sunburns or noticeable skin exposure issues during sunny days on the court. It’s reassuring to know that the designers considered skin protection, even if it’s not a feature I can easily verify.
However, the material is not without its downsides. The polyester tends to snag a bit, so it’s essential to be mindful of rough surfaces. Also, while the fabric is stretchy, it’s not the stretchiest out there. The 7% spandex does offer some give, but if you're doing deep lunges or wide stretches, it might feel a bit restricting compared to other high-performance fabrics.
Overall, the materials used are quite decent for the price point. They don't blow me away, but they are practical and functional for everyday sports activities.
Pros
- Practical pocket design
- Adjustable waistband with drawstring
- Decent sun protection
Cons
- Material can be slightly restricting
- Phone pocket is cumbersome during activity
Conclusion
Editor's rating
After a couple of weeks of testing, the Outdoor Ventures Women's Tennis Skirt seems like a solid choice for those in need of a versatile sports skort. It's especially suitable for casual athletes who engage in tennis, running, or hiking. The design is practical with its multiple pockets, and the comfort level is generally good, with a few minor adjustments needed during intense activities.
If you're looking for a high-performance skort with exceptional stretch and breathability, this might not be the top pick, but for the price, it offers decent value. It’s an all-around good buy for those who want functionality without breaking the bank.