Lululemon On The Fly Woven vs. Regular: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon On The Fly Woven Short and regular Lululemon shorts might come from the same brand, but they serve entirely different purposes based on their fabric. On The Fly Woven shorts are made from a structured, lightweight woven material, giving them a more polished, versatile look suited for travel or casual all-day wear. Regular shorts, like the Align or Pace Rival styles, are crafted from Lululemon's signature soft, high-stretch knit fabrics, designed specifically for sweat-focused athletic performance.

Here's everything you need to know to help you decide which short style is the right investment for your lifestyle.

Lululemon On The Fly Woven Shorts

The On The Fly Woven Shorts are designed for versatility and ease. With a technical woven fabric that feels lightweight and looks tailored, they bridge the gap between athletic wear and everyday casual style. These shorts are a practical choice for travel, running errands, or anyone who wants a comfortable short that doesn't scream "gym gear," thanks to their polished and put-together appearance.

• What it is: A relaxed-fit, lightweight short with a slightly structured look and a drawcord waistband.
• Key features: Quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant woven fabric, relaxed fit, secure pockets, and a comfortable elastic waistband.
• Price: Around $58 - $68
• Materials/Construction: A durable and smooth blend of nylon and elastane that offers structure and a comfortable amount of stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to have a relaxed, true-to-size fit that isn't compressive, offering more room through the hips and legs.
• Pros: A stylish, versatile look that can be dressed up or down. Wrinkle-resistant material is perfect for packing. Abundant pocket space adds convenience for daily use. Lightweight fabric keeps you cool.
• Cons: Less stretch compared to knit styles, making them less ideal for yoga or high-mobility workouts. The relaxed fit may feel baggy to those who prefer a streamlined look.

These shorts are ideal for someone who values versatility and needs a comfortable yet polished option for travel, casual weekends, and everyday life.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/women-shorts/on-the-fly-woven-shorts

"Regular" Lululemon Shorts (e.g., Align, Pace Rival)

"Regular" Lululemon shorts encompass the brand's iconic athletic styles, such as the buttery-soft Align for yoga or the sweat-wicking Pace Rival for running. Built with performance firmly in mind, these shorts are made from signature knit technical fabrics like Nulu™ and Luxtreme™ that prioritize stretch, softness, and moisture control. They are purpose-built for movement and intensity.

• What it is: High-performance athletic shorts made from signature knit fabrics, tailored for activities like running, training, and yoga.
• Key features: Extremely high-stretch and moisture-wicking properties, often featuring a more fitted or compressive silhouette, hidden pockets for keys or cards, and flatlock seams to reduce chafing.
• Price: Around $58 - $68, depending on the specific style.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Lululemon's iconic knit fabrics like Nulu™ (Align) or Luxtreme™ (Pace Rival), known for their exceptional softness, stretch, and sweat-wicking capabilities.
• Sizing/Fit: Varies by style - from the second-skin feel of Align Shorts to the standard athletic fit of running shorts. Generally more fitted than OTF Woven.
• Pros: Superior stretch and moisture-wicking keep you comfortable during intense activity. Fabric feels incredibly soft and supportive. Designed with athletic-specific features like secure pockets and liners.
• Cons: Can show sweat marks and are prone to wrinkling. The overtly athletic appearance may not suit all casual settings. Soft fabrics can be less durable against repeated friction.

Choose these shorts if your primary goal is athletic performance and you need gear that offers maximum stretch, support, and sweat management for your workouts.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/women-shorts

On The Fly Woven vs. Lululemon Regular Shorts Comparison

Fabric &, Feel

The most immediate difference is the texture and behavior of the fabric. The On The Fly Woven shorts have a lightweight, smooth feel with a hint of crispness. The material has structure, which means it hangs away from the body rather than clinging, offering a breezy sensation and a clean silhouette that resists wrinkles.

In contrast, Lululemon’s regular knit shorts feel ultra-soft and conform to your body. Fabrics like Nulu™ offer a "barely there" sensation ideal for total freedom of movement in yoga, while technical fabrics designed for running offer supportive compression alongside their stretch. They feel like a second skin during movement but can be more prone to showing wrinkles and sweat marks.

