Ahead of warmer weather, high-performance activewear is at a premium. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect Father’s Day gift, a birthday or just outfitting the guys in your life for vacation, school break or just lounging around the house, lululemon items are a prestige and very useful purchase. PureWow readers love everything lululemon, from ABC pants to the periodic “we made too much” sale section items. Therefore it’s no surprise that when my fellow PureWow editors and I started chatting about what men’s shorts we thought were best, including pairs for casual wear, running, training and more, lululemon was our pick. But which pairs are best, and for what, exactly? Read on.
The 6 Best Lululemon Men’s Shorts: Tested & Reviewed With Pics
Styles for everything from jogging to dinner dates
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Published Mar 31, 2025
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Original photos: Dana Dickey, Stephanie Maida, Dana Dickey
How Did I Review the Best lululemon Mens Shorts?
We matched trusted editors and their partners with the styles they thought they’d use the most (and in some cases, already wore on the regular). Testers wore the shorts, took original photography and reviewed how well they fit, felt and washed up. Testers also identified the details they loved and quibbles they had with garment design and materials. Additionally, I searched social media, style blogs and lululemon’s own user reviews for what’s best on each style and what can stand for some improvement. Read on for which of the top six styles—Zeroed-in, License to Train, Pace Breaker, Run Crew Ripstop Short, the Soft Jersey Short and the ABC Short—is your add to cart.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Best lululemon Shorts at a Glance
Original Photos: Philip Mutz
Most Durable
What Phil Likes
- Durable
- Feel luxe
What Phil Doesn't Like
- Fabric may be too heavy for superhot workouts
- Pockets may feel bulky for runners
lululemon
“I found these super comfortable and they fit really well. I don't usually love a ‘longer’ short but they didn't feel too long at all, still hitting above the knee,” says PureWow VP of News and Entertainment Philip Mutz. “Most importantly, I think I look good in them. I wouldn't wear them out for a social outing, but definitely good for the gym, going for a run or lounging around the house.” He prefers a short with a liner, especially for a workout as it prevents chafing, so he tried these in the lined version, but they also come in unlined construction. “I was actually surprised by how thick the fabric is—they seem a lot more durable than other workout shorts,” he says. “I also love the placement of the pockets.” His overall assessment? These are “super comfy”—with no real cons. They run true to size.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XXL
- Inseam: 7 inches
- Available in lined and unlined versions
- Pockets: two large hand pockets, one zippered side pocket
- Material: Body is 50 percent Elastomultiester, 50 percent Recycled Polyester, with pocket lining and waistband made up of nylon, elastance and recycled polyester
- Colors: 9
Original Photos: Stephanie Maida
Best for running
What Jack Likes
- Quiet fabric
- Zipper pockets
- Secure but comfortable waistband
- Ventilating fit
What Jack Doesn't Like
- Can ride up a bit in the butt
lululemon
"These are everything I want in a pair of gym shorts. As soon as I put them on, I was impressed by how secure the waistband felt while still being comfortable and stretchy—I don't think I've experienced that in a pair of workout shorts before. Based on the feel of the fabric, I thought these would have a noisy swish to them, but once I got moving, they were surprisingly quiet and chafe-free,” says writer Jack Picone, the S.O of PureWow senior commerce editor Stephanie Maida. “The material is also lightweight enough to wear outdoors in the LA heat. The fact that these have zippered pockets is a huge plus, and they're nice and deep, so I can store my wallet, keys and phone on my runs and know that it's all secure. The looser fit around the legs allows for ventilation and good movement, but they can ride up a bit in the back. Still, while they are more expensive than what I'd usually spend on shorts, these are definitely going to be my new go-tos for runs and gym days."
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XXL
- Inseam: 5 or 7 inches
- Comes in lined and unlined versions
- Pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets, one zippered back pocket
- Material: Body is 85 percent Recycled Nylon,15 percent Elastane, with recycled polyester pockets
- Colors: 8
Original Photos: Philip Mutz
Most Versatile
What Phil Likes
- Mesh back seam keeps you cool
- Roomy
- Super-soft inner waistband
What Phil Doesn't Like
- fabric may be too lightweight for transitional seasons
lululemon
“I love the five-inch length—it's super flattering especially for someone like me with more muscular thighs. The material is super comfortable and you can't go wrong with a dark green color!” says Mutz. “These are perfect for lounging around the house (or by the pool) or for a trip to the gym and fit true to size.” These shorts are designed to be a little roomer and less sleek than lululemon’s other shorts, so that wearers can stretch (say, for yoga) or stride (long runs) or even just slouch into the couch without feeling restricted. Great for summer, the fabric is sweat-wicking; a recent redesign has made the side pockets lay flatter.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XXL
- Inseam: 5-, 7, 9-inch lengths
- Available in lined and unlined options
- Pockets: two hand pockets, one side zip pocket
- Material: 86 percent Recycled Polyester, 14 percent Elastane; pockets are all-recycled polyester
- Colors: 16
Original Photos: Dana Dickey
Best Business Casual
4. ABC Short
What Craig Likes
- Zippered side-seam pocket
- Snap back pockets
- Hangs away from the body
What Craig Doesn't Like
- conservative styling
lululemon
Think of these as cocktail party shorts—they have a zipper fly and button closure like a proper pair of pants, but they’re cropped at a five-, seven- or nine-inch length. “These are pretty roomy without looking too much like gym shorts, but they’re not so constructed or stiff that they look like khakis,” my boyfriend Craig told me. We live in Los Angeles, where elevated shorts with a linen short or t-shirt and lightweight jacket is drinks-and-dinner fare from Beverly Hills (worn with loafers) to Silverlake (paired with more bohemian sandals or espadrilles). The infamous crotch gusset that the ABC pants are known for is in place here, which adds to these guys’ loose comfort. ABC Pants are made in several lululemon fabrics, but “this fabric feels really lightweight and it doesn’t really wrinkle, even after I’ve been caught in traffic all afternoon,” says my neatnik tester. Little tech details like snaps that keep the back slash pockets from gaping, and the long-wearing construction, make these shorts the ones you’ll reach for first in your closet.
