Ten Thousand Shorts vs. Lululemon: Which brand is better?

Ten Thousand zeros in on high-intensity training with rugged, minimalist shorts engineered for durability, while Lululemon offers fashion-forward, versatile activewear renowned for its premium comfort and everyday style. Ten Thousand prioritizes technical features and performance for serious athletes, whereas Lululemon focuses on soft proprietary fabrics and a flattering fit that transitions from the gym to the street.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your workout and lifestyle.

Ten Thousand: High-Performance Training Gear

Ten Thousand builds apparel for dedicated athletes who require gear that can withstand the demands of intense training. Their minimalist, function-first philosophy appeals to weightlifters, CrossFit enthusiasts, and runners who value durability and performance engineering over trendy designs. Every product is developed and tested by a team of core athletes to ensure it meets rigorous standards for resilience and comfort.

• Product mix: A focused collection of shorts, pants, shirts, and layers specifically designed for different training modalities like interval training, distance running, and everyday essentials.
• Price point: Premium, with most shorts falling in the $70 to $100 range. The pricing is justified by the technical fabrics and robust construction.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes durable technical fabrics like nylon and polyester blends that are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and resistant to abrasion. Features like reinforced stitching and flatlock seams prevent chafing and extend the product's lifespan.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments typically run true to size with an athletic, streamlined fit designed to be non-restrictive during movement. Sizing generally ranges from Small to XX-Large.
• Aesthetic: Utilitarian and minimalist. You'll find simple, solid colorways and a distinct lack of flashy logos, allowing the performance of the gear to speak for itself.

Ten Thousand is the go-to for durable, no-frills gear engineered specifically for intense training sessions where performance is the only thing that matters.

Shop Ten Thousand: tenthousand.cc

Lululemon: The Leader in Stylish Athleisure

Lululemon has become a global icon by masterfully blending high-performance athletic apparel with modern, everyday style. Famous for its proprietary fabrics that offer an exceptionally soft and comfortable feel, the brand serves a wide audience from dedicated yogis and runners to individuals seeking premium-quality athleisure wear. Their products are designed to make you look and feel good, whether you're in a spin class or running errands.

• Product mix: An extensive range of apparel for yoga, running, training, and casual wear. Known for leggings, shorts, sports bras, and outerwear that cater to both men and women.
• Price point: Premium pricing with shorts typically ranging from $58 to $88. The cost reflects the brand's innovative materials, stylish designs, and strong brand cachet.
• Quality & Materials: Known for signature fabrics like the buttery-soft Nulu™ and sleek Luxtreme™, which offer four-way stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and excellent shape retention.
• Sizing/Fit: Lululemon generally runs true to size with a famously flattering, body-contouring fit. Women's sizing is 0-20, while men's is XS-XXL, providing consistent and familiar sizing.
• Aesthetic: Modern, sleek, and fashion-forward. Lululemon frequently releases new seasonal colors and trendy designs that easily transition from a workout setting to casual social occasions.

Lululemon combines premium comfort and a fashion-forward design, making it ideal for those who value versatility, a flattering fit, and style in their activewear.

Shop Lululemon: shop.lululemon.com

Ten Thousand vs. Lululemon Comparison

Price Comparison

On the surface, both brands occupy a premium space, but their pricing strategies differ. Ten Thousand's shorts are concentrated in the $70–$100 bracket, reflecting their singular focus on technical, ultra-durable training gear. You're paying for specialized materials and construction meant to endure hundreds of intense workouts.

Lululemon has a slightly broader price range for shorts, starting around $58 and going up to $88. While some of their training-specific shorts match Ten Thousand's prices, the average price point is slightly lower overall. Their value lies in the blend of performance, world-class comfort from proprietary fabrics, and style versatility that extends beyond the gym.

Quality & Materials

This is where the two brands differ most. Ten Thousand prioritizes ruggedness. Their shorts are made from materials designed to resist pilling, snags, and tears from barbells, rough surfaces, or frequent washing. Strategic ventilation and moisture-wicking capabilities are engineered for maximal performance during sweaty, high-output sessions.

