Chubbies vs. Lululemon Shorts: Which one should you buy?

The main difference between shorts from Chubbies and Lululemon comes down to purpose and style. Chubbies offers fun, casual shorts with bold patterns and a relaxed vibe, perfect for beach trips and barbecues at an affordable price. Lululemon provides premium, high-performance athletic shorts made with technical fabrics, designed for workouts and active lifestyles with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

Here's everything you need to know about each brand to choose the right pair of shorts for your needs.

Chubbies Shorts

Chubbies is an American brand built around a fun, carefree, and casual lifestyle. Their shorts are known for shorter inseams, vibrant prints, and an exceptionally comfortable, relaxed fit designed for leisure and everyday wear rather than athletic performance.

• What it is: Men's casual shorts celebrated for their bold patterns, comfortable materials, and laid-back style.
• Key features: Shorter inseams (typically 5-7 inches), elastic waistbands with drawstrings, a wide variety of playful prints and solid colors.
• Price: $45 - $60
• Materials/Construction: Soft and lightweight fabrics like cotton blends and polyester, built for comfort and ease of movement in non-athletic settings.
• Sizing/Fit: A relaxed, comfortable fit that runs true to size. An adjustable waistband on many styles allows for a more personalized fit.
• Pros: Very comfortable for lounging and casual activities, affordable price point, unique and expressive designs, strong and fun brand identity.
• Cons: Not suitable for intense workouts due to lack of technical fabrics, shorter inseams may not be for everyone, materials are less durable than performance-focused brands.
• Best For: Beach days, vacation, backyard get-togethers, and anyone prioritizing casual comfort and a bold style over technical features.

This brand is perfect for anyone seeking expressive, comfortable, and budget-friendly shorts for purely casual and social occasions.

Shop this product: chubbiesshorts.com

Lululemon Shorts

Lululemon is a global powerhouse in athletic apparel, creating high-quality, high-performance gear. Their shorts are engineered with technical, innovative fabrics that support activities from running and training to yoga, all while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

• What it is: Premium athletic shorts made with technical fabrics designed for performance, comfort, and durability during physical activity.
• Key features: Sweat-wicking and four-way stretch materials, reinforced seams, minimalist designs, and thoughtful details like secure pockets and liners.
• Price: $50 - $80
• Materials/Construction: Advanced technical fabrics like Luon, Nulux, and Everlux that are designed to manage moisture, breathe, and move with your body. The construction is focused on longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: A consistent, tailored athletic fit designed to contour the body and enable a full range of motion. Sizing is reliable across styles.
• Pros: Excellent durability and material quality, superb for workouts and sports, highly versatile for both gym and casual use, available in a variety of inseam lengths.
• Cons: Higher price point, more subdued styling may be too plain for those wanting expressive patterns, focus on technical features may be unnecessary for casual wear.
• Best For: Running, gym training, yoga, and individuals wanting a durable, high-performance short that transitions seamlessly from active to everyday wear.

This is the ideal choice for active individuals who need reliable, long-lasting performance shorts and are willing to invest in quality.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/men/shorts/

Chubbies vs. Lululemon Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The visual difference between Chubbies and Lululemon is immediate. Chubbies champions a loud, fun, and casual aesthetic with vibrant colors and playful patterns, often featuring shorter inseams that recall a vintage beach vibe. Their style is expressive and geared toward social, leisurely settings.

Lululemon adopts a sleek, minimalist, and modern approach. Their shorts come in more subdued, neutral colors with subtle branding. The design philosophy is clean and athletic, making their shorts versatile enough to look appropriate in the gym, on a run, or while running errands.

Quality & Materials

Chubbies shorts are made with comfortable cotton blends and polyester fabrics that are soft and lightweight - perfect for their intended purpose of casual wear. They are well-made for lounging and everyday life but don’t contain the technical properties needed for intense activity.

Lululemon stands out for its proprietary technical fabrics. Materials like their sweat-wicking Luon or lightweight Nulux are designed to handle sweat, stretch in every direction, and withstand frequent, high-intensity use. The construction quality, including reinforced stitching, is built for longevity and performance.

Fit & Sizing

Chubbies offers a relaxed and forgiving fit. Their shorts are designed for comfort, not compression, with adjustable elastic waistbands that add to their easy-to-wear feel. They generally run true to size with a focus on a looser silhouette.

Lululemon provides a more tailored, athletic fit. Their shorts are designed to sit close to the body to minimize distraction during movement while still allowing for complete freedom. Their sizing is highly consistent, ensuring that you can expect the same fit across different performance styles.

Price & Value

Chubbies are very accessible, with most pairs priced between $45 and $60. They deliver great value for someone who wants stylish, comfortable casual shorts without a large price tag. The value is in the style and comfort for leisure.

Lululemon shorts represent a higher investment, typically ranging from $50 to $80. The value here comes from durability, technical performance, and versatility. You are paying for a premium short that is built to last through countless workouts and washes, making it a better long-term choice for an active person.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent shorts, but they serve entirely different customers and purposes.

Choose Chubbies if:

• You prioritize fun, bold styles and expressive patterns over technical features.
• You need comfortable shorts specifically for casual wear, lounging, or beach days.
• Your budget is under $60 and you're looking for great style at an affordable price.
• You prefer a more relaxed, loose-fitting short.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You need a high-performance short for running, training, or other athletic activities.
• You value durability and are willing to invest in gear that will last for years.
• You prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that works for both the gym and everyday errands.
• Technical features like sweat-wicking fabric and four-way stretch are important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Chubbies and Lululemon shorts?

The main difference is their intended use. Chubbies are designed for casual fun and leisure with a focus on bold styles and comfort. Lululemon shorts are built for athletic performance with a focus on technical fabrics, durability, and a minimalist design.

Can you work out in Chubbies shorts?

You can, but they are not designed for it. Lacking sweat-wicking properties and technical stretch, they can become heavy and uncomfortable during intense workouts. They are much better suited for low-impact activities or casual wear.

Are Lululemon shorts worth the higher price?

For active individuals, most agree they are worth the price. The investment gets you superior material quality, durability that withstands heavy use, and performance features that legitimately enhance comfort during workouts. If you don't need these features, the price may not be justified.

Which brand is better for a budget?

Chubbies is the more budget-friendly option, with shorts typically topping out around $60. Lululemon's entry-level shorts often start where Chubbies' prices end, making them a premium purchase.

How does the sizing and fit compare?

Chubbies offers a relaxed, casual fit and generally runs true to size. Lululemon has a more tailored, athletic fit designed to stay in place during movement, with sizing that is known for being very consistent.

Can you wear Lululemon shorts for casual occasions?

Absolutely. One of Lululemon's biggest strengths is its versatility. The sleek, modern design makes their athletic shorts easy to wear for errands, casual outings, or just relaxing at home.

How do the inseams compare between the two brands?

Chubbies is known for popularizing shorter inseams, with most of their styles falling in the 5-7 inch range. Lululemon offers a wider variety of lengths to suit different preferences, from shorter 5" styles up to 9" and longer.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Lululemon has made more public commitments to sustainability, with initiatives focused on responsible sourcing and reducing its environmental impact. While Chubbies has made some efforts, sustainability appears to be a greater focus for Lululemon's corporate strategy.