Imagine winning an Ironman competition wearing a bright red skirt. That’s exactly what Nicole DeBoom did four years ago when she was the first woman to cross the finish line at Ironman Wisconsin. It was DeBoom’s first win at the IM distances (a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a 56-mile run) and as far as people recollected, the first time the winner had worn a skirt. Plus, it was her own skirt design.
“It was a dream come true!” said DeBoom, after winning. She had founded the SkirtSports running skirt company that same year. “I was wearing a prototype of our first running skirt: designed for function, with a touch of feminine fashion.” Despite her fantastic athletic build, the former national-level swimmer had always felt self-conscious about her upper thighs, which she deems “too big.” She thought her skirts were the perfect solution for women athletes like her.
In 2005, SkirtSports launched its first clothing line, TRIKS, promoting it as a “sassy, slimming” line for women with flare, which would “fill a void in the women’s fitness market.” DeBoom hoped her togs would promote positive body image and fun in fitness.
Last year, DeBoom expanded her lines to include a running dress, a bike skirt, and matching technical tops, socks, and sports bras. She is so committed to changing the way women view athletic garb that the “Convert to SKIRT!” campaign posted on her Web site offers a 15% discount on a skirt when you send them a pair of your old running shorts. For each pair received, they donate $1 to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, a national movement that celebrates the energy, passion, and power of women. Their goal is to raise $30,000 for Go Red for Women.
Skirtsports are terrific multitasking togs that can casually transition from trail to spinning class, to supermarket, and onto the coffee house for a quick pick-me-up. They are a perfect partner for the notoriously overbooked schedules women keep.
Made from lightweight, wicking technical fabrics, Sportskirts are quick-drying, with soft, smooth, next-to-skin comfort. The built-in “shorties” have butt-buffing, moderate compression, and a hidden pocket for stashing cash, credit card, iPod, and keys. They come in a wide variety of colors, and are available for running, triathlons, cycling, tennis, and golf.
Other companies have entered the running skirt market. I’ve listed a few of my other favorites below:
Made from a lightweight, stretchy, woven material, with a hidden hip pocket that’s great for cash, credit cards, and keys. The wide, flat waistband is designed with a drawstring to keep the skort from shifting.
Note: runs large, so if you fall between sizes, order the smaller size.
With two pleated vents to enhance mobility, this polyester-spandex skirt sports a seamless nylon-Lycra inner compression short, and forward-rolling side seams that prevent chafing. Available in an assortment of colors.
Designed with sweat-wicking material, and without interior seams that chafe sensitive skin, these skirts have an attached brief that stays in place, with a figure-flattering low-rise waist. Their newest model has two side pockets for stashing your gels, iPod, and coffee cash.
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