The best lululemon shorts depend on what you plan to do in them and how much coverage you want. For traditional running shorts, consider Hotty Hot or Speed Up; for streamlined running, Fast and Free; for fitted training, Wunder Train; for yoga and lower-impact workouts, Align; and for a roomier leg opening, Track That. These are expert-informed picks by use case, not winners from a single head-to-head test.
How to choose lululemon shorts
Start with activity and silhouette: loose running shorts offer a different feel from close-fitting bike shorts, while the needs of a run or strength session may differ from yoga. Then compare inseam, rise, coverage, pockets, liner, and fabric. lululemon’s current women’s shorts catalog includes multiple styles and lengths; availability and specific options can change, so check the product page and size chart for the version you plan to buy.
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- Inseam and coverage: A shorter inseam exposes more thigh; a longer one covers more. Do not assume every style is offered in the same lengths.
- Fit and rise: Compare the rise and the product-specific fit notes. A recommendation for one style does not establish how another will fit you.
- Storage and details: Check pocket placement and capacity, liner, drawcord, reflective details, and split hems against how you plan to use the shorts.
- Fabric and feel: Brand descriptions explain intended fabric performance; words such as “soft” or “comfortable” are subjective impressions from reviewers.
The six best lululemon shorts by use case
1. Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short, 4-inch: best conventional running short
ACTIVE.com names the Hotty Hot its best overall lululemon short, and Marie Claire UK writer Ally Head describes the 4-inch lined version as offering coverage, pockets, and reflective details based on her personal use. The 4-inch inseam is the more covering choice compared with the 2.5-inch Hotty Hot. Consider it if you want a traditional loose running short with a liner; check the current product listing for construction and available options.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match2. Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short, 2.5-inch: best for a shorter running inseam
ACTIVE.com selects Speed Up as its running pick. Nourish Move Love describes the style as useful for both training and running, with a wide, flat waistband and more thigh coverage than some alternatives. Those observations concern the version described in that article, so verify that the current product you are considering has the same details. The 2.5-inch inseam makes this a shorter-coverage option.
#1 Best Overall
- Designed for running
- Feathery-Fit Soft Fabric: Ultra soft, weightless and quick dry, slightly stretchy, no swish-swish sound
- High Rise. Inseam: 3 Inches
- Built-in mesh liner reduces friction
- High Split gives great range of movement
3. Fast and Free High-Rise Short or Split Short: best streamlined running option
Marie Claire UK’s Ally Head describes the 3-inch split short as lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, and lined, with a drawcord, reflective details, and three pockets at the back waistband. She describes the 6-inch model as having five pockets and being useful when carrying more essentials. These are her personal-use observations, not results from independent laboratory testing. Choose between the versions by balancing a shorter split silhouette against the longer option and the storage you need.
4. Wunder Train High-Rise Short: best fitted option for training and Pilates
ACTIVE.com names the 4-inch Wunder Train its CrossFit pick. lululemon describes the 6-inch version as designed for training and Pilates and says its Everlux fabric is breathable, sweat-wicking, four-way stretch, supportive, and quick-drying, with a cool, sleek inside and soft, brushed outside. The cited 6-inch product page also lists a waistband drawcord and hidden pocket. These are brand claims, not independent performance testing; check the current listing for the exact length and details.
Rank #2
- Designed for workout
- Feathery-Fit Soft Fabric: Ultra soft, weightless and quick dry, slightly stretchy, no swish-swish sound
- High Rise. Inseam: 3 inches. Custom Fit
- Built-in mesh liner reduces friction
- Zipper pocket for your phone or other essentials
5. Align High-Rise Short: best for yoga and lower-impact workouts
ACTIVE.com recommends the 8-inch Align for yoga and the 6-inch version for cycling. Marie Claire UK reports comfort recommendations from former shopping writer Grace Lindsay and senior instructor Rachel Lopez, including use in Pilates. Softness and comfort are personal impressions rather than universal fit guarantees. If choosing Align, match the inseam to your preferred coverage and check the current product page for the available version.
6. Track That Short, 5-inch: best candidate for a roomier leg opening
ACTIVE.com names Track That as its postpartum pick. Nourish Move Love describes a split design, extra room around the leg opening and hip, and a side zip pocket. Treat the fit description and postpartum suitability as editorial impressions, not medical advice or a promise that it will fit every body or stage of recovery. It may suit someone seeking a looser short with more coverage than a very short running style.
