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While we’ve rounded up the best women’s running shorts for summer (Loads of storage best cycling shorts for those who like a little more length) if you're a loyal lululemon fan, you’re in luck. Here, we’ve put some of the brand’s most popular running shorts through their paces to showcase our favourites before you invest.
How we test lululemon running shorts
All the shorts below have been tested over months of use, worn for long and short runs, training sessions, sunny hikes and even HIIT.
What everyone's reading
As we tested we made notes on comfort, functionality, pocket size and the all-important non-chafing properties. We also noted how well they washed and how quickly they dried — spoiler; they all dry incredibly fast, so no worries if you're caught in an all-too-typical summer downpour.
The best lululemon running shorts for 2024
It's no secret that lululelmon's running shorts are among the best on the market. Offered in a range of on-trend hues, varying lengths and functional styles, there's something for any and every type of runner. Plus they come loaded with handy extras as standard — we're talking reflective logos, tightening drawcords (but no loose strings — the dream) and brief liners that don't dig in. And somehow, they're always flattering.
Black, white, light blue, mid blue.
Best for: Taller runners or those who prefer a little more coverage
UK 4 - UK 24"
Pros
- UK 4 - UK 24
- low-rise 4 inch length
- Shorts don't ride up as you move
- Flattering shape
Cons
- Small valuables pocket won't fit most phones
| Length | 5 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Small side zipped pocket |
| Liner | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Sizes | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Colours | Track That High-Rise Lined Short 5 |
If (like us), you're a fan of the old-school split short design, which allow you to power through your miles completely unrestricted, these five inch beauties tick all the right boxes. The comfort they offer is frankly unparalleled, with a generous cut in the leg, silky smooth brief liner you can barely feel and super lightweight construction. The elasticated waist gives a cinched look but is still forgiving if you're carb-loading, and it features that flat internal drawcord for distraction-free running.
Despite being slightly longer in the leg these don't ride up while you move, and the split is only slight — so paired with the brief liner you're not going to accidentally flash anyone whether you're on the move or sitting down at the pub post-parkrun.
One drawback that's common among running shorts is that the pocket is pretty dinky — great for aerodynamics, less so if you like to bop to tunes as you clock up the miles. The zipped side pocket fit my iPhone 13 mini with a bit of manoeuvring, but if you're carrying anything larger you will need a running belt.
As well as decent stretch these have a barely-there feel for full freedom of movement, and at five inches are ideal if you want a bit more coverage but still covet that lululemon look. Good for speed sessions or race day, and also available in 3 inch length and mid-rise.
Best for: Runners who use a running belt
Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4"
Pros
- On the pricier side
- Roomy in the thigh
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Only small phones will fit in the pocket
| Length | 4 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | The 21 best mens running tops, editor-tested |
| Liner | Brief liner |
| Sizes | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Colours | 11 |
We'll be honest; we hate the name, but we love the fit. Lightweight and extremely comfortable, the Hotty Hot shorts have a chafe-free brief liner for additional coverage and are made from the brand's soft, stretchy 'Swift' fabric, which has added elastane for flexibility while you move.
The shorts are split but have a mesh bridge between the two sections of fabric so they don't flap around, plus like the rest of the shorts it’s stretchy and doesn’t impede movement at all. The waistband is elasticated with a sculpting flat section at the front, where there's also a hidden continuous drawcord should you need to tighten it.
Storage-wise there's a hidden stash pocket in the liner and a small zipped pocket on the left, the compartment of which is at the rear of the shorts so as not to interfere with your running. A couple of cards and a key are no problem, but it's a tight squeeze for an iPhone 13 Mini, so no larger phones are getting in there.
Despite this, the shorts are so comfortable that they're an easy RW favourite. They're nice and wide in the thigh for the more muscly-legged (sprinters, where you at?) and are generally a brilliantly versatile summer short — we favour them for day-long hikes and HIIT sessions as well as pounding the pavements.
Also available in 2.5 inch length and low-rise.
