How Long Should a Golf Skort Be? A Length Guide by Height
For most women, a golf skort between 16 and 18 inches long lands at mid-thigh, which suits the majority of course dress codes. Shorter women often find 15 or 16 inches right; taller women, or anyone playing at a strict club, usually prefer 18 to 20 inches. The number is measured from the top of the waistband to the hem, so the same skort looks longer on a petite frame than on a tall one.
Skort length is the single most common fit question we hear, and it is easy to get wrong when you shop online. Here is how the measurement works, how it translates to your height, and how to choose with confidence.
How skort length is measured
Golf skort length is measured from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hem, along the outside of the leg. You will often see it written as a single number in the product name, such as a 17" skort, or called the outseam.
That number describes the garment, not where it will fall on you. Where it lands depends on your torso length, where the waistband sits on your body (natural waist, mid-rise or low-rise), and your height. A 17-inch skort with a high, wide waistband can fall higher on the leg than a 17-inch skort with a lower rise.
In the Fore Ladies catalog alone, skirts and skorts range from 13.5 inches (tennis skirts from Lucky In Love) through 15-inch and 20-inch skorts from Daily Sports, 17-inch skirts from Smith & Quinn, and 18- and 19-inch styles from EP Pro NY and Puma. That spread is normal across golf brands.
Skort length by height
As a rough guide, add one inch of skort length for every couple of inches of height over about 5'2". Use this table as a starting point, then check against a skirt you already own.
| Your height | Lands near mid-thigh | Longer, more coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5'2" | 14"–15" | 16"–17" |
| 5'2"–5'5" | 15"–16" | 17"–18" |
| 5'5"–5'8" | 16"–17" | 18"–19" |
| 5'8"–5'11" | 17"–18" | 19"–20" |
| Over 5'11" | 18"–19" | 20" and up |
These ranges are general guidance from how skirt lengths fall on different leg lengths, not a brand standard. Torso length shifts everything: if you have a long torso, the waistband sits higher and the hem lands higher too.
The most reliable way to choose: measure a skirt you love
Lay a skirt or skort that you already like the length of on a flat surface and measure from the top of the waistband to the hem. That number is your target, and it beats any chart.
Two adjustments help:
- Compare waistbands. If your favorite skirt has a low waistband and the golf skort has a high, wide one, add about an inch to keep the hem in the same place.
- Think about bending. A skort that is perfect when you stand can feel short when you crouch to read a putt. Built-in shorts solve the coverage worry, but if you want the skirt layer itself to stay put, go one inch longer than your standing preference.
Our size charts and fit guide explains how to take the other measurements that matter, such as natural waist and hip.
Dress codes and skort length
Most club dress codes don't give a number; they say "mid-thigh" or "appropriate length". A skort of 16 to 18 inches meets that on most women. If you are visiting a private club or playing in an event with a strict policy, choose 18 inches or longer and ask the pro shop if you are unsure. Our women's golf dress code guide covers the other rules that vary.
What to look for besides length
Length gets the attention, but these details decide whether you will reach for the skort every week.
- Built-in shorts that stay put: look for a slightly grippy hem or a longer inner short so it doesn't ride up when you walk.
- Pockets: at least one pocket that holds a ball, plus somewhere for a tee and ball marker. Some skorts hide pockets in the inner shorts.
- Stretch: fabrics with spandex move with your swing. Woven, non-stretch skorts look crisp but can pull across the hips at the top of the backswing.
- Waistband: wide, flat waistbands stay smooth under a tucked-in polo; belt loops matter at stricter clubs.
- Shape: A-line and pleated skorts give room to stride uphill; straight skorts look sleek but need stretch.
Browse golf skorts, or compare with golf shorts if you prefer shorts. Not sure which suits you? Read our comparison of skorts, skirts and shorts.
Petite and tall golfers
If you are under about 5'4", most standard skorts land closer to the knee than the photos suggest. A 15- or 16-inch skort usually gives the intended look. Our petite golf clothes guide explains why clothing doesn't scale evenly when it is sized down.
Tall golfers have the opposite problem: shorter skorts can sit higher than a club allows. Look for 19- and 20-inch lengths, which many brands offer specifically for tall players and for stricter dress codes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common golf skort length?
Many women's golf skorts are sold in lengths between about 15 and 18 inches, with 16 to 17 inches among the most common. Several brands also make 19- and 20-inch versions for taller players and stricter clubs. Always check the length in the product details rather than assuming.
Is an 18-inch skort too long?
Not for most women. On someone around 5'5" to 5'8", an 18-inch skort usually sits just above the knee, which is a classic, dress-code-friendly length. On petite golfers it can reach the knee. If you like more coverage, or play at a strict private club, 18 inches is a good choice.
Are tennis skirts shorter than golf skorts?
Usually, yes. Tennis skirts are often around 13 to 14 inches long, while golf skorts commonly start around 15 inches and go up to 20. That difference is why some tennis skirts don't meet golf dress codes. See our guide to wearing tennis clothes for golf.
Does skort length include the waistband?
Yes. Golf brands normally measure from the top of the waistband to the hem. That is why waistband height matters: a tall waistband uses up some of the length, so the hem lands higher on your leg than a skort of the same length with a narrow band.
Measure a skirt you already trust, match the number, adjust for the waistband, and you will rarely be disappointed by a skort that arrives too short or too long.