Rank #3
- Built-in Liner: The Running Shorts are double-layered Design. Inner Lightweight Liner offers extra coverage. Outer layer has side slit design provide greater range of movement and breathable function.
- Utility Pockets: Hidden waistband pocket, keeping your keys and cards within reach. Back waistband zipper pocket to store your essentials properly, no worries when workout.
- High Waisted Design: The Workout Shorts with Wide Elastic Waistband provides tummy control and offering stay-put coverage as you move.
- Quick-Dry Fabric: The Summer Gym Shorts made with 4-Way-Stretch, and moisture-wicking fabric. Skin friendly and durable to keep you comfortable and focused during workout.
- Occasion: The Athletic Shorts perfect for all kinds of sports, such as running, workout, gym, fitness, jogging, volleyball and even relaxing at home.
Which pair should you pick?
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A lined, traditional running short with more coverage | Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined, 4-inch | ACTIVE.com’s overall pick; Marie Claire UK’s Ally Head describes coverage and running details from personal use. |
| A short running inseam | Speed Up High-Rise Lined, 2.5-inch | ACTIVE.com’s running pick, with a shorter inseam than the 4-inch Hotty Hot. |
| A streamlined running silhouette or more pocket capacity | Fast and Free, 3-inch split or 6-inch | Ally Head describes the split model’s lightweight construction and the 6-inch version’s five pockets. |
| Fitted shorts for training or Pilates | Wunder Train High-Rise | ACTIVE.com’s CrossFit pick; lululemon describes the cited 6-inch version for training and Pilates. |
| Yoga or a lower-impact workout | Align High-Rise, 6- or 8-inch | ACTIVE.com points to the 8-inch for yoga and 6-inch for cycling. |
| A roomier leg opening and added coverage | Track That, 5-inch | Nourish Move Love describes extra room at the leg and hip; ACTIVE.com names it for postpartum. |
Check the exact product before buying
Style names can cover different lengths or constructions, and catalog options may change. Confirm the inseam, rise, liner, pockets, fabric, and current size guidance on the product page rather than assuming a detail applies to every version. Prices, colors, and inventory are also subject to change; the catalog is the best place to check what is currently listed.
For their selection methodology and disclosures, see ACTIVE.com’s roundup; its article says the team draws on athletes and fitness professionals and discloses sponsorship and affiliate support. For the personal-use descriptions of running styles, see Marie Claire UK’s running-shorts recommendations. Nourish Move Love’s descriptions of Speed Up and Track That are in its lululemon shorts guide. Official Everlux details for the cited 6-inch Wunder Train are on lululemon’s product page; browse the official shorts catalog for current styles.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【SOFT & COMFY MATERIAL】- 79% Nylon+21% Spandex. Breezy butterfly shorts are made from extremely soft, lightweight, breathable, quick-drying fabrics that make you look cute and energetic. Stretch fiber, soft touch with a 4-Way stretch technology for superior comfort, moisture-wicking
- 【CROSSOVER HIGH WAISTED SHORTS】- These womens athletic shorts feature a unique trendy design of V-waist is suitable for women of various body types to better modify your figure, the tummy control function to smooth out the waist bulg, lift your hips and tuck your abdomen, and outline the perfect curve
- 【2 IN 1 FLOWY SHORTS】With a double layer design, these butterfly shorts provide comfort and freedom of movement. Unique pleated detailing and a floaty fit give you a trendy look, with an elasticated inner layer to protect your privacy and avoid camel toe
- 【SIDE POCKET】- These flowy running shorts have ONE SIDE POCKETS which are ideal for keeping your Cash, Credit Cards, and your Phone while you are working out at any place.Our workout shorts can let you move, bend, squat, and stretch easily or do any poses you want while doing your exercises
- 【OCCASION】- Womens athletic shorts would be your best choice either for work or casual wear, these preppy clothes are great for running, yoga, dancing, tennis, cycling, golf or hanging out with friends. These workout shorts can be matched with a variety of clothing and shoes at all kinds of different workplaces
Rank #4
- Designed for workout
- Feathery-Fit Soft Fabric: Ultra soft, weightless and quick dry, slightly stretchy, no swish-swish sound
- High Rise. Inseam: 3 inches. Custom Fit
- Built-in mesh liner reduces friction
- Zipper pocket for your phone or other essentials
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