Fast Facts
- Size range: 28 to 40
- Inseam: 5, 7, 9 inches
- Not lined
- Pockets: Hand pockets with hidden phone sleeve, zippered seam pocket, back pockets
- Material: 54 percent Recycled Polyester, 46 percent Elastomultiester; recycled polyester pocket lining
- Colors: 7
Original Photos: Dana Dickey
Most Comfortable
What Dash Likes
- Sweat-wicking fabric
- Brushed interior
- Quick drying
What Dash Doesn't Like
- Can look too baggy on slender legs
lululemon
As a mom, I am happy I gave my teen son these shorts, which are a nicer and more durable version of the basketball shorts that are the slouchy preference of guys kickin’ it around the house. “The inside of the shorts is really soft, like cotton,” my son Dash told me. But I’m glad they’re made of synthetic fabric, which explains why they’re wearing like iron and not getting fuzzy or pilling after repeated washings. “I’m glad they have pockets and are so plain they go with every t-shirt I have,” my son explained. While these cost more than six times a comparable Amazon Essentials pair, the lululemon soft jersey shorts have a streamlined zippered back pocket, a super-soft waistband and a faux fly, which makes them look more upscale. Basically, these are the shorts you’re going to put on when it’s hot and you’d rather just be in PJs, but need to look presentable.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XXL
- Inseam: 5 or 7 inches
- Not lined
- Pockets: Front slash pockets, back zip pocket
- Material: body-88 percent recycled polyester, 12 percent elastane; pocket lining-82 percent polyester, 18 percent elastane
- Colors: 9
Original Photos: Dana Dickey
Best Gender Neutral
What I Like
- biocidal zinc pyrithione (nano) treatment inhibits odor-causing bacteria
- side slits for movement
- drawcord tucks into a small stash pouch
What I Don't Like
- no tummy-shaping panel
lululemon
Unisex wearer alert: These are my favorite shorts to wear for jogging and even yoga when I want a little more coverage than bike shorts, but still want to stay cool. That’s because these guys have a snug bike-short-like lining that sticks out from under the top layer, which is just baggy enough to allow air flow on a neighborhood run. I can tuck my keys in the back zippered waist compartment and my phone in the deep side pockets, so no need for a waist pack (although I collect lululemon belt bags). And in basic black, these babies are basic-looking enough to pair well with any trend I’m hopping on, from blokette core to the fisherman aesthetic.
Fast Facts
- Size range: XS to XXXL
- Inseam: 6 inches
- Lined
- Pockets: Hand pockets, zippered back waistband pocket, liner has drop-in pocket
- Material: Shell: 90 percent recycled Polyester, 10 percent elastane; Lining: 88 percent recycled polyester, 1 percent elastane
- Colors: 7
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lululemon Shorts Are the Best?
Lululemon’s shorts selection is iterative, with some styles edging out—see ya, twill Bowline shorts ($78; $28)—while others come back year after year, such as the ABC shorts (from $78). Also, most styles are made in multiple fabrics, including Warpstream, WovenAir, Swift, Ripstop, Mesh, Cotton, Everlux, Fleece, SenseKnit and VersaTwill. For summer, sweat-wicking and quick-drying WovenAir is the fan-favorite I heard raved over repeatedly, while the Pace Breaker short is beloved for its all-around lightweight, high stretch charms for gym-going and lounging. And if you’re looking for a hot-weather alternate for casual pants, the ABC shorts are the winner.
What are the Best lululemon Pants for Men?
The longtime best-selling pants for men at lululemon are the ABC pants, a style that has a hidden innovation that ensures comfort: the crotch has an extra wedge of fabric called a gusset sewn in to make the trousers feel roomier. (The acronym was initially known as “anti-ball crushing,” but has since been renamed as, “always be comfortable.) PureWow wear-tested ABC versus Commission pants, and found both designs comfortable, but the Warpstreme fabric to be drapier while the VersaTwill was a crisper look.
What Is the Most Popular Item at lululemon?
While entire message boards on Reddit debate the question, from anecdotal research and appearance on style blogs, I’d go with the ABC Jogger (from $128; $69) as the most popular men’s item at lululemon. That’s because it draws raves as being even more comfortable than the viral ABC pants (the previous winner for comfort) since it has a more relaxed profile as well as the same roomier fit through the seat and upper leg area. The ABC joggers come in numerous fabrics from whisper weight to sturdy (there’s even a wool blend), and are available in shorter and longer inseams.
Should I Size Up or Down in lululemon Shorts?
Lululemon shorts run true to size, but I found that some slimmer fitting styles (such as the ABC pant and the Run Crew Ripstop Short) seemed a bit small, at least initially, for wearers who were used to wearing baggier clothing. Remember, the core values of lululemon are fitness and style, and both of those values are usually best expressed in well-fitting clothes. Pro tip: If you’re gifting lululemon, size up in slimmer styles, and keep the receipt—returns or exchanges can be made within 30 days of purchase online or in store.
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.
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