Lululemon Hotty Hot vs. Speed Up: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Hotty Hot is a lightweight, relaxed short made from soft Swift fabric, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and a casual aesthetic. In contrast, the Lululemon Speed Up features a slimmer, more athletic fit and is crafted from technical Warpstreme fabric, designed for serious runners who need durability and a fit that stays put during intense activity.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which popular Lululemon short is right for you.

Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts

The Hotty Hot shorts are a consistent favorite for their comfortable feel and versatile, relaxed design. Made for runners and active individuals who prefer less restriction and maximum breathability, these shorts blend performance features with a casual style that works just as well for errands as it does for a 5k run.

• What it is: A lightweight athletic short with a relaxed fit, built-in liner, and comfortable waistband, known for its soft fabric and vibrant color options.
• Key features: Quick-drying Swift fabric, reflective details for visibility, a secure back pocket, and a comfortable built-in liner.
• Price: $58 to $68
• Materials/Construction: Made from Lululemon's Swift fabric, which is engineered to be lightweight, soft against the skin, and breathable.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a relaxed, slightly looser fit with more room in the leg opening. They are typically true to size and come in different inseam lengths, commonly 4 inches.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable and breathable for casual wear and moderate workouts. Available in a wide array of colors. The relaxed fit minimizes chafing for many. More affordable than other technical Lululemon shorts.
• Cons: The looser fit may not be ideal for high-intensity training where a secure feel is needed. Some find the fabric less compressive and supportive than other models.

This short is ideal for moderate-intensity workouts, casual runners, and anyone seeking a comfortable, versatile short that doubles as everyday athleisure.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-shorts/hotty-hot-shorts

Lululemon Speed Up Shorts

The Speed Up short is Lululemon’s answer for serious runners and athletes wanting a technical, performance-driven piece of gear. Its streamlined silhouette, slim fit, and durable Warpstreme fabric are engineered to handle high mileage and intense training, offering support and a stay-put fit that moves with you.

• What it is: A high-performance running short with a slim, athletic fit, crafted from a durable, four-way stretch technical fabric.
• Key features: Sweat-wicking Warpstreme fabric, multiple waistband pockets for storage, reflective details, and a built-in liner for support.
• Price: $68 to $78
• Materials/Construction: Built with Warpstreme fabric, which provides excellent stretch, shape retention, durability, and moisture management for intense workouts.
• Sizing/Fit: A much slimmer, streamlined fit compared to the Hotty Hot. It sits closer to the body and offers a more compressive feel. Available in multiple lengths, including 2.5-inch and 4-inch options.
• Pros: The slim fit stays securely in place during high-impact movement. Highly durable fabric withstands frequent wear and washing. Great moisture-wicking properties keep you dry. Multiple pockets are very functional for runners.
• Cons: A higher price point reflects its technical features. The slimmer fit may feel too restrictive for those who prefer a relaxed feel or for casual wear. Fabric is less soft and more functional than the Swift fabric.

This is the go-to short for dedicated runners and athletes who require technical performance, durability, and a secure fit for their most demanding workouts.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/womens-shorts/speed-up-shorts

Lululemon Hotty Hot vs. Speed Up Comparison

Fit & Sizing

The most immediate difference between the Hotty Hot and Speed Up is the fit. The Hotty Hot has a relaxed and airy design with a wider leg opening. This creates a comfortable, non-restrictive feel that's great for gym workouts, light jogs, and lounging. Most people find it fits true to size for this intended relaxed silhouette.

The Speed Up, by contrast, has a slim and streamlined fit that hugs the hips and thighs more closely. This athletic cut is designed to stay in place without bouncing or riding up during repetitive motions like running long distances. While it also fits true to size, the feel is much more compressive and performance-oriented.

Materials & Performance

Each short uses a fabric designed for a different purpose. The Hotty Hot is made from Swift fabric, praised for being exceptionally lightweight, soft, and breathable. It dries quickly and feels great against the skin, prioritizing comfort during activity.

The Speed Up utilizes Warpstreme fabric, a technical material engineered for high performance. It offers superior durability, shape retention, and four-way stretch while actively wicking sweat away from the body. This makes it the better choice for intense, sweaty workouts where you need your gear to hold its shape and keep you dry through the final mile.

Style & Versatility

In terms of style, the Hotty Hot leans more toward casual athleisure. Its relaxed cut and reputation for comfort make it an easy choice for wearing out and about after a workout. It’s also often available in a wider range of bright, seasonal colors, reinforcing its fun and accessible vibe.

The Speed Up short has a distinctly sporty and technical appearance. Its sleek silhouette and functional details, like multiple waistband pockets, signal its purpose as serious athletic gear. While perfectly suitable for to-and-from the gym, its primary function is performance over everyday style.

Price & Value

The price difference reflects the materials and intended use. The Lululemon Hotty Hot typically costs between $58 and $68, making it a more accessible entry point into Lululemon’s collection of shorts. It offers great value for its quality, comfort, and versatility.

The Lululemon Speed Up is priced higher, around $68 to $78. This premium is for its advanced Warpstreme fabric, enhanced durability, and run-specific design features. For dedicated athletes, the added performance benefits justify the higher investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both shorts are excellent choices, but they are built for different priorities and activities.

Choose the Hotty Hot if:

• You prefer a comfortable, relaxed fit with more room to move.
• Your workouts are a mix of jogging, gym sessions, and classes.
• You want a versatile short that you can wear for both fitness and daily errands.
• You value a softer fabric and a more approachable price point.

Choose the Speed Up if:

• You are a dedicated runner or athlete who needs a secure, stay-put fit.
• You engage in high-impact or long-distance training regularly.
• You prioritize fabric durability, shape retention, and superior moisture-wicking.
• You're willing to invest more for technical features that enhance performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Hotty Hot and Speed Up shorts?

The primary difference is fit and fabric. The Hotty Hot has a relaxed fit and is made from soft, lightweight Swift fabric. The Speed Up has a slim, athletic fit and is made from durable, technical Warpstreme fabric.

Which Lululemon short is better for running?

The Speed Up is generally considered better for serious runners due to its secure, streamlined fit and sweat-wicking Warpstreme fabric that stays in place. The Hotty Hot is a great choice for casual jogs or treadmill runs where comfort is key.

Do Hotty Hot shorts ride up?

Given their relaxed fit, Hotty Hots are less prone to riding up in a compressive way, but the fabric can bunch during certain movements. In contrast, the slim-fit Speed Up is designed specifically to stay put and minimize movement during intense exercise.

Which is more flattering?

This is subjective. The Speed Up's slim fit can feel more sculpting and athletic. The Hotty Hot's relaxed fit is often seen as more forgiving and casual, offering a breezy silhouette.

Is the Speed Up worth the extra money?

If you're a dedicated athlete who needs high-performance gear that will withstand frequent, intense training, the Speed Up's durability and technical features are worth the investment. For casual activity, the Hotty Hot provides more than enough performance and quality.

Which style is more versatile for everyday wear?

The Hotty Hot is more versatile for everyday athleisure. Its relaxed fit and comfortable fabric make it an easy choice to pair with a sweatshirt or t-shirt for running errands or casual outings.

How do I wash these Lululemon shorts?

For both styles, Lululemon recommends machine washing in cold water with similar fabrics and hanging them to dry. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can inhibit the performance features of the technical fabrics.

Does the waistband differ between the two?

Yes. The Speed Up short is known for having a slightly wider and more structured waistband that often includes multiple pockets for keys, gels, or a card, which is a key feature for runners. The Hotty Hot's waistband is simpler and designed more for comfort.