When temperatures rise and we take our runs outdoors, there’s something undeniably exciting about swapping the running leggings we’ve worn all winter with shorts. To be clear, we’re not talking about any ol’ shorts, but ones you actually look forward to slipping on to break a sweat while you rack up mileage. We know finding good ones is easier said than done, though, which is why we rely on Lululemon, famous for its high-quality – and sporty-chic – activewear clothes.
The activewear brand isn’t just an editor-favorite but also a top choice among professional athletes, like Kelly Ann McKechnie, CPT, pro triathlete, and owner of TRI KAM TRAINING. “Two big things I look for in a quality pair of running shorts are styles that prevent chafing and encourage full-range movement,” she tells POPSUGAR. She also prioritizes shorts that stay in place while she moves because “the last thing you want to do on mile 15 of your run is pull up your waistband,” or worse, “pull out a deep a wedgie,” she continues.
It’s no secret that running shorts aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, given that there are different types and they come in various materials and inseams. McKechnie says she typically errs towards one of two silhouettes for running: either “tight spandex that lands where my legs come in contact [with each other] for long, easier runs,” or “light and breezy” styles “with underwear-cut briefs underneath” for shorter, faster runs. She says “this style tends to chafe on longer, easier runs, but not on faster efforts due to the slight change in movement.”
With McKechnie’s recommendations in mind, we curated a guide to Lululemon’s best running shorts and detailed what makes each style unique. The brand has various options to choose from, including long and compressive shorts to prevent chafing and short, airy ones for quicker strides, so we hope our research helps guide your search to find the perfect pair of shorts for you. Keep scrolling to shop our top 10 favorites and find out why shoppers love them, too.