Vuori Kore vs. Lululemon Pace Breaker: Which one is better? [2026]

The Vuori Kore Short is built for versatile, all-day comfort with a soft feel and a casual aesthetic, while the Lululemon Pace Breaker Short is a high-performance athletic short engineered with lightweight, technical fabric for intense workouts. The Kore excels as a daily driver you can work out in, whereas the Pace Breaker is a pure performance piece that feels purpose-built for movement.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right short from Vuori or Lululemon for your activities and lifestyle.

Vuori Kore Shorts

The Vuori Kore Short is the brand's bestseller, celebrated for its buttery-soft feel and incredible versatility. With a relaxed fit that’s equally suited for a morning run, a yoga class, or just lounging around, this short embodies Vuori's casual, West Coast-inspired approach to activewear. It’s designed to be the one pair of shorts you can live in from workout to weekend.

• What it is: A versatile, athletic short with a relaxed fit and a soft, comfortable feel, designed for a wide range of activities and everyday wear.
• Key features: Built-in boxer-brief liner, drawcord waist, moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, and side pockets.
• Price: $68 - $78
• Materials/Construction: Made from a blend of recycled polyester and elastane, giving it a soft yet durable four-way stretch.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a relaxed, classic athletic silhouette. Available in sizes XS to XXL, with a standard 7.5" inseam.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable fabric, highly versatile for both fitness and casual use, relaxed fit suits many body types, and a strong focus on sustainable materials.
• Cons: Less technical feel compared to dedicated running shorts, the relaxed fit might not provide enough compression or support for high-intensity activities.

It's the perfect choice for anyone who prioritizes comfort and wants a do-it-all short that transitions seamlessly between the gym and daily life.

Shop this product: vuoriclothing.com/products/kore-short

Lululemon Pace Breaker Shorts

The Lululemon Pace Breaker Short is a lightweight performance workhorse designed specifically for running and training. It's made with Lululemon's technical Swift fabric, which feels light, airy, and built to handle sweat during demanding workouts. With a more athletic, streamlined fit and multiple length options, it’s a favorite among serious runners and gym-goers who need gear that won't get in their way.

• What it is: A high-performance running and training short made with lightweight, technical fabric.
• Key features: Swift fabric is lightweight and sweat-wicking, offers four-way stretch, secure zippered pocket, and comes in multiple inseam lengths (5", 7", 9").
• Price: $68 - $78
• Materials/Construction: Built with Lululemon's proprietary Swift fabric, which is engineered for durability and high-performance movement.
• Sizing/Fit: True to size with a streamlined, athletic fit that skims the glutes and thighs. Liner and linerless options are available.
• Pros: Exceