When most of us think of lululemon, comfortable and versatile leggings are the first thing to come to mind. Despite this, the Canadian-based brand has a wide selection of high-quality athletic apparel including shorts. Lululemon's shorts are constructed with innovative fabrics that are designed to keep you as comfortable as possible. Whether you need shorts to exercise in or to wear to the grocery store, there is likely a pair of lululemon shorts out there for you.
Because lululemon shorts are made for specific purposes, like running or yoga, the brand has many different options to choose from. There is a lot to consider when shopping for shorts: inseam lengths, fabrics, pockets, among other features. To help choose the right lululemon shorts for you, we have put together a list of the best lululemon shorts for a number of common uses.
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The Best lululemon Shorts - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall lululemon Shorts: Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4"
- Best lululemon Shorts for Running: Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short 2.5"
- Best lululemon Shorts for CrossFit: Wunder Train High-Rise Short 4"
- Best lululemon Shorts for Hiking: Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Short
- Best lululemon Shorts for Cycling: Align High-Rise Short 6"
- Best Budget lululemon Shorts: Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Short 4"
- Best lululemon Biker Shorts: Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Short 8"
- Most Comfortable lululemon Shorts: Align High-Rise Short With Pockets 8"
- Best lululemon Shorts for Yoga: Align High Rise Short 8"
- Best lululemon Shorts for Postpartum: Track That Mid-Rise Lined Short 5"
Best Overall - Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4"
SPECS
- Material: Swift
- Inseam length: 4"
- Pockets: Zippered pocket in seam, stash pocket in liner
Built with extra room for movement, lululemon's Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4" is the ideal short for a variety of activities. From running to running errands, these shorts offer comfortable wear. This is achieved by their lightweight fabric which has four-way stretch and sweat-wicking properties.
The Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts have mesh fabric panels to keep you dry as you move. A built-in liner is included to provide more coverage. If you need to carry small items, like keys or your phone, you can store them in the zipper in-seam pocket. Because these shorts have a built-in, continuous drawcord, they can be cinched to fit different body types and waistlines.
What We Like
- Lightweight design
- 10 color options
- Thick, comfortable waistband
What We Don't Like
- Can run small
- Sweat may be visible
BUY: Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4"
Best for Running - Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short 2.5"
SPECS
- Material: Swift
- Inseam length: 2.5"
- Pockets: Connected gel pockets in waistband, back pocket
If you are a runner, you know that shorts that stay put are very important. Lululemon's Speed Up High-Rise Lined Shorts are a lightweight, yet compressive running short. Because these 2.5-inch shorts are made with four-way stretch, they will move with you as you run. Additionally, their fabric is sweat-wicking and quick-drying to keep you cool while you exercise.
The Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short 2.5" features pockets that make it easy to bring small items like keys and cards with you on your run. These pockets are located in the waistband and the back of these shorts. To help ensure that shorts don't slip while you run, there is a continuous drawcord in the waistband.
What We Like
- Features a continuous drawstring
- High-waisted design
- 11 color options
What We Don't Like
- Sizing may be inconsistent
- Lining can be uncomfortable
BUY: Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short 2.5"
Best for CrossFit - Wunder Train High-Rise Short 4"
SPECS
- Material: Everlux
- Inseam length: 4"
- Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket
Lululemon's Wunder Train High-Rise Short 4" are designed to be worn for high intensity training like CrossFit. Made with their Everlux fabric, they are one of lululemon's fastest drying shorts. Through sweat-wicking and four-way stretch technology, these shorts are both breathable and flexible, which can be very helpful when doing CrossFit.
To make sure these shorts stay in place while you train, there is an increased level of compression in the Wunder Train High-Rise Short. Additionally, a drawcord is included in the waistband. This drawcord allows you to cinch them to your waist to prevent slipping. A pocket is hidden in the waistband to hold your card and keys while you condition.
What We Like
- Sweat-wicking features for staying cool
- High compression for support
- Quick-drying fabric
What We Don't Like
- May ride up when doing other physical activities
- Can run small
BUY: Wunder Train High-Rise Short 4"
Best for Hiking - Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Short 5”
SPECS
- Material: Abrasion-resistant
- Inseam length: 5"
- Pockets: Cargo pockets, zippered pockets
When hiking, storage space and comfortability are key. The Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Short from lululemon effortlessly combines these factors. Compared to other options, these hiking shorts have a wide variety of pockets, including cargo and side zippered pockets. In addition, there are a couple clips for carabiners or D-rings.
