Top Lululemon Shorts for Running and Everyday Wear

We tested a wide range of lululemon shorts for workouts and everyday wear and compiled our favorite styles. Below you’ll find our top picks, sizing notes, and when to choose each style based on activity and fit.

This post was updated on July 14, 2023, to reflect lululemon’s most recent women’s shorts styles.

We’re long-time lululemon wearers at Fit Foodie Finds. We use these shorts for HIIT, running, yoga, cycling, postpartum comfort and daily life. Over years of testing, we’ve learned which cuts and fabrics perform best for different activities and body shapes.

Each short below is sweat-tested and recommended by our team members. Read on to discover which style suits your needs best and how they fit on different body types.

Top lululemon Shorts for Women

Here are our top recommendations up front. Scroll down for detailed notes on fit, features, and what activities each style is best suited for.

1. Speed Up Short (low-rise 2.5″ and high-rise 4″) — best for HIIT and running
2. Align Short (4″, 6″, 8″) — best for yoga, cycling, and everyday comfort
3. Track That Mid Rise (3″ and 5″) — best for running and pregnancy
4. Hotty Hot 4″ — best for warm-weather running

Speed Up Shorts

The Speed Up Shorts are our go-to for high-intensity workouts and running. They feature a wider waistband that stays put and a roomy leg opening that allows unrestricted movement for quick transitions and dynamic exercises.

The Speed Up comes in different rises and inseam lengths. Emily chose the mid-rise version during later pregnancy for extra stretch and comfort by sizing up. Lee prefers the newer higher-rise options and appreciates the 4″ inseam for better coverage and less ride-up during workouts.

Align Shorts

Align Shorts bring the soft, lightweight feel of Align leggings into short form. Available in several inseams and some pocketed options, they are ideal for yoga, cycling and casual wear. The fabric moves with you and feels nearly weightless on.

Linley uses Align Shorts for yoga and cycling and owns multiple inseams. Emily favored the stretchy, forgiving fabric throughout pregnancy because it adapts without feeling restrictive.

Fit tip for larger quads: If you have more muscular thighs, consider sizing up or choosing the 4″ inseam to avoid a tight fit at the leg opening.

Track That High-Rise Shorts

Track That High-Rise Shorts are excellent for running. They have a relaxed leg opening for free movement and include a small zip pocket—handy for keys or cash on the go. The waistband stretches comfortably without digging in, which makes them a reliable option for longer sessions.

This style comes in 3″ and 5″ inseams. Lee used Track That shorts throughout pregnancy by sizing up and wearing the waistband below her belly for comfort.

Inner Glow Shorts

Inner Glow Shorts are Emily’s postpartum favorite. They are very soft, feel cozy against the skin, and include pockets—great for busy caregivers who need hands-free convenience. The high-rise design also provides gentle coverage for anyone recovering from abdominal surgery or a C-section.

Hotty Hot 4″ Short

The Hotty Hot 4″ Short is a lightweight running short ideal for hot weather. It offers breathable fabric and zipper pocket options for essentials. The wider leg opening and 4″ inseam provide a good balance of coverage and airflow.

Note from Lee: Between the Hotty Hot and the Track That, she prefers the Track That for its cleaner front design and slightly more flattering cut.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by lululemon. We were compensated; all opinions are our own. Thank you for supporting Fit Foodie Finds.