Best lululemon Shorts For Basketball: How To Pick The Right Pair For You
Lululemon is not the first brand that I think about when I am considering buying basketball shorts. However, I have started to see several pairs of lululemon basketball shorts show up on my pick-up basketball courts. This is just me but I’m more of a Costco $19.99 type of guy rather than a $70 pair of basketball shorts kind of guy. But I get it, I own two pairs of their ABC pants. Some of my basketball shorts are 10 years so maybe paying a little extra is worth the money.
Either way, I was intrigued by more and more men wearing them (Jordan Clarkson is one of their NBA Ambassadors) for basketball and decided to dig in to see which pair may be the best basketball shorts for me. The first Jordan Clarkson lululemon basketball collaboration just dropped in September. I will cover my pick for my first pair of lululemon shorts for basketball and my decision criteria for finding the right pair:
- My Favorite Shorts
- Lined or Linerless Shorts?
- What Material?
- What Length?
- How to Measure For Waist Size
I won’t bury the lead here. I am a linerless ( I don’t always trust the built-in liners to hold things in place if you know what I mean), 7″ short kind of guy (I may have gone 9″ back in the early 2000s). I chose the Pace Breaker linerless short you see as the first men’s basketball short featured below.
lululemon Men’s Basketball Shorts
Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7″
The Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7″ (they come in 5 and 9 inches as well) is a blend of comfort, functionality, and environmental consciousness. It is lightweight and features a four-way stretch fabric that facilitates ease of movement. Its sweat-wicking properties help keep the player comfortably dry.
It also prevents any irritation especially during an intense basketball game because of its grid mesh inner waistband and the streamlined fit design. In terms of environmental responsibility, the product stands out with 100% of its polyester content (excluding trims) being recycled, showcasing the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Soft Jersey Short 5″
The Soft Jersey Short 5″ is designed with comfort and functionality. The material is lightweight and incorporates sweat-wicking and quick-drying technologies, ensuring that the player remains dry and comfortable during games. These only come in 5-inch inseams. I ruled these out for basketball due to how the pockets hang. It sounds strange, but I have gotten my thumbs caught in pocketed shorts when making quick hand movements (no I was not playing with my hands in my pockets).
The shorts have a streamlined fit and ample breathing room for the glutes and thighs. It is also equipped with hand pockets, a back zippered pocket for securing small items, and a versatile waistband drawcord. An added benefit is the inclusion of elastane in the fabric composition, which not only enhances its stretchability but also aids in retaining the shape of the shorts over time.
License to Train Linerless Short 7″
An eco-friendly choice, the License to Train Linerless Short 7″ fits individuals seeking durable workout apparel. The fabric is abrasion-resistant, ensuring it can withstand rigorous training sessions without showing signs of wear and tear. Additionally, it features sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, a quick-drying mesh waistband, and a streamlined fit – all designed to keep the player comfortable throughout the game. For added convenience, the shorts are equipped with zippered hand pockets featuring hidden sleeves for small essentials.
Pace Breaker Lined Short 7″
The Pace Breaker Lined Short 7″ would have been my choice if I was going with a lined short. It is a lightweight basketball short made with a four-way stretch material that is sweat-wicking and quick-drying with a grid mesh inner waistband, and a soft grid mesh liner. The shorts are designed with a streamlined fit that makes them comfortable during extended periods of physical activity. Adding to the comfort is a low-bounce side zippered pocket and additional liner pockets to secure small valuables.
lululemon Basketball Ambassadors
Before we get onto how to make your decision on your lululemon basketball shorts let’s talk about their 3 lululemon Basketball Ambassadors Josh Duinker, Jordan Clarkson (NBA), and Sarah Kustok. An interesting grouping. Duinker played college basketball for Richmond and then played professionally in Europe, Asia and Australia before retiring. Clarkson still plays in the NBA and Sarah Kustok is a former NCAA Women’s basketball player and assistant coach for DePaul and a current NBA commentator.
Josh Duinker
Jordan Clarkson
Sarah Kustok
How To Pick The Right Pair For You
Let’s walk through the checklist on how to choose the right pair of lululemon basketball shorts for you.
Lined or Linerless Shorts?
Only you can know if you like lined or linerless shorts. If you want these to double up for a little swimming, then maybe lined is right for you. I go linerless so I can wear athletic underwear underneath.
What Material?
I go with stretch materials personally. But if you want to go YMCA circa 1984 the soft mesh may be for you. They can double as lounge around-the-house shorts when you are not playing ball.
— sarah kustok (@sarahkustok) February 5, 2023
What Length?
Again, your choice. The style seems to keep getting shorter for men’s and women’s. Most shorts come in 5, 7 or 9-inch inseams. I like the middle ground with a 7-inch.
You may want to get a second opinion from a friend or significant other. Here are some steps that may help you decide on length.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Measure from the top of your inner leg to where you like shorts to hang on your inner thigh.
How to Measure For Waist Size
lululemon sizes their athletic shorts ranging from XS to 5XL. That is quite a range. You can use the Lululemon basketball short sizing chart below. Measure your waist and hips and then cross-reference with the chart below
Waist
Pro Tip: If you have a true rebounders bottom you might want to size up to accommodate your hip measurement.
Hip
Measure your hip with a tape measure and a full-length mirror. Wrap the tape measure around the roundest part of your bottom and overlap the tape at the front. Use the mirror to ensure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor. The check the number.
Pro Tip: When you are ready to buy check out our lululemon “We Made Too Much” sale page to see if the item you want is on sale.
Lululemon Basketball Short Sizing Chart
| Size | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 29″ | 35″ |
| S | 31″ | 37″ |
| M | 33″ | 39″ |
| L | 35″ | 41″ |
| XL | 38″ | 44″ |
| XXL | 41″ | 47″ |
| 3XL | 44″ | 50″ |
| 4XL | 47″ | 53″ |
| 5XL | 50″ | 56″ |
Conclusion Lululemon Basketball Shorts
Lululemon is a popular brand for athletic wear, and they are now being accepted by pick-up basketball courts near you. They offer a variety of styles and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect pair for your needs. Lululemon shorts are made from high-quality materials that are designed to move with you, so you can stay comfortable while you’re playing basketball. If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of shorts for basketball, Lululemon basketball shorts are definitely an option. Be sure to check out our post on lululemon tennis apparel as well.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
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