For added comfort, the Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Short uses lululemon's Luxtreme fabric in the waistband. Luxtreme fabric makes the waistband sweat-wicking and stretchy while the rest of the shorts are constructed with an abrasion-resistant, water-repellent fabric to increase their durability.
What We Like
- Many pockets and key loop
- Loose fit
- Sweat-wicking waistband
What We Don't Like
- Seam may bunch on occasion
- Not as many size options compared to other shorts
BUY: Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Short
Best for Cycling - Align High-Rise Short 6"
SPECS
- Material: Nulu
- Inseam length: 6"
- Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket
A lightweight pair of shorts can drastically improve your cycling experience. Lululemon's Align High-Rise Shorts are our pick for the best cycling shorts. Made with their Nulu fabric, these shorts have a buttery-soft and weightless feel. This breathable fabric also works to wick sweat while you cycle to keep you dry.
The Align High-Rise Short is ideal for cycling because at a 6-inch length they are not likely to bunch up while you move. If you need to bring your keys with you on your bike ride, you can store them in the hidden waistband pocket. Although designed for low-impact exercise, these shorts can also be worn day-to-day because they are so comfortable.
What We Like
- 22 color options
- Comfortable, soft fabric
- Sweat-wicking features
- 6" length
What We Don't Like
- Double-lined construction
- May run small
- No extra padding (as seen in traditional cycling shorts)
Best Budget - Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Short 4"
SPECS
- Material: Swift
- Inseam length: 4"
- Pockets: Zippered in seam pocket, stash pocket in liner
If you are looking for athletic shorts on a budget, consider the Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Short. Designed with extra room, these low-rise shorts are meant to be comfortable to move in. With a lightweight, four-way stretch fabric, you can wear these shorts when exercising or even while running errands.
The Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Shorts have a couple of pockets that allow you to carry the essentials. These pockets are intended to be discreet as well as functional and can be found in the seam and the liner. Runners will appreciate the reflective details to increase visibility.
What We Like
- Design has reflective details
- Ventilation through mesh panels
- Easily cinched by continuous drawcord
What We Don't Like
- Certain colors may bleed
- Low-rise fit
BUY: Hotty Hot Low-Rise Lined Short 4"
Best Biker Shorts - Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Short 8"
SPECS
- Material: Everlux
- Inseam length: 8"
- Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket
Biker shorts are a very popular clothing item, even when not biking. We think the best pair of lululemon bike shorts are the Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Short. These shorts are made with the brand's Everlux fabric which dries very quickly. This fabric's sweat-wicking, breathable properties can make your biking experience much more comfortable.
To ensure that they don't slip while you move, the Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Shorts have a waistband drawcord and a contoured fit. This means that they have been designed to have a narrow waist with extra room in the hips and waist. With this hip-to-waist ratio, these shorts are ideal for those with curves.
What We Like
- Sweat is typically not visible
- Buttery-soft fabric with slight compression
- Contour fit is ideal for curves
What We Don't Like
- Fewer colors available than other styles
- Can run small
BUY: Wunder Train Contour Fit High-Rise Short 8"
Most Comfortable - Align High-Rise Short with Pockets 8"
SPECS
- Material: Nulu
- Inseam length: 8"
- Pockets: Side drop-in pockets, back drop-in pocket
Most of us look for elevated comfort when purchasing athletic wear. Our pick for lululemon's most comfortable shorts is the Align High-Rise Short with Pockets. With side and back drop-in pockets, these bike shorts combine comfort with function. These pockets allow you to carry items like your phone, key, or ID with you as you workout.
Made with lululemon's Nulu fabric, the Align High-Rise Shorts with Pockets are designed to feel soft and weightless. This makes them ideal for activities like yoga or even just staying comfortable in general. Sweat-wicking technology in this fabric keeps you cool and dry as you move.
