5 Best lululemon Mens Shorts (Active to Casual)
Whether you are looking for the best gym shorts for men or the best shorts for hiking, lululemon has great options to choose from.
If you’ve ever tried a pair of lululemon shorts you understand the craze behind their clothes and while a premium price for some, the quality is unmatched; and the durability will save you money in the long run.
lululemon makes men’s shorts for various activities. Some shorts are better for hiking, while others are better for the gym, running, or yoga. And it helps to know what you plan on wearing the shorts for to get the most out of them.
— Editor’s Top Picks —
Mens lululemon Shorts
Best Overall | T.H.E. Short
Best for Workouts | License to Train Shorts
Best Hiking Shorts | Bowline Ripstop Shorts
Best Running Shorts | Pace Breaker Shorts
Best Casual Shorts | Commission Shorts
- Sponsored by lululemon -
This blog post is sponsored by lululemon. With that said, I own all the shorts recommended below and you’ll find my honest review along with the best use for each one.
There are affiliate links in this article and we will receive a commission if you purchase through the links below.
Buying Tips - lululemon Shorts
What Activities are the Shorts for?
When choosing the best shorts for you, start by thinking about which activities you will doing in them.
If you want hiking shorts, check out the shorts with ripstop fabric. If you plan on using these shorts for running, the lightweight fabric and no-bounce pocket on the Pace Breaker shorts are incredible.
I matched each short below with the activities they are best for.
Liner vs Linerless.
lululemon’s liners are my favorite as they are very comfortable and stay in place, so I buy most of their shorts with liners. However, this is truly a preference, so at least test out both if you’re unsure.
Washing lululemon Shorts
With all athletic wear, do not use fabric softeners because it’ll ruin the “sweat-wicking” properties.
The best way to wash your lululemon shorts is to wash them in cold water with a mild “clean” detergent and then hang them to air dry.
I still have my first pair of lululemon shorts from 7 years ago because the fabric is high quality and long-lasting when you wash them as recommended.
Best lululemon Mens Shorts
I have tested all lululemon shorts in many situations and will help steer you in the right direction with the best use for each of the shorts, top features to consider, and when they may not be the right option.
1) lululemon T.H.E. Shorts
— Editor’s Top Pick —
Best Use: Most versatile athletic shorts for any workout difficulty
SPECS
Liner: No
Length Options: 7” / 9”
Pockets: Yes, +1 with zipper
MSRP: $68
TOP FEATURES
Lightweight
Sweat-wicking and quick drying
4-way stretch
Back zipper pocket
REVIEW: T.H.E. shorts are my favorite shorts. While lululemon makes some shorts that are specifically better for hiking, running, or intense training sessions; I can wear T.H.E. shorts for every kind of workout and be comfortable.
After laundry day, my T.H.E. shorts tend to be the first ones I grab out of the drawer. The 4-way stretch and the extra room through the thighs make them my go-to for leg day at the gym or for a long bike ride.
T.H.E. shorts’ lightweight material is my favorite that lululemon uses, and the breathable gusset (crotch) is appreciated on long runs and warm hikes.
If you want to try out one pair of lululemon shorts to wear during a variety of activities, I recommend you start with T.H.E. shorts.
2) License to Train lululemon Shorts
Best Use: CrossFit, HIIT Workouts, Cycling
SPECS
Liner: Optional
Length Options: 5” / 7”
Pockets: Yes, 3 with zippers
MSRP: $88
TOP FEATURES
Abrasion-resistant fabric
Sweat-wicking and quick drying
3 secure pockets with zippers
REVIEW: lululemon’s License to Train Shorts are the best shorts I have ever worn for CrossFit and other high-intensity workouts.
They allow for a complete range of motion to make sure your squats and kettlebell swings aren’t limited.
While the fabric is lightweight, it is very durable. lululemon made the License to Train shorts to withstand a constant beating from barbells and burpees. Also, the shorts dry very quickly after a sweaty workout.
I like the liner option since I use them for high-intensity workouts and prefer the compression. The liner is very comfortable and stays in place throughout any workout I’ve done.
The License to Train Shorts are also a good option for hiking and trail running. The fabric is abrasion resistant to avoid snags and tears that are common in outdoor activities.
3) Bowline Stretch Ripstop Shorts
Best Use: Hiking, water sports, and casual wear
SPECS
Liner: No
Length Options: 5” / 8”
Pockets: Yes, +1 with zipper
MSRP: $78
TOP FEATURES
Abrasion-resistant
Water-repellent
4-way stretch
Back zipper pocket
REVIEW: If you are looking for a pair of very comfortable shorts for hiking or casual wear, the Bowline shorts are my top choice.
Similar to the License to Train shorts, the Bowline is made with ripstop fabric to avoid snags and tears as you move through the forest and take breaks sitting on rocks.
The durability, water-repellent fabric, and zipper pockets also make Bowlines great for water sports like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.
They aren’t going to be as quick-drying as swim trunks but they are more comfortable and durable.
When I first got my Bowline shorts, I wasn’t sure if I would wear them outside of hiking or float trips. However, the thicker fabric and muted tone color options allow you to wear them to casual get-togethers without looking like you just came from a run.
The fit is very relaxed with room through the thighs and fits true to size.
➔ Read next: Best Men’s Hiking Clothes
4) lululemon Pace Breaker Shorts
Best Use: Running, Hot Yoga, or Summer Activities
SPECS
Liner: Optional
Length Options: 5” / 7” / 9”
Pockets: Yes, +1 with zipper
MSRP: $78
TOP FEATURES
Very lightweight fabric for running
Quick drying
Low bounce zipper pocket
4-way stretch
REVIEW: lululemon crafted their Pace Breaker shorts with runners in mind, and they nailed it! In my opinion, they are perfect running shorts.
Besides the supportive liner, I barely notice the shorts are there.
lululemon is always pushing innovative boundaries, and the low-bounce zipper pocket is one of my favorite aspects of the Pace Breaker shorts. I love being able to run with my key fob in my pocket without it bouncing around annoyingly.
My Pace Breaker shorts are also my go-to for hot yoga. They are my lightest-weight shorts, and they are incredibly flexible to allow me to get deep into stretches.
Keep in mind, these shorts aren’t abrasion-resistant so I wouldn’t take them out on the trails or anywhere they could commonly get snagged.
5) lululemon Commission Shorts
Best Use: Casual, Everyday Wear and Golf
WHAT WE LOVE
Very versatile shorts that allow you to be comfortable in any occasion
SPECS
Liner: No
Length Options: 7” / 9”
Pockets: Yes, +1 with zipper
MSRP: $88
TOP FEATURES
Naturally breathable
Sweat-wicking and quick drying
4-way stretch
REVIEW: The Commission shorts pair the classic chino look with the comfort that lululemon is known for.
Some of our favorite adventures on the road are unplanned, so we need to have versatile clothes. With the Commission shorts, I can easily go from a hike to an evening on the town.
lululemon makes a few different versions of the Commission shorts, but the WovenAir fabric option is my favorite for summer. The WovenAir fabric’s breathability is perfect for a warm summer day at a barbecue or baseball game.
If you want a more durable fabric go for the Commission shorts in the Warpstreme fabric.
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