Lululemon's focus is on the feel and flexibility of the fabric. Materials like Luxtreme™ and Nulu™ are engineered for softness, stretch, and a lightweight "barely there" sensation. While certainly durable for most gym activities and running, they aren't specifically built to withstand the kind of abrasive, high-intensity environment that Ten Thousand's products are designed for.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but the intended fit is different. Ten Thousand offers a classic athletic fit - snug enough to stay out of the way during lifts or sprints but with enough room for full mobility. The focus is purely on function.

Lululemon is known for a more tailored and flattering silhouette. Their shorts and other apparel are designed to contour and complement the body, which is a major part of their style-forward appeal. They also offer a more extensive size range with numeric sizing (0-20) for women, providing more precise fitting options.

Style & Aesthetic

The choice here comes down to your personal style. Ten Thousand's aesthetic is minimalist and utilitarian, characterized by solid, neutral colors and subtle branding. Their look is timeless and performance-oriented - it says "I'm here to work."

Lululemon operates at the intersection of fitness and fashion. They release seasonal color palettes, trendy patterns, and designs that are meant to be seen. If you want activewear that feels current and can be styled for casual outings, Lululemon's fashion-conscious approach is the clear winner.

Shopping Experience

Ten Thousand primarily operates on a direct-to-consumer model. Their website is clean, easy to navigate, and full of detailed technical specifications for each product, appealing to the research-minded athlete.

Lululemon offers a comprehensive retail experience. Their website is polished and highly visual, and their physical stores provide an opportunity to try on products, get sizing advice, and participate in community events like free yoga classes. The in-person experience is a significant advantage for those who prefer to touch and feel products before buying.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Ten Thousand and Lululemon make exceptional activewear, but they are built for different people with different priorities.

Choose Ten Thousand if:

• You're serious about high-intensity training, weightlifting, or CrossFit.
• Durability and resilience against wear and tear are your top priorities.
• You prefer a simple, minimalist, and function-first aesthetic.
• You need gear engineered to perform under the toughest conditions without distraction.

Choose Lululemon if:

• You want versatile apparel that works for the gym, running, and casual everyday wear.
• Exceptional comfort and buttery-soft fabrics are most important to you.
• A flattering, body-contouring fit and fashionable style matter a great deal.
• Your activities range from yoga and spin class to brunch with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ten Thousand or Lululemon cheaper?

Lululemon has a lower entry-level price for their shorts (around $58) compared to Ten Thousand (around $70). However, their more technical short styles are similarly priced. Overall, Ten Thousand has a narrower, premium price range, while Lululemon has a broader offering.

Which brand is more durable?

Ten Thousand is generally considered more durable, especially for high-abrasion activities like CrossFit and weightlifting. Their materials and construction are specifically engineered for maximum toughness and longevity during intense workouts.

Do Ten Thousand shorts run true to size?

Yes, Ten Thousand products typically run true to size with a standard athletic fit. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser fit, you might consider sizing up, but most find their usual size to be perfect.

Is Lululemon only for yoga?

Not anymore. While Lululemon built its brand on yoga apparel, it has since expanded into a comprehensive activewear brand with popular product lines for running, training, hiking, tennis, and everyday casual wear.

Which brand is better for CrossFit?

Ten Thousand is the preferred choice for most CrossFit athletes due to its focus on durability, chafe-free construction, and materials that can handle contact with barbells and floor work without pilling or tearing.

Which brand is more comfortable for lounging?

Lululemon is often hailed as the winner for everyday comfort and lounging. Their proprietary fabrics, like Nulu™, are specifically designed to be incredibly soft and lightweight, making them ideal for casual wear.

Can you return items to both brands?

Yes, both brands have customer-friendly return policies. Ten Thousand offers easy returns on unwashed and unworn items. Lululemon has a similar policy, allowing for returns on unworn merchandise, and is well-known for its excellent customer service.

Which brand is better for running?

Both brands make excellent running shorts. Ten Thousand's running gear is praised for its technical, distraction-free performance. Lululemon's running apparel is valued for its lightweight comfort and thoughtfully designed features like liners and pockets. It often comes down to personal preference on fit and material feel.