Lululemon Always in Motion vs. License to Train: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Always in Motion line is designed for supreme all-day comfort using soft, breathable fabrics, making it ideal for daily wear and light activity. In contrast, the License to Train collection is built with technical, abrasion-resistant materials engineered specifically for high-intensity workouts and serious training.

Here’s a clear guide on the differences to help you decide which Lululemon gear is the right fit for your needs.

Lululemon Always in Motion

The Always in Motion (AIM) collection is Lululemon’s answer to premium everyday essentials, with its Boxer Briefs being the star product. This line prioritizes next-level comfort, using incredibly soft and breathable materials designed to move with you throughout a normal day, whether you're at the office, traveling, or just relaxing at home.

• What it is: A men's essentials line centered on all-day comfort, best known for its ultra-soft boxer briefs but also including joggers and pants.
• Key features: Ergonomic pouch design for support, super-soft and breathable fabric, four-way stretch, and a comfortable waistband that stays put without digging in.
• Price: Boxers are typically around $28 per pair or $68 for a 3-pack. Joggers and pants are in the $128 range.
• Materials/Construction: The star material is Modal™, a silky-soft fabric derived from beech trees that is exceptionally breathable and gentle on the skin. It's blended with elastane for stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed to fit true to size. The boxers have a classic fit - not too tight, not too loose - providing comfortable support without compression.
• Pros: Unmatched softness and comfort for daily wear. Excellent breathability helps keep you comfortable. Great for travel and low-impact activities. The ergonomic pouch design is a standout feature for support.
• Cons: Not ideal for intense, sweaty workouts as Modal fabric can retain moisture longer than technical synthetics. Offers minimal compression, which isn't suitable for high-impact training.

This collection is perfect for the man who wants premium, comfortable essentials for everyday life rather than specialized athletic performance.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-underwear/Always-In-Motion-Boxer-5

Lululemon License to Train

The License to Train (LTT) collection is engineered for your toughest training sessions. These products - from shorts with built-in liners to durable pants and tops - are built to withstand abrasion, manage sweat, and provide support during high-impact and dynamic movements. LTT is a top choice for weightlifting, HIIT, and any functional fitness routine.

• What it is: A performance-focused training collection for men, featuring shorts, pants, and tops made from durable, technical fabrics.
• Key features: Abrasion-resistant fabric, sweat-wicking and quick-drying technology, secure zippered pockets, and many shorts include a built-in Luxtreme™ fabric liner for support and coverage.
• Price: LTT Shorts range from $88 to $98, while joggers and pants are closer to $128.
• Main Materials: Utilizes durable, technical fabrics like Warpstreme™ and Silverescent™ technology, which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The built-in liner is typically made from Luxtreme™, a sweat-wicking, four-way stretch fabric.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size but offers a more athletic, "classic-tapered" fit that sits close to the body without being restrictive to allow for movement. The built-in liner is supportive and compressive.
• Pros: Extremely durable and withstands friction from barbells and floors. Superior moisture management keeps you dry during intense workouts. The liner in the shorts provides excellent support and chafe-prevention. Thoughtful features like zippered pockets.
• Cons: Can feel too "technical" or structured for casual lounging. The fabrics are not as soft as the AIM collection's Modal. The built-in liner might not be for everyone, some prefer separate underwear.

This gear is for the dedicated athlete who needs their apparel to perform and endure session after session.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-shorts/License-To-Train-Linerless-Short-7

Lululemon Always in Motion vs. License to Train Comparison

Use Case: Daily Comfort vs. High-Intensity Training

This is the most significant difference between the two lines. The Always in Motion Boxer is your go-to for 9-5 workdays, long flights, or casual weekends. It's built for comfort and breathability during everyday life.

The License to Train gear is purpose-built for the gym. Its durability and sweat-wicking properties are specifically designed to handle the demands of weightlifting, cross-training, and HIIT workouts. While you *can* run errands in LTT shorts, their true value is unlocked during intense physical activity.

Fabric & Materials

Always in Motion is synonymous with its exceptionally soft Modal™ fabric. It feels incredible against the skin - silky, smooth, and lightweight. This natural-derived fiber is highly breathable, which is great for general comfort, but it doesn't wick away heavy sweat as effectively as technical synthetics.

License to Train uses a more rugged, synthetic blend chosen for performance. The outer fabric is often abrasion-resistant to prevent damage from fitness equipment, while Silverescent™ technology fights odor. The fabrics are all engineered to pull moisture away from your skin and dry quickly, keeping you comfortable even when you're sweating heavily.

Fit & Support

The AIM boxer brief provides an ergonomic fit with a carefully designed pouch that offers gentle, all-day support without feeling restrictive or compressive. They’re designed to stay in place without riding up your legs.

Support in the License to Train shorts comes from the built-in liner. This liner, often made of Luxtreme fabric, offers moderate compression to support your muscles, reduce chafing, and provide coverage during dynamic movements like squats and lunges. It’s a functional, athletic support system, distinct from the comfort-based support of the AIM boxer.

Price & Value

While an individual pair of AIM boxers is much less expensive than a pair of LTT shorts, the value proposition serves different needs. Buying a multi-pack of Always in Motion boxers is an investment in your daily comfort that you'll feel every single day.

A pair of License to Train shorts is an investment in your training and athletic pursuits. The higher price reflects the advanced materials, durability, and a feature set that helps you perform better. Given their resilience to wear and tear, they can be a worthwhile purchase for anyone serious about their gym routine.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both product lines are excellent at what they do, but they are designed for very different purposes.

Choose Always in Motion if:

• You're upgrading your daily underwear and want unmatched softness and comfort.
• Your primary need is for everyday essentials for work, travel, and casual living.
• You value breathability for all-day wear over intense sweat-wicking for workouts.
• You prefer to wear separate underwear and shorts for your workouts rather than a 2-in-1 liner system.

Choose License to Train if:

• You frequently engage in HIIT, weightlifting, CrossFit, or other demanding training sessions.
• You need durable apparel that can resist abrasion from barbells, weights, and gym floors.
• You produce a lot of sweat and require high-performance moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics.
• You prefer the convenience and supportive, chafe-free feel of a high-quality built-in liner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Always in Motion and License to Train?

Always in Motion is a line of men's lifestyle essentials, primarily boxers, focused on next-level comfort for everyday wear using ultra-soft Modal fabric. License to Train is a dedicated performance collection with shorts, tops, and pants made from durable, sweat-wicking technical fabrics designed for intense gym workouts.

Can you wear Always in Motion boxers for working out?

You can, especially for low-impact activities like yoga, stretching, or light lifting. However, for intense, sweaty cardio or training, the Modal fabric will retain moisture longer than a synthetic technical fabric. For serious workouts, a performance brief or a short with a liner like the License to Train Lined Short is a better choice.

Are License to Train shorts worth the money?

For those who train hard and frequently, yes. Their durability means they'll stand up to repeated washes and friction from equipment far better than standard athletic shorts. Features like the supportive liner, secure pockets, and odor-resistant technology offer tangible performance benefits that justify the cost for serious athletes.

Should I wear underwear with Lululemon's License to Train shorts?

If you buy the lined version of the License to Train Shorts, they are designed to be worn without underwear. The Luxtreme™ fabric liner serves as supportive, moisture-wicking compression underwear, preventing chafing and offering coverage.

How do Always in Motion boxers fit?

They fit true to size with a classic, supportive profile. Lululemon calls it an "Ergonomic fit" which contours to the body to keep everything in place comfortably without being overly tight or restrictive.

Which is better for running?

Between these two lines, License to Train is the more suitable choice because of its superior sweat management. However, Lululemon offers dedicated running lines like Pace Breaker and Fast and Free that are even better suited for running, featuring more reflective details and lighter-weight fabrics.

What does "abrasion-resistant" actually mean for LTT products?

It means the fabric is woven in a way that makes it more resistant to snagging, pilling, and tearing when it comes into contact with rough surfaces. This is perfect for exercises where a barbell might drag against your thighs (like deadlifts or cleans) or for floor work.

How do I wash these products?

For both lines, Lululemon recommends machine washing in cold water with similar fabrics and colors. It's best to avoid using fabric softener, as it can coat the technical fibers and inhibit their wicking capabilities. Tumble dry on low or, ideally, hang them up to dry.