15 Best Lululemon Shorts, According to a Former Employee

Best Women's Overall

lululemon Speed Up Lined Short 4”

View On Lululemon $68

Our top overall pick is the Speed Up Mid-Rise Lined Short because, while they were designed for running, they are versatile enough for walking, weight lifting, and more. We love that they provide just enough coverage without added bulk, with a comfortable mid-rise waistband and a four-inch inseam.

Made with lululemon’s polyester and elastane Swift fabric, these shorts are lightweight, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying. They also feature four-way stretch so you can lunge, squat, and jump with ease. The Speed Up shorts have a breathable liner with added Lycra fibers for even more stretch and comfort.

The waistband includes a zip pocket for storing keys, ID, or a credit card, as well as pockets without zippers for easy access to fuel during training runs and races. A continuous drawcord helps create the perfect, customized fit.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-14 | Inseam Length: 4 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Zip pocket and connected gel pockets in waistband | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best Men's Overall

lululemon Pace Breaker Lined Short 7”

View On Lululemon $78

We also recommend the Pace Breaker Lined Short. It’s designed for running and training, but it’s versatile enough for most activities, such as working out on rowing machines. We love how lightweight the mesh liner is. It provides support with a built-in pouch while maintaining a barely-there feel. However, if you're more in need of men's yoga shorts, try the unlined version of the Pace Breaker.

The Pace Breaker shorts are made with Lululemon’s Swift fabric, which is lightweight, quick-drying and sweat-wicking, and it provides four-way stretch. They’re also eco-friendly, since 100 percent of the polyester used to make these shorts is recycled.

Features include a drawstring waistband to provide a perfect fit and three different types of pockets. You’ll find front pockets, a smaller zip pocket for valuables, and a no-bounce phone pocket in the liner with a cord exit for headphones.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam Length: 7 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Front pockets, zip pocket, phone pocket in liner | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best Women's Budget

lululemon Hotty Hot Lined Short 4”

View On Lululemon $68

Designed with a little extra room, the Hotty Hot Low-Rise Short is a comfortable option for running, walking, or training. We like the two hidden pockets, which make it easy to store your phone and other valuables discreetly.

Mesh panels on the legs provide ventilation to keep you cool during workouts. And if you walk or run outdoors, you’ll appreciate the reflective details on this short for added safety. These shorts are made with lightweight Swift fabric that keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable while you exercise.

Be mindful that whether you're shopping for shorts or leggings, Lululemon sale items are non-returnable, so double check your size before placing an order online.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-14 | Inseam Length: 4 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Zip pocket in seam, pocket in liner | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best Men's Budget

lululemon T.H.E. Linerless Short 9"

View On Lululemon $39

If you prefer a linerless short, we recommend lululemon’s T.H.E. shorts. They’re made from lightweight, breathable Swift fabric with four-way stretch that moves with you.

T.H.E. Shorts have a tapered fit and a split hem that gives your glutes and leg muscles plenty of room to move without feeling baggy, making them also great for workouts on exercise bikes and ellipticals. They’re designed for training, but you could wear these shorts for a variety of sports and activities.

The soft and stretchy waistband stays put and includes a drawstring for added support. In addition to front pockets, we like that the T.H.E. shorts feature a zippered pocket for you to stash keys, cash, or your ID, keeping you hands-free while working out.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam Length: 9 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Traditional pocket, one zip pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best Unisex

lululemon Bowline Short 5” Stretch Ripstop

View On Lululemon $78

Lululemon’s Bowline Short 5” have a timeless design and a wide size range suitable for all kinds of workouts. They’re available in a variety of colors and neutrals that will mesh with any style.

These shorts are designed for more casual wear, so you can pair them with a T-shirt or a button-down for a cool and effortless look. They are a great option for low-impact activities, like walking or hiking. And since they’re made from water-repellent fabric, we like that you can throw these shorts on to go paddleboarding or kayaking, too.

We also love the drawstring, which can be worn inside or outside the waistband. You can stash your stuff in the front pockets or the zippered back pocket for extra safekeeping.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam Length: 5 inches | Material: Nylon, elastane | Pockets: Front pockets, back zip pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best for Running

lululemon Speed Up Lined Short 2.5”

View On Lululemon $68

Designed specifically for running, the Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short is perfect for marathons and neighborhood jogs alike. We like that these shorts have a continuous drawcord and multiple waistband pockets to keep you comfortable and your gear contained while you hit the track.

What the Experts Say: “I find them to be incredibly comfortable, flattering, and durable. They last and can take a beating, making them well worth the investment.” —Heather Hart, ACSM-certified Exercise Physiologist, RRCA and UESCA running and ultrarunning coach

Made from Lululemon’s Swift fabric, these shorts are lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool and dry while running. The liner with added Lycra fibers is comfortable, helps prevent chafing, and ensures adequate coverage with a 2.5-inch inseam. Choose from a wide variety of colors in sizes 0-20.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 2.5 inch | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Connected gel pockets, one zippered pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best Biker Shorts

lululemon Invigorate High-Rise Short 10”

View On Lululemon $49

Whether you love indoor or outdoor cycling, the Invigorate High-Rise Short is ideal for biking. It's made from lululemon’s Everlux fabric, a quick-drying blend of nylon and Lycra elastane. We love that these shorts will keep you cool and dry, even in a hot and humid environment.

You’ll feel supported but not restricted in these shorts, which have four-way stretch and plenty of elasticity. Stash your phone, keys, or a credit card on a long bike ride in the side drop-in pockets or the hidden waistband pocket.

The 10-inch length won’t ride up during your workout and helps prevent chafing while you pedal. We love the high-rise waistband, which pairs well with tank tops, sports bras, or crop tops. Whether you're working out on an indoor cycling bike or going out for a long ride, they'll be your go-to shorts every time.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 10 inches | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Side drop-in pockets, hidden waistband pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, line dry, do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best for CrossFit

lululemon Wunder Train Short 4”

View On Lululemon $64

The Wunder Train High-Rise Short will help you power through CrossFit workouts with ease. Like many Lululemon premium-quality leggings, these are made with the brand's lightweight, quick-drying, nylon and Lycra elastane Everlux fabric to wick sweat away quickly as you push through those reps. 

These shorts have a hidden pocket in the waistband to stash valuables. The continuous drawcord ensures that everything stays put, because you don’t want to waste precious seconds pulling up your shorts during a tough circuit. We like the thick waistband, which has plenty of stretch.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 4 inches | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, line dry; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best Size Range

lululemon Track That Lined Short 5”

View On Lululemon $68

Lululemon continues to offer a wider size range for several products, including their Track That Mid-Rise Lined Short. You can find this short in a variety of colors and patterns in sizes 0-20. 

Track That shorts were designed for running, and they feature a lightweight, built-in liner. We like that they are made with extra room in the leg opening and offer good coverage while still looking stylish. The continuous drawstring won’t get lost, and you can stash your running essentials in the zippered side pocket.

These shorts are made with Swift fabric, which is lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking to keep you comfortable and dry. Lululemon’s Swift fabric also has four-way stretch, allowing you to move in all planes of motion without restriction.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 5 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Zippered side pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best for Hiking

lululemon Multi-Pocket Cargo Hiking Short 5"

View On Lululemon $39

When you’re hitting the hiking trails, we recommend choosing clothing that is comfortable and functional, and can stand up to the elements. The Multi-Pocket Cargo High-Rise Hiking Short was designed specifically for hiking, with plenty of pockets and lightweight fabric. 

These shorts are abrasion-resistant, so you can push through branches, brush, or rough trails without worrying about tearing. The fabric is also water-repellent to keep you dry in case of unexpected showers.

We love that these shorts have plenty of useful features, like deep cargo pockets, a zippered pocket for valuables, a D-ring, and loops you can clip a carabiner to. The drawstring ensures a customizable fit, so your shorts won’t move around while you’re tackling the trails.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-14 | Inseam Length: 5 inches | Material: Nylon, recycled nylon, elastane | Pockets: Two zippered pockets, two cargo pockets | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best for Long-Distance Running

lululemon Find Your Pace High-Rise Short 3”

View On Lululemon $68

Whether you’re training for a 10K or a marathon, we recommend the Find Your Pace High-Rise Short for long-distance running. They are light and airy, so you can focus on the miles instead of how your shorts feel.

Made from four-way stretch fabric, these shorts are sweat-wicking and quick-drying. You’ll feel comfortable and dry even as your mileage hits double digits. The built-in liner is there to support you without any added bulk.

We like that these shorts feature overlapping side panels, so your legs won’t feel constricted by extra fabric. Reflective details ensure that you’ll be visible to drivers and other runners at night. Other features include a continuous drawstring, a drop-in pocket, and a waistband treated with zinc to prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 3 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Drop-in pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best for Yoga

lululemon Align Short 8"

View On Lululemon $64

For yoga, we recommend choosing shorts that feel stretchy, comfortable, and weightless. Lululemon’s Align High-Rise Shorts are made from lightweight Nulu fabric, which conforms to your body. The nylon and Lycra elastane fabric is sweat-wicking and breathable, so it performs well for even the sweatiest yoga practices.

We love the eight-inch length of these shorts that stay put and won’t ride up, even in the trickiest poses. The high rise is supportive and on-trend, so you can pair it with your favorite sports bras and crop tops.

There’s a hidden pocket in the waistband to stash small valuables. Choose from a wide selection of colors and patterns in Lululemon’s full size range (0-20).

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 8 inches | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, line dry; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best for All-Day Wear

lululemon Track That Lined Short 3”

View On Lululemon $68

For an option that can take you from your workout, to running errands, to lounging at home, we recommend the Track That High-Rise Lined Short. This item is made with extra room in the leg openings, to be comfortable enough for all-day wear. The sleek and simple style pairs well with workout tops or a basic T-shirt for hanging out. 

These shorts are made from lightweight fabric that’s breathable, thanks to four-way stretch. They're also quick-drying and sweat-wicking, so you’ll stay cool and dry during sweaty runs or workouts, which is why this material is also popular for workout underwear.

Store a credit card or keys in the zippered side pocket for safe keeping. We love the continuous drawstring, which ensures that these shorts won’t budge as you go about your day.

^{Key Specs:
Size: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 3 inches | Material: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Zippered side pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}

Best With Pockets

lululemon Align Short with Pockets 6”

View On Lululemon $74

Pockets make anything better—including the Align High-Rise Short. Since these shorts have side pockets, you can store all of your essentials and go about your workout or your day hands-free. Made with soft, lightweight fabric, we like that they are ultra comfortable and breathable.

The two side drop-in pockets are big enough to hold your phone, while the waistband drop-in pocket can store smaller items like keys, cash, or cards. These shorts are designed for yoga, with added Lycra fiber in the fabric that helps them stretch well but still maintain their shape over time.

^{Key Specs:
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam Length: 6 inches | Material: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Two side pockets, one waistband pocket | Care and Washability: Machine wash cold with like colors, line dry; do not iron, bleach, or dry clean}