Rhone vs. Lululemon Shorts: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Rhone shorts are tailored for men seeking premium, durable performance wear with a sophisticated and minimalist style, often at a higher price point. In contrast, Lululemon offers shorts with innovative, flexible fabrics and a trendier, more athletic look at a slightly more accessible price for both men and women.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which brand's shorts are the right fit for your wallet and workout.

Rhone: Sophisticated Performance Apparel

Rhone is a premium men's activewear brand that blends high-performance features with refined, modern aesthetics. The brand targets active men who value durability and want versatile apparel that seamlessly transitions from a workout to a casual weekend. Their shorts are known for technical fabrics, excellent craftsmanship, and an understated style.

• Product mix: Men’s shorts, T-shirts, joggers, polos, and other performance and lifestyle clothing.
• Price point: Shorts typically retail between $70 and $120, positioning Rhone in the mid-to-high end of the market.
• Quality: Built with durable nylon, polyester, and elastane blends. Features include moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, flatlock seams, and reinforced stitching for longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: Rhone shorts generally run true to size with a tailored, athletic fit that isn't restrictive. Sizing ranges from S to XXL.
• Style: Sleek, minimalist, and functional with neutral color palettes and subtle branding, making them easy to wear in and out of the gym.
• Return policy: Offers a 45-day return window for unworn items with tags attached.
• Sustainability: Focused on responsible sourcing of materials and increased use of eco-friendly packaging.

Rhone is ideal for men who are willing to invest in technically advanced, durable shorts with a clean, sophisticated look that performs well and looks great anywhere.

Shop Rhone: rhone.com

Lululemon: Innovative & Fashion-Forward Athleisure

Lululemon is a global athletic apparel giant famous for its yoga-inspired roots and innovative fabric technologies. While known for a huge women's line, its men's collection has grown significantly. Their shorts combine technical performance with a trendy, comfortable aesthetic that has defined the athleisure market.

• Product mix: A wide range of activewear for men and women, including shorts, leggings, tops, joggers, and accessories for training, running, and everyday wear.
• Price point: Men's shorts are generally priced between $50 and $80, offering a premium feel at a relatively accessible price.
• Quality/Innovation: Known for proprietary fabrics like super-soft Nulu and abrasion-resistant Everlux that provide exceptional stretch, comfort, and moisture management.
• Sizing/Fit: Shorts offer a consistent and supportive fit designed for athletic movement. Men's sizing typically spans from XS to XXL.
• Style: Modern and sporty, Lululemon offers a wide variety of colors and patterns, from classic blacks and navys to bold seasonal hues with a distinct logo.
• Return policy: Accepts returns of unworn merchandise within 30 days of purchase.
• Sustainability: Utilizes recycled materials in many products and is committed to reducing environmental impact through sustainable sourcing and community initiatives.

Lululemon is the go-to for shoppers who prioritize innovative fabrics, supreme comfort, and a fashionable, sporty style in their activewear shorts.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Rhone vs. Lululemon Shorts Comparison

Price Comparison

Rhone positions itself as a more premium option, with shorts typically costing between $70 and $120. This higher price reflects the brand's focus on advanced technical fabrics, durability, and a more refined design. For customers who prioritize longevity and a sophisticated look, the extra cost can be justified.

Lululemon is more accessible, with most shorts falling in the $50 to $80 range. This price point still places them in the premium category but makes them a more attainable choice for many. Lululemon delivers excellent value through its high-quality proprietary fabrics and trendy designs.

Quality & Materials

Rhone's main focus is on technical durability. Their shorts are made from robust fabric blends designed to endure tough workouts and frequent washing while maintaining their shape and performance. Features like reinforced stitching and moisture-wicking technology are standard, making them a workhorse for any activity.

Lululemon's reputation is built on its materials' feel and flexibility. Their proprietary fabrics, like Nulu and Everlux, offer a blend of softness, stretch, and breathability that few brands can match. While durable, the emphasis is more on comfort and movement than the rugged construction found in some Rhone products.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is a key differentiator. Rhone champions a minimalist, understated aesthetic. With clean lines, neutral colors, and subtle branding, their shorts are versatile enough to wear for a coffee run or a casual lunch without looking like you just left the gym.

Lululemon offers a more fashion-forward, sporty vibe. They aren't afraid of bold colors, seasonal patterns, and their recognizable logo is often a part of the design. Lulu shorts fit perfectly into the modern athleisure trend and are meant to be seen both during and after a workout.

Fit & Sizing

Rhone provides a tailored fit that is modern and contoured but allows for a full range of motion. They generally fit true to size and are designed to complement an athletic build without being overly tight or restrictive.

Lululemon shorts are praised for their consistently supportive and snug fit. They are engineered to move with your body, making them an excellent choice for activities like yoga, running, and high-intensity interval training rooms. Sizing is reliable, with detailed online guides to help you find the perfect fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands showcase a commitment to sustainability. Rhone focuses on responsible sourcing and uses eco-friendly packaging to reduce its environmental footprint. Lululemon incorporates recycled materials into many of its products and invests heavily in community programs and supply chain transparency. For the eco-conscious shopper, both are making positive strides.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands produce excellent shorts, but they cater to slightly different priorities and tastes.

Choose Rhone if:

• You prefer a minimalist, sophisticated, and understated style.
• Durability and long-term performance are your top priorities.
• You want versatile shorts that look just as good for casual wear as they do in the gym.
• You are willing to invest a little more for premium technical materials and a tailored fit.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You love exceptionally comfortable, soft, and flexible synthetic fabrics.
• You enjoy current fitness fashion trends and prefer bolder colors and patterns.
• You want a snug, supportive fit that's perfect for yoga, running, or training.
• You are looking for premium quality at a slightly more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Rhone shorts more expensive than Lululemon?

Yes, on average. Rhone shorts are typically priced from $70 to $120, while Lululemon's shorts usually range from $50 to $80.

Which brand is better for running?

Both brands offer excellent running shorts. Lululemon is widely popular in the running community for its lightweight fabrics and comfortable liners. Rhone's shorts are also well-suited for running, offering great durability and moisture-wicking properties.

Do Rhone shorts shrink when washed?

Rhone shorts are made with high-quality technical fabrics that are pre-shrunk to resist shrinkage. However, it's always best to follow the care instructions - wash in cold water and tumble dry on low - to maintain their original fit and performance.

What is Lululemon’s most popular fabric for shorts?

For casual comfort and yoga, shorts made with their soft Nulu™ fabric are very popular. For training and running, shorts featuring their sweat-wicking Luxtreme™ or four-way stretch Swift™ fabric are common choices.

Is Rhone only for men?

Yes, Rhone currently designs apparel exclusively for men. Lululemon offers extensive product lines for both men and women.

Can I return shorts to both brands?

Yes, both brands have straightforward return policies. Rhone typically offers a 45-day window for returns on unworn items. Lululemon provides a 30-day return period for merchandise in its original condition.

Do both Rhone and Lululemon offer lined and unlined shorts?

Yes, both brands provide various styles to suit personal preferences, including shorts with built-in liners for extra support and unlined versions for those who prefer wearing their own base layers.

Which brand fits better?

Fit is subjective and depends on body type. Rhone tends to offer a more "tailored" athletic fit, while Lululemon is known for a "supportive" or "snug" fit that moves with you. Both brands are generally considered true to size.