Founded by professional triathlete Nicole DeBoom, the Skirt Sports brand is widely regarded as the premier women’s fitness, outdoor and running skirt apparel company. The company, which claims to have invented the now-ubiquitous running skirt, offers high-quality workout and women-about-town clothes that allow you to look cute and flirty while you keep fit.

As we tested Skirt Sports’ gear, we found some of their defining features to include bright, cheerful colors and prints, a thoughtful placement of pockets, and flat stitching and precise cuts for the most flattering fit possible. The quality of the clothing is top-notch, their website is easy to navigate, and their customer service is friendly and responsive.

Tough Girl Vest, $80

I think vests had to have been invented in the Southwest. With our cool mornings but fairly mild temperatures all year round, the vest is a staple for the outdoor enthusiast in the western U.S. I zipped up the Tough Girl Vest over a long sleeve technical tee on one of my recent early morning runs, and it kept the morning chill and wind at bay by keeping my core warm.

Storage in this vest is also impressive. I could slip my car key, lip balm and iPod in the side zipper pockets, and had it been a longer run, there was still plenty of room in the vests inside pockets for gel and cash. When lingering rain clouds squeezed out a heavy sprinkle halfway through my route, the extra-long hood kept my long hair nice and dry (and free of that “wind-blown” look I so desperately try to avoid).

I often run several errands post-workout without changing, and, if you’re like me (and I have to think if you are if you are a type A triathlete and LAVA reader!), then workout clothing like the Tough Girl Vest is a mainstay. I’ve worn it hiking with the dog, out to coffee with friends and shopping, and it always makes a statement: tough and fashionable. -SGL

Hollaback Shorts, $85

Inspired by Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” these shorts are “for women who make choices based on what feels right, without apology.” With their longer, 7-inch inseam, they are the perfect bet for long-legged gals like me who don’t want to look too leggy rolling through town. And while I’m not a huge fan of the color pink, the bright chamois screams “wear me” from my athletic clothing drawer like no other pair of cycling shorts. The gel-shaped pockets on each leg are perfect for stashing gels, and the “just a touch” reflective piping at the top of them gives me some more confidence riding home at sunset. -JWB

Vogue Knickers, $110

I’ve experimented with cycling knickers, and for me it all comes down to the chamois. The extra warmth knickers provide make them perfect for winter riding, but if they aren’t comfortable, then no amount of warmth will make up for that uncomfortable sensation of a too-wide, small, large, narrow chamois rubbing you the wrong way. Seeing as how SkirtSports was founded by and is run largely by women, I wasn’t surprised when I discovered that they take chamois-design seriously—with just the right amount of cushion, ventilation and length to keep you covered without overdoing it.

The Vogue Knickers have held up through several long and short rides while keeping my legs warm and my lady bits happy. One of my favorite features is the pocket placement on the outer thigh. There’s ample room to slip in a gel or two, and they stay in place while offering super easy access when the need for fuel arises. Combine all this with a super-flattering cut and a high waistband (which eliminates that dreaded belly overhang while in that stooped-over cycling position) and you have the ultimate in warm weather cycling apparel. Available in black, or black with pink stitching. -SGL

Wonder Girl Dress, $70

With the current running skirt craze in full swing, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I had to test out a running dress. I was worried. I felt initially as if workout dresses were for more formal sports like golf and tennis. When I put on the Wonder Girl Dress, I immediately noticed the cut—not too tight but yet form-fitting. I could actually imagine running in it. I slipped on a pair of Skirt Sports’ Shorties (basically tight black workout shorts) underneath the skirt, slipped my iPod into the pocket in the middle of the dress’ built-in shelf bra, and off I went. With a relatively long 32” inseam, I never felt like I was running down the street in a mini skirt. Actually, after the first five minutes I found my rhythm and began to feel … pretty. I ended up wearing the dress the next morning under a sweater to brunch with my in-laws, and even received a compliment on the cute print (I’d chosen the “Power Print” design). The Wonder Girl Dress transitions seamlessly from workout to everyday life, as do many of the Skirt Sports products, which in today’s busy world makes them a vital addition to any active girl’s wardrobe. Available in a variety of prints and colors including black, turquoise and hot pink. -SGL

Marathon Girl Ultra, $60 (sale price)

I wore this skirt for the first time at a warm 15k race last weekend on Fiesta Island in San Diego. Yes, I know the old adage, “never try anything new on race day,” but I’d been so impressed with everything else I’d tried from this company that I wasn’t too worried. Plus, I usually only have problems with skirts if it’s hot out (oh those thighs!), but with a 50-degree F start temperature, I didn’t have to worry there.

In the black variety, an “all business” exterior hides the slightly more racy “Spankies,” or underwear. In contrast to the company’s Gym Girl Ultra with its built-in “Shorties,” this skirt is lightweight in performance and flippant in attitude. There’s a single zipper pocket under the waistband on the right side that holds a house key, ID, or a credit card perfectly. In the medium size, the skirt measures 12 inches in the front and 13.5 inches in the back, so it’s not something you’d necessarily want to wear to the church picnic—depending of course on what kind of church you attend. Note that this skirt also sits low on the waist—a comfortable feature for younger women used to the contemporary style, but not necessarily the best pick for ladies hoping for a longer, waist-hugging style. -JWB

Runner’s Dream Long Sleeve Top, $60 (sale price)

To be honest, it’s been hard to find a day cold enough for this top here in Southern California. For all of you runners blessed with seasons, trust me and make this your go-to long-sleeved running top. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, and with soft, lightweight jersey fabric and lined thumbholes, this top is decked out in special features. My favorite part? The tummy section of the shirt is fine mesh, allowing for optimum breathability in what can be one of the sweatiest areas (espeically with a heart-rate monitor). Conversely, the bust area itself is solid fabric, which besides being functional, lends a form-flattering contrast to the shirt’s design. At 24.5 inches long, the Runner’s Dream reaches just below the hips, hiding anything you might not be so proud of. Available in both solid color and print varieties. -JWB

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“Chicked” is written by SGL (Sixth Gear Lady) and JWB (Just Wanna Bike). The column gets its name from a slang term heard often in triathlons when a man gets passed by a woman. We know most of you guys don’t mind gettin’ chicked, but unfortunately this column still isn’t for you.