Style &, Aesthetic

The On The Fly Woven shorts have a classic, understated aesthetic that fits a "put-together" casual outfit seamlessly. You could easily pair them with a sweater and sneakers for a day of exploring, which is harder to achieve with typical workout shorts. The structured fabric makes them look less like activewear and more like a classic pull-on short.

Regular Lululemon shorts lean heavily into an athletic look. They often feature fitted shapes, bright color options, or details like reflective elements and the signature brand logo. They are designed specifically as athletic apparel and their appearance reflects that, making them the default choice for the gym or a morning run.

Versatility

In terms of lifestyle versatility, the On The Fly Woven shorts have a clear edge. They excel for travel because they pack well without wrinkling and their quick-drying fabric is easy to wash while away. You can wear them straight from a light morning walk to a casual lunch without feeling out of place. This adaptability makes them a fantastic one-and-done option for vacation or a busy weekend.

Regular shorts are versatile in their own right, but within an athletic context. A running short is perfect for a workout and running post-gym errands, but its sporty look will likely feel too casual for much more. Their primary function is performance, and their secondary function is comfort, style outside of an active environment is less of a priority.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right pair of shorts depends entirely on what you prioritize: versatile style or peak athletic performance.

Choose the On The Fly Woven Shorts if:

• You're looking for one pair of shorts that can handle travel, daily errands, and casual outings.
• You prefer a more polished, put-together look instead of traditional gym wear.
• Your main activities are walking, sightseeing, or light recreational sports.
• You value low-maintenance clothing (they're wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying).

Choose the "Regular" Lululemon Shorts if:

• Your primary need is high-performance gear for running, yoga, HIIT, or other workouts.
• You value a second-skin feel with maximum stretch and moisture-wicking capabilities.
• You prefer a more fitted, body-hugging, or compressive silhouette.
• You don't mind an overtly athletic aesthetic for your active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between On The Fly Woven and regular Lululemon shorts?

The key difference is the fabric. On The Fly Woven shorts use a structured, lightweight woven material for a more tailored, casual look ideal for travel and all-day wear. Regular shorts (like Align or Pace Rival) use soft, high-stretch knit fabrics designed for high-performance athletic activities, prioritizing sweat-wicking and flexibility.

Which style is better for workouts?

Regular Lululemon shorts are explicitly designed for workouts. The high-stretch fabric allows for a full range of motion in activities like yoga, while the moisture-wicking properties are essential for high-intensity training and running. The On The Fly Woven shorts lack the necessary stretch for things like deep squats or dynamic movements.

Are On The Fly Woven shorts true to size?

Yes, they are generally true to size but are designed for a relaxed fit. They will have more room in the hips and thighs compared to the more fitted, compressive feel of athletic styles. If you are between sizes, you could potentially size down for a more streamlined fit, but most people are happy with their typical size.

Can you wear "regular" activewear shorts for casual use?

Absolutely. Styles like the Align or Hotty Hot shorts are very popular for casual wear due to their comfort. However, they will always have a distinct "athleisure" or sporty appearance, unlike the more classic, versatile style of the On The Fly Woven shorts.

Which pair is better for travel?

The On The Fly Woven shorts are the superior choice for travel. Their wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying fabric means they can be easily packed and washed on the go. Their polished style also makes them versatile enough for various travel activities, from sightseeing to casual dinners.

Do the On The Fly Woven shorts have a liner?

No, unlike many Lululemon running shorts, the On The Fly Woven shorts do not typically come with a built-in liner. The design is more aligned with a casual everyday short rather than a performance running garment.

How do I wash these shorts?

For both styles, Lululemon recommends washing in cold water and tumble drying on low heat. To preserve the fabric's integrity, avoid using fabric softeners, especially on the technical knit fabrics of the regular shorts, as it can inhibit their moisture-wicking performance.

Which Lululemon regular shorts are the most popular?

This depends on the activity. The Align Short is incredibly popular for yoga and casual comfort due to its buttery-soft Nulu™ fabric. For running, the Pace Rival and Hotty Hot shorts are fan favorites known for their functional design and comfortable fit.