Lululemon Pace Breaker vs. T.H.E. Short: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Pace Breaker Short is a versatile, stylish athletic short designed to move seamlessly from the gym to casual wear, while T.H.E. Short is a minimalist, ultra-durable performance short built specifically for serious runners and athletes. Lululemon focuses on innovative, comfortable fabrics and a modern aesthetic, whereas T.H.E. prioritizes rugged construction and no-frills functionality.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide if you need the all-around polish of Lululemon or the focused performance of T.H.E. Shorts.

Lululemon Pace Breaker Short

The Pace Breaker is Lululemon’s do-it-all athletic short, blending high-performance features with a sleek, contemporary style. It’s a popular choice for those who want a single pair of shorts that looks good and performs well during training, running, or just running errands on the weekend.

• What it is: A lightweight, stretchy athletic short designed for a range of activities from running to training.
• Key features: Made from Swift fabric that is quick-drying and sweat-wicking. Features a zippered pocket for secure storage and a comfortable waistband.
• Price: $68 - $78
• Materials/Construction: Built with proprietary fabrics like Swift and Nulux that are known for their four-way stretch, lightweight feel, and moisture management. Flatlock seams prevent chafing.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a classic, tailored fit that isn't too tight or too loose. Offered in multiple inseam lengths (e.g., 5", 7", 9") to suit different preferences.
• Pros: Extremely versatile for both workouts and casual wear. Sleek, modern design with a wide range of color options. Comfortable, high-quality fabric. Brand reputation for quality and customer service.
• Cons: Premium price point. The fabric, while excellent, may not be as rugged as more performance-focused options for extreme, long-term wear.

This short is ideal for the active person who values a polished look and needs a versatile short that can keep up with a varied fitness routine and lifestyle.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/men-shorts/Pace-Breaker-Short-Lined-7/

T.H.E. Short

T.H.E. Short (The Last Hurdle) lives up to its name by being a purpose-built piece of equipment for demanding athletes. It ditches fashion trends for a minimalist, utilitarian design focused on durability, function, and helping you perform without distractions during intense training or long-distance runs.

• What it is: A high-performance, durable running and training short for serious athletes.
• Key features: Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics with reinforced stitching. Designed with flatlock seams to eliminate chafing and an adjustable waistband for a secure fit.
• Price: $60 - $80
• Materials/Construction: Made from high-performance nylon and polyester blends with elastane for stretch. The construction is heavily focused on durability to withstand daily, rigorous use.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a consistent, true-to-size fit that is slightly relaxed to allow for total freedom of movement. Typically available in sizes XS-XL.
• Pros: Built for exceptional durability and longevity. Minimalist aesthetic focuses on pure performance. Comfortable and functional for high-mileage running. Competitive price for its quality.
• Cons: Utilitarian design is less versatile for casual, non-athletic settings. Fewer color and style options compared to Lululemon.

This is the short for dedicated runners and athletes who prize long-lasting, high-performance gear over a trendy appearance.

Shop this product: thelasthurdle.com/products/the-short

Lululemon Pace Breaker vs. T.H.E. Short: Comparison

Price & Value

Both shorts fall into a similar premium price category, typically ranging from $60 to $80. The Lululemon Pace Breaker sometimes reaches the higher end of that spectrum, aligning with its premium brand status. T.H.E. Short is priced competitively and offers excellent value for those who prioritize durability. If your main concern is getting a long-lasting workhorse short for intense training, T.H.E. may provide better long-term value. If you value versatility and style alongside performance, the Pace Breaker's slightly higher price is justified by its multi-purpose use.

Quality & Materials

Lululemon is known for its proprietary fabrics like Swift, which feels soft, light, and stretches effortlessly. The quality is a key reason for the brand's loyal following. However, the focus is often on comfort and a premium feel. T.H.E. Shorts are built with a different philosophy: performance and durability above all. Their nylon/polyester blend fabrics are chosen for their resilience and quick-drying properties, with reinforced stitching designed to endure constant wear and tear. While both are high-quality, the Pace Breaker excels in versatile comfort, whereas T.H.E. Short excels in ruggedness for dedicated athletic use.

Style & Aesthetic

There is a clear difference in visual style. The Lululemon Pace Breaker has a modern, streamlined aesthetic that fits in at the gym, on a run, or at a post-workout coffee. It comes in a wider array of seasonal colors and patterns. T.H.E. Short is minimalist and utilitarian. Its design is clean and functional, with an emphasis on performance over appearance. It appeals to athletes who prefer understated gear that performs without broadcasting a particular brand or trend.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, making ordering online quite reliable. The Lululemon Pace Breaker offers a more tailored "classic fit" that contours to the body without being restrictive and is available in multiple inseam lengths (5", 7", 9"), which is a major advantage for customization. T.H.E. Short typically has a slightly more relaxed cut designed to maximize freedom of movement during dynamic activities and squats. Its fit is secure at the waist but generous through the legs to ensure you never feel held back.

Versatility & Best Use Case

The Pace Breaker is the more versatile of the two. Its blend of performance and style makes it an excellent choice for someone who needs a short for gym workouts, weekend runs, yoga, and casual lounging. It's a true multi-purpose athletic short. T.H.E. Short is more specialized. It's built for the grind of daily training and is especially well-suited for long-distance runners who need a reliable, chafe-free, and highly durable short that they never have to think about during a workout. You can certainly wear it for anything, but its design is most at home during hard-effort activities.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent premium shorts, but they cater to slightly different priorities.

Choose the Lululemon Pace Breaker if:

• You want one pair of shorts that works for workouts, errands, and casual wear.
• You value a modern, stylish aesthetic and a wide selection of colors.
• You prefer the feel of Lululemon's signature soft, stretchy fabrics.
• You want the option to choose from multiple inseam lengths for a custom fit.

Choose T.H.E. Short if:

• You are a serious runner or athlete who prioritizes performance and durability above all else.
• You prefer a minimalist, no-frills design.
• You need a workhorse short that can stand up to high-mileage and frequent, intense training sessions.
• You value function and longevity and are not focused on fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Lululemon Pace Breaker and T.H.E. Short?

The main difference is versatility versus specialized performance. The Pace Breaker is a stylish, all-around athletic short for various activities and casual wear. T.H.E. Short is a highly durable, minimalist short designed specifically for the rigors of running and intense training.

Which short is better for running?

For dedicated or long-distance runners, the T.H.E. Short is likely the better choice due to its focus on durability, chafe-free design, and performance-oriented materials. The Pace Breaker is also great for running, but its design is not as specialized for high-mileage use.

Are they both true to size?

Yes, both brands are known for fitting true to size. The Lululemon Pace Breaker is more of a tailored, classic fit, while T.H.E. Short offers a slightly more relaxed fit for maximum movement.

Which one is more stylish?

Most would consider the Lululemon Pace Breaker to be more stylish. It has a more modern, fashionable look and comes in a much wider array of colors that make it suitable for non-gym settings.

Which is more durable?

T.H.E. Short is designed with durability as a core principle. Its materials and reinforced construction are intended to withstand intense, repeated use, making it the more durable option for hard training.

Is there a significant price difference?

No, the price is very similar. Both are in the premium $60-$80 range, so your decision is not likely to be based on price alone.

Do these shorts come with a liner?

Both shorts are usually available in both lined and linerless versions, giving you the flexibility to choose the style that best meets your needs.

Can I wear T.H.E. shorts casually?

Yes, of course, but their aesthetic is very athletic and utilitarian. They may look out of place in some casual settings where the more polished Lululemon Pace Breaker would blend in seamlessly.