Best for: Anti-chafing and ultimate comfort
Fast and Free Free High-Rise Short 6" with Pockets
Pros
- Silicone grips keep the shorts in place
- Loads of storage
- Seam-free inner thighs (no chafing)
Cons
- On the pricier side
| Length | 6 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Sizes | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Colours | Black, oasis blue, larkspur blue |
Yes, yes, these babies have silicone grips to keep them in place, and silky smooth, seamless construction. But the best news? One word: pockets. Yep, these shorts have pockets galore, so you can leave that running belt at home.
Two drop-in pockets (on on each thigh), plus three in the wide, supportive waistband make for a one-and-done storage solution — carry your phone, gels, keys, cards and other essentials with ease. The dream.
Sculpting seams and a double-lined, very supportive waistband makes you feel held in and doesn’t fall down when you run, but doesn't cut in either. Plus the silicone grips mean the shorts don't ride or roll up but aren’t uncomfortable or tight once things get sweaty.
Made from the brand's weightless (and confirmed squat-proof) Nulux fabric, these are some of the most comfortable shorts going — it's not uncommon for us to wear them on rest days with a big baggy tee — that's how comfy they are.
Best for: Runners who prefer a higher waistband, but looser fit
Speed Up High-Rise Lined Short 4"
Pros
- The 21 best mens running tops, editor-tested
- While we’ve rounded up the
- Built-in liner
Cons
- May be a little snug on the quads for some
| Length | 4 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Black, white, light blue, mid blue |
| Liner | Built-in brief liner |
| Sizes | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Colours | 9 |
With a medium/high-rise waistband, these sit just below the belly button, so you feel supported without the restriction some feel with fully high-waisted options. That said, compared other lululemon split shorts these are a little tighter on the quads and bum when running, but still extremely flattering.
There's also far more than meets the eye with these shorts. While they look pretty dinky, that back pocket fits a phone and there are connected pockets on the front that fit gels and other essentials.
Like all of the best lululemon running shorts, these very comfortable and super light to help keep you cool on the run, with added stretch so no movement is impeded. Ideal for warmer weather training, and available in 2.5 inch length too.
Best for: Race day
Lightweight and quick-drying"
Pros
- Only small phones will fit in the pocket
- Fast and Free Free High-Rise Short 6 with Pockets
- Built-in liner and reflective details
Cons
- The 2.5" inseam isn't for everyone
| Length | 2.5 inch |
|---|---|
| Pockets | Silicone grips keep the shorts in place |
| Liner | Brief liner |
| Sizes | Five: two drop-in, three in the waistband |
| Colours | 6 |
If you’re a fan of shorter-shorts and an unrestricted-fit, these are a good choice. The 2.5” inseam won’t be for everyone, but for those who prefer to race with minimal distractions, you can't get much more minimal. The low-rise waist frees up your middle and the shorts have just enough fabric to protect against chafing without riding up.
The shorts also have a built-in liner for modesty, a zipped pocket for essentials and a smaller pocket in the liner to allow for easy access — but you won't fit a phone in there; keys and cards only. Like most lululemon shorts, these feature the continuous drawcord design, which prevents the drawcord from becoming unravelled in the washing machine — genius.
Also available in a low-rise 4 inch length, if you need a little more coverage.
How does lululemon sizing work?
As lululemon is a Canadian brand, it follows the US sizing system, and for years us easily-confused Brits were left taking a vague sizing stab in the dark as to our Canadian counterpart. Luckily, these days lululemon lists the UK numeric size in parentheses after the US size — hallelujah. They also have a size guide so you can get the measuring tape out if you want to be sure.
From personal experience we would say lululemon items are fairly true to size, but do sometimes veer on the smaller side. If you're between sizes, it often depends on the style of the shorts and your personal preference whether you size up or down — some runners prefer a more compressive fit, others opt for looser, cooler fabrics for summer running. Bear in mind too that most styles feature elasticated or ruched waistbands and drawcords, so you can always adjust the fit.