What We Like
- Wide size selection
- Soft, supportive fabric
- Pocket large enough to fit phone
What We Don't Like
- Can pill if not properly cared for
- Thicker than other options
BUY: Align High-Rise Short with Pockets 8"
Best for Yoga - Align High-Rise Short 8"
SPECS
- Material: Nulu
- Inseam length: 8"
- Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket
If yoga is your main form of exercise, lululemon's Align High Rise Short may be the one for you. These shorts feature a simple design with a hidden waistband pocket. This allows you the freedom to move into different yoga poses.
The Align High Rise Shorts are breathable and soft thanks to lululemon's Nulu fabric. Although this material is meant to feel weightless, you don't have to worry about them being see-through. This is especially true of the light color options which are double-layered. To help you stay dry while you do yoga, these shorts have sweat-wicking properties.
What We Like
- 16 color options
- Breathable, sweat-wicking fabric
- 4-way stretch
What We Don't Like
- Sweat may be visible
- Sizing can be inconsistent
Best for Postpartum - Track That Mid-Rise Lined Short 5"
SPECS
- Material: Swift
- Inseam length: 5"
- Pockets: Side zippered pocket
For those who have just given birth, comfortable clothing is a top priority. We have selected the Track That Mid-Rise Lined Short as the best pair of lululemon shorts for postpartum wear. These mid-rise shorts feature a waistband that is designed to lay flat. This means that these shorts won't dig in and be uncomfortable for your postpartum body.
For added comfort, the Track That Mid-Rise Lined Shorts are made with a lightweight, stretchy fabric. This fabric is paired with a soft, sweat-wicking liner to provide extra coverage. A continuous drawcord in the waistband allows you to adjust these shorts in a way that fits your unique shape the best.
What We Like
- Features soft liner that is quick-drying
- Flat waistband that doesn't dig into skin
- 9 color options
What We Don't Like
- Pocket is smaller than other shorts
- Can run small
BUY: Track That Mid-Rise Lined Short 5"
What To Look For in lululemon Shorts
Inseam Length
Lululemon shorts have different inseam lengths ranging from 2.5 to 8 inches. Your personal preferences and workout routine will determine the inseam length that’s right for you.
Pockets
If you need to carry items with you while you exercise, you will want lululemon shorts with pockets. Some have side and back drop-in pockets, while others have discreet inseam and waistband pockets.
How Does lululemon Sizing Work?
While sizing for lululemon shorts can differ, they generally run true to size. Shorts with more compression may run a bit small, so you may want to size up. Some lululemon shorts have a contoured fit to prevent waistbands from gaping. These shorts have an adjusted waist-to-hip ratio which means the waist is narrower while the hips have extra room.
Lululemon Fabrics
Lululemon works to create fabrics with elevated comfort to keep your focus on your workout. The shorts on our list are constructed with one of lululemon's Swift, Abrasion-resistant, Everlux, or Nulu fabrics.
Swift
Lululemon shorts with Swift fabric are designed to be breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight. This fabric is a combination of polyester and elastane to ensure that your shorts stay put while you move.
Abrasion-resistant
Shorts that need increased durability are constructed with abrasion-resistant material. With recycled nylon and elastane, shorts with this fabric will not wear or tear easily.
Everlux
Everlux is lululemon's fastest drying and most versatile fabric. This fabric is also soft and lightweight, which makes them a favorite for loungewear.
Nulu
Nulu fabric is designed to feel weightless, soft, and breathable. Because Nulu fabric feels like a second skin, they are ideal for warm climates and doing hot yoga.
FAQs About lululemon Shorts
Are lululemon shorts worth it?
Lululemon shorts are constructed with quality materials intended to improve comfort. Generally, their shorts are quick-drying, lightweight, and breathable. They are worth spending more on to get a higher quality and better-feeling product.
Do lululemon shorts run small?
If lululemon shorts have increased compression, they may run small. It is important to check a pair of short's reviews to see if others say they run small.
Which lululemon fabric has the most compression?
Shorts made with lululemon's Swift fabric have the most compression. Because they are made with polyester and elastane, they are meant to prevent slipping while you move.
What is lululemon's return policy?
Lululemon offers free returns up to 30 days after purchase. Items must be unwashed, unworn, and have original tags.