Side Skirts Guide: History, Aerodynamics, Design, and Why They Transform Any Modern Car
Side skirts are one of the most underrated exterior styling upgrades — until you install them.
Suddenly the entire car looks lower, wider, sharper, and far more “complete.”
But side skirts are more than visual parts; they have roots in real motorsport aerodynamics.
In this guide, we explore how side skirts work, where they come from, why they matter, and what makes them such a powerful styling upgrade for modern VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and more.
What Are Side Skirts?
Side skirts are panels installed along the lower sides of a vehicle, beneath the doors and above the rocker panel.
Their purpose:
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Lower the visual profile of the car
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Improve underbody airflow
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Connect the design of the front and rear
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Reduce drag and turbulence along the sides
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Add a clean, sporty OEM+ appearance
They’re often one of the biggest visual changes you can make — especially from a side view.
A Short History: From Aerodynamic Experiments to Street Styling
📌 1970s: Racing discovers “air sealing”
Early race cars learned that air escaping from beneath the car created instability.
Teams began experimenting with long rocker panels to help “seal” the side of the car, keeping low-pressure airflow under control.
📌 1980s: Group C, IMSA and Ground Effect
Cars like the Porsche 962, Nissan R89C, and Jaguar XJR-9 used long, sculpted side tunnels and panels to keep the high-speed air under the car stable.
This era proved that side management of airflow is crucial for stability.
📌 1990s–2000s: Street performance cars adopt the look
JDM and European performance models (WRX, Evo, GTI, M3, RS4) started including subtle side skirts as factory aero packages.
📌 Today: OEM+ styling explosion
Modern cars often look “too high” or “too thick” on the sides — which is why side skirts have become a core part of the styling scene.
How Side Skirts Affect Aerodynamics
Even aftermarket ABS skirts provide real aerodynamic benefits, especially paired with a front lip and rear diffuser.
✔️ 1. Reduce air turbulence along the car
Air moving along the side of the vehicle tends to swirl and create drag.
Side skirts channel this air more cleanly, reducing side wake.
✔️ 2. Help “seal” the underbody
By sitting slightly lower, the skirt acts like a barrier that:
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Reduces high-pressure air from entering under the car
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Helps maintain lower pressure underneath
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Enhances the effect of a rear diffuser
This is similar to the idea behind classic ground-effect race cars.
✔️ 3. Improve stability at higher speeds
With less turbulence and better airflow control, the car feels:
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More planted
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More stable
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Less “floaty” around 100–140 km/h
✔️ 4. Smooth transition between front and rear aero
Side skirts visually (and aerodynamically) connect the front lip and rear diffuser.
The result is a more balanced airflow package.
Materials: ABS vs PP vs Carbon
⭐ ABS Plastic (Best for street cars)
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Strong
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Rigid
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Precise fitment
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Gloss or textured OEM finish
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Lightweight
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Excellent durability
This is the material used in Lur Design products.
⭐ PP (Polypropylene)
More flexible but less sharp in design; not ideal for detailed skirts.
⭐ Carbon Fiber
High-end, expensive, and strong.
⭐ Carbon Look
ABS with carbon-style film; a popular aesthetic choice.
Why Side Skirts Change the Look So Much
Side skirts alter the entire profile of the vehicle — something very few mods can do.
After installation you get:
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Lower visual stance
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Cleaner, sleeker lines
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A “full body kit” look
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Reduced wheel gap appearance
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A more premium, European OEM+ style
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The feeling that the car is glued to the ground
For many enthusiasts, side skirts are the mod that makes the car look “finished.”
Installation Guide: How to Install Side Skirts Properly
Time: 20–40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Tools: Screws, drill, 3M tape, alcohol wipes
1️⃣ Clean the rocker panel
Remove dust, tar, and grease.
2️⃣ Test-fit the part
Hold the skirt in position to check alignment.
3️⃣ Apply 3M tape
Helps secure and position the skirt before drilling.
4️⃣ Secure with short screws
Place screws underneath where they are invisible.
5️⃣ Check symmetry
Make sure both sides sit even and aligned.
Installation is similar to a front lip but slightly longer.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Do side skirts reduce ground clearance?
Visually yes — physically only about 1–2 cm.
Do they actually affect aerodynamics?
Yes. They reduce turbulence and help maintain stable underbody pressure.
Are they legal?
100% legal in almost all countries.
Will they fit my car?
Side skirts must match the model, generation, and trim.
Are they easy to install?
Yes — most customers install them at home in 30 minutes or less.
Why Side Skirts Are a Top 3 Styling Mod
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Transform the car’s side profile
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Connect the front and rear design
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Enhance stability
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Affordable
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Lightweight and durable
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Easy to install
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Perfect for OEM+ and aggressive builds alike
Side skirts complete the “triangle” of exterior styling:
Front lip → Side skirts → Rear diffuser
Together, the car gains a balanced, cohesive, modern aesthetic.
Explore Lur Design Side Skirts
High-quality ABS skirts with clean OEM+ styling, sharp lines, and perfect fitment
