When most folks think of lululemon, the very first thing that comes to mind is likely the cult-favorite Align leggings. (And for good reason, too.) But for me the real all-stars have always been lululemon’s shorts. The brand has a wide range of styles designed for running, training, yoga, hiking or just hanging around, meaning there is truly something for everybody. Of course, with all those options comes a bit of choice paralysis—how do I know which pairs are truly worth the splurge?!—which is why I decided to poll my fellow PureWow editors to compile a list of the best lululemon shorts. What follows is a list of the only five pairs you need to kick off your knee-baring collection and learn what the hype is all about.
The 5 Best lululemon Shorts for Running, Yoga and Lounging Around in Style
According to PureWow editors
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Published Jul 17, 2024
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Abby Hepworth for PureWow
Best Overall lululemon Shorts
1. lululemon Align High-Rise Shorts
What We Like
- available in four different inseam lengths
- lots of color options
- hidden waistband pocket
What We Don’t Like
- no larger pockets
- reportedly run small
lululemon
Pretty much everyone I know is fully obsessed with the brand’s Align leggings, so it should come as no surprise to learn that the Align shorts are every bit as fabulous. The buttery-soft material wicks away sweat to keep you feeling cool and comfy whether you’re perfecting your tree pose in hot yoga, running in the park or simply walking back home from the grocery store. “When I was preggo I bought these, hoping they would work after I was done with maternity clothes,” explains Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen. “And they do! They’re super soft and stretchy, but not saggy. Not too tight either, and not see-through.” The Align high-rise shorts come in four inseam lengths (2, 4, 6 or 8 inches) and a plethora of cool colors. But reviewers also note this style tends to run a little small, so if you are between sizes you may feel more comfortable going with the larger of the two.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 20
- Materials: 81 percent Nylon, 19 percent Lycra elastane
- Designed for: yoga, Pilates and other low-impact workouts
Best lululemon Shorts for Running
2. lululemon Track That High-Rise Lined Shorts
What We Like
- available in two inseam lengths
- built-in liner
- wide waistband
- zippered side pocket
What We Don’t Like
- sell out often
- some runners find the legs bunch up
lululemon
Specifically designed for running, these shorts are a personal favorite of mine and a go-to for my regular running routine. They are breezy and lightweight, and the 5-inch inseam is just short enough to allow for plenty of airflow without making me feel self-conscious. (That said, these shorts are also available with a 3-inch inseam.) I don’t usually like a high-rise fit for my running bottoms—I find it uncomfortable and distracting as I move, especially on long runs—but the waistband on these shorts doesn’t dig in, ride up, slip down or really make itself known at all, so I can focus on more important things while I work out. The zippered side pocket is great for small necessities like keys, my ID and a pocket-size anti-chafe stick. It can also fit my phone, although I do need to do some finagling to get it in through the slot at the correct angle. Some reviewers complain that the legs of the Track That shorts ride up or bunch when they run, something that’s really dependent on your stride and figure, so I recommend doing a little jog around your living room before you rip the tags off to see if you have the same issue.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 20
- Materials: 94 percent nylon, 6 percent elastane
- Designed for: running
Best lululemon Bike Shorts for Running
3. lululemon Fast and Free High-Rise Shorts with Pockets
What We Like
- has two deep pockets on either hip
- hidden drawstring in the waistband
- no inseam on the thighs
What We Don’t Like
- sell out often
- reportedly run small
lululemon
That shorts for a pair of Fast and Free shorts instead. They, too, avoid the usual pitfalls of a high-waist short thanks to the incredibly breathable, “weightless” Nulux fabric. It dries extremely fast, is super smooth to the touch and maintains its shape supremely well, even after years of regular runs and washes. The 6-inch inseam is just long enough to prevent chafing without going too far down my leg and feeling dowdy. My favorite features, however, are definitely the two deep side pockets which comfortably hold my phone, a packet of chews, my earbuds case, my sunglasses and even a small stick of sunscreen without any bouncing or pressure on my legs. There’s also a small pocket in the back of the waistband I use to stow my ID and keys, and a hidden drawstring in the waistband for those who like to really cinch in at the waist. Like the Align shorts, these tend to run a little small so I always go up one size from my usual to accommodate for any swelling as I work out.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 14
- Materials: 84 percent nylon, 16 percent Lycra elastane
- Designed for: running and high-impact activities
Best Casual lululemon Shorts
4. lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Shorts
What We Like
- adjustable drawstring waist
- hidden card sleeve
- ultra-soft material
What We Don’t Like
- fabric is susceptible to stains
- come in only one inseam length
lululemon
On the hunt for a pair of chic athleisure shorts you can wear all over town? Look no further than the new Softstreme shorts. “I have these and they’re made of the *softest* material,” raves Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. “They’re so comfy for working from home or walking my dog. Plus, the pockets are actually deep enough that I can fit my phone, keys and small wallet without worrying about them falling out.” The innovative fabric is made with recycled polyester and features a fuzzy outer feel and a sleek, smooth touch on the inside. It’s also designed to wick away excess sweat or moisture, but some reviewers note that it’s also prone to staining, so be very careful with that morning coffee or evening rosé. Some reviewers also suggest going up one size from your usual for a loose, more casual fit, but otherwise it appears these shorts fit true to size.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 20
- Materials: 53 percent recycled polyester, 38 percent Lenzing modal, 9 percent elastane
- Designed for: casual wear
Highest Rated lululemon shorts
5. lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Shorts
What We Like
- available in two inseam lengths
- tons of color options
- built-in liner
What We Don’t Like
- reportedly run small
- sell out often
- some reviewers found the legs bunched up
lululemon
The highest-rated shorts on the lululemon website are absolutely the Hotty Hot high-rise shorts, which boast more than 3,400 rave 5-star reviews. “The design is simple yet stylish,” writes one reviewer. “I appreciate the clean lines and minimalistic approach, which makes them easy to pair with any outfit. The pockets are functional and well-placed, adding to the practicality without compromising on style.” Many reviewers comment on the versatility of the Hotty Hot shorts, which were designed for runs and training sessions, but are cute enough to wear running errands around town as well. And the material is both lightweight and opaque (even for the lighter colors) to keep you feeling and looking cool. The 2.5-inch inseam is pretty short, but most reviewers say it’s definitely long enough to cover your bum entirely, and that shorter hem can help elongate the look of your legs. However, if you find yourself wanting some extra length, they’re also available in a 4-inch inseam.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 0 to 20
- Materials: 86 percent recycled polyester, 14 percent elastane
- Designed for: running and training
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.