When I first saw running skirts, I thought they were silly. Basically, this must be an attempt to bring more fashion to working out. Working up a sweat is not a “girly girl” activity, is it? Then we don’t need skirts, do we? What’s next, pantyhose and pumps?

Then, I found it increasingly hard to find shorts that worked. Mid-length, loose-fitting shorts bunch up at the crotch when you walk fast. Even Bermuda length will do this. Below-the-knee shorts are one option, but they are hot. Of course, one can disguise the bunching up by wearing form-fitting or Spandex shorts underneath another pair of shorts. This is also hot and the top shorts still bunch up, but you see the liner shorts instead of skin.

This is exactly why runners and skinny walkers wear those tiny little short shorts. They are an ideal solution if you don’t actually have thighs or if you are so comfortable in your own skin you don’t mind showing it in public. But, for the rest of us, well, they are not such a great idea.

Then, I started hearing rave reviews of running skirts and seeing more and more of them on the walking trails. They were reported to be comfortable, modest and cool in hot weather. I had to try; if only to prove them wrong. (Actually, I was so desperate after buying countless pairs of shorts that did not work, I would have tried anything.)

I loved the first one so much I went back to the store to buy another one.

Running skirts are great! The ones I have are made by Champion C9 and are 90% polyester and 10% Spandex. There are no zippers or drawstrings; they pull on. They are machine washable and quick to dry. After several washings (and I do dry them in the dryer on low), mine still look brand new.

Running skirts have built-in shorts underneath the skirt, of course, which is what makes it a "skort". These shorts are quite thin, which makes the whole thing cooler and less bulky than you might imagine.

The skirt is mid-thigh length, which is quite modest and yet still short enough to be cool and efficient for working out. It also has a key pocket, which is essential if you are walking somewhere other than inside your house.

You can wear these out and about, too--they look like an ordinary short skirt. Plus, they make a nice swimsuit cover up.

The most wonderful thing about running skirts is that you can walk (or run or play tennis or golf) without worrying about your shorts bunching up in the crotch.

I walked on a treadmill in front of a mirror with regular shorts on and then with the running skirt. The difference was huge! While wearing the shorts, I kept making those funny steps to shake down the shorts or actually pulling them back down. But, with the running skirt, I just walked the whole time, thinking how great it looked and how this skirt is actually going to help me concentrate on walking, not on what I’m wearing!

Champion C9 Running Skorts come in sizes Extra-Small to XX Large. Click to buy from Amazon.com: