Lululemon Commission vs. ABC Shorts: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Commission Short and the ABC Short seem similar on the surface - often made from the same technical Warpstreme fabric - but they serve entirely different styles. The Commission Short is modeled after a classic, structured chino for a more polished look, while the ABC Short has a relaxed, five-pocket design for ultimate casual comfort and freedom of movement.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right pair of shorts from Lululemon for your needs.

Lululemon Commission Short

The Commission Short is Lululemon’s answer to the classic chino short, redesigned with technical performance fabric. It’s for the person who wants to look sharp and put-together without sacrificing the comfort, four-way stretch, and wrinkle resistance Lululemon is known for. With its clean lines and dressier aesthetic, it transitions seamlessly from the golf course to a casual dinner.

• What it is: A slim-fit, chino-style short designed for versatile, everyday wear with a polished look.
• Key features: Clean lines, back welt pockets (like dress pants), hidden zippered security pocket, streamlined fit through the seat and thighs.
• Price: $88
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from Warpstreme fabric, which is a four-way stretch, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant blend of polyester and elastane.
• Sizing/Fit: This is a slim-fit short that tapers slightly from the hip to the hem. It provides a more tailored and structured silhouette than the ABC Short. True to size for those who prefer a modern, slim cut.
• Pros: Highly versatile for casual office settings, golf, or social events. The chino styling is easy to dress up. The Warpstreme fabric feels amazing and stays looking fresh all day. Comes in multiple inseam lengths (5", 7", 9", 11").
• Cons: The slim fit isn’t ideal for everyone, especially those with larger quads or glutes. The design can feel more formal or "preppy" than some may prefer for pure casual wear.

This short is perfect for someone who values a tidy, streamlined look and needs a pair that performs as well in a casual EOD meeting as it does on a weekend trip.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-shorts/Commission-Short-7-Warpstreme

Lululemon ABC Short

The ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) Short is Lululemon's cornerstone of casual comfort. Known for its roomy feel and signature ABC engineering - a gusset that removes tension from the crotch - this short is designed for ultimate freedom of movement. It has the feel of your favorite casual shorts but is elevated with high-performance fabric and a comfortable, everyday fit.

• What it is: A classic-fit short with a five-pocket design, built for maximum comfort, mobility, and everyday casual wear.
• Key features: The famous "ABC" gusset for unrestricted movement, five-pocket styling like jeans, a roomier cut through the seat and thighs, and a hidden zippered back pocket.
• Price: $88
• Materials/Construction: Also made with the highly functional Warpstreme fabric, ensuring durability, stretch, and quick-drying capabilities.
• Sizing/Fit: This short features a classic fit, offering more room through the glutes and quads compared to the slim-fit Commission. It's an excellent choice for those with athletic builds or anyone who simply prefers a more relaxed fit.
• Pros: Incredibly comfortable due to its spacious cut and gusset. The classic fit is well-suited for more muscular builds. The casual style is perfect for errands, travel, and relaxing. Available in several inseams (5", 7", 9").
• Cons: The five-pocket styling is distinctly casual and doesn't dress up as easily as the Commission Short. The looser fit might feel too relaxed for those who prefer a more tailored look.

This is the ideal short for those who prioritize absolute comfort and mobility for weekend activities, travel, and day-to-day life.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-shorts/ABC-Short-Warpstreme-7

Lululemon Commission vs. ABC Shorts Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

This is the single biggest difference between the two shorts. The Commission Short mimics a chino, featuring discreet, flat welt pockets on the back and slash pockets on the side. This gives it a clean, uninterrupted silhouette that can easily be paired with a polo or a button-down shirt, making it suitable for "smart casual" environments.

In contrast, the ABC Short is inspired by the classic five-pocket design of jeans. With its back patch pockets, it has a decidedly more relaxed, athletic, and casual appearance. It pairs perfectly with t-shirts and hoodies and is built for everyday casual life rather than for blending into a business-casual wardrobe.

Fit & Comfort

While both shorts are comfortable thanks to the shared Warpstreme fabric and ABC gusset technology, their fit creates a different feeling. The Commission is a slim fit. It sits closer to the body, providing a tailored look from hip to hem. It's comfortable but in a more contained, precise way.

The ABC Short is a classic fit, meaning it offers more room through the glutes and thighs. This provides incredible freedom of movement and a relaxed, breezy feel. For those with larger or more muscular legs, the ABC short will almost certainly be the more comfortable and better-fitting option.

Materials & Construction

Both the Commission and ABC shorts are most commonly made with Lululemon's signature Warpstreme fabric. This material is a fan favorite for good reason: it has a great four-way stretch, resists wrinkles exceptionally well, wicks away moisture, and dries quickly. Because the material is identical, the decision between the two really does not come down to fabric performance. Both deliver the same high-end feel and durability.

Price & Value

Both the Commission and ABC shorts are priced identically at $88. Consequently, the value proposition isn't about cost savings but rather utility. The better value for you is the pair you will reach for most often. If your lifestyle leans more towards smart casual occasions like golf and dinners out, the Commission offers more value. If your weeks are filled with casual errands, travel, and active relaxation, the ABC is your workhorse.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent shorts made from the same premium fabric, but your personal style and fit preferences will make the decision simple.

Choose the Commission Short if:

• You prefer a tailored, slim-fit silhouette.
• You want a short that can be easily dressed up for golf, brunch, or casual work environments.
• You value a clean, chino-style that looks more put-together.
• You have a slimmer frame where tailored cuts are most flattering.

Choose the ABC Short if:

• You prioritize all-day comfort and a roomier, more relaxed fit.
• You need more room in the glutes and thighs or have an athletic build.
• Your shorts are mainly for weekend use, errands, travel, and casual hangouts.
• You want the famous "Anti-Ball Crushing" freedom of movement that started it all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Lululemon Commission and ABC shorts?

The primary difference is style and fit. The Commission is a slim-fit, chino-style short for a dressier look. The ABC is a classic-fit, five-pocket style short for a more casual, relaxed feel.

Which is a slimmer fit, Commission or ABC?

The Commission Short is significantly slimmer. It is designed to be a tailored, modern fit, whereas the ABC Short has a classic fit with more room through the seat and thighs.

Do both shorts have the "ABC" gusset technology?

Yes, both the Commission and ABC lines incorporate Lululemon's "Anti-Ball Crushing" gusset for added mobility and comfort. The ABC Short is simply the product line that made the technology famous.

Are the Commission and ABC shorts made of the same fabric?

Most popular versions of both shorts are made from Lululemon's Warpstreme fabric, a quick-drying, four-way stretch material. This means they offer the same core performance benefits.

Can you wear Lululemon Commission shorts for golf?

Absolutely. The clean, chino-like styling of the Commission Short, combined with its performance fabric, makes it a very popular choice for the golf course.

Which Lululemon short is better for athletic builds?

The ABC Short is generally recommended for those with athletic builds (larger glutes and quads) due to its "classic fit," which provides more room and prevents the fabric from pulling tight.

Which inseam length should I get?

Inseam choice is personal preference. The 7" length typically hits a few inches above the knee on an average-height man and is a popular, modern choice. The 9" inseam will hit at the top of the knee or just covering it, offering a more traditional look. Choose a 5" inseam for a shorter, more athletic look.

What is Warpstreme fabric?

Warpstreme is Lululemon's signature technical fabric used in many of its "On The Move" items. It's engineered to be wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, breathable, and have four-way stretch, feeling smooth and comfortable against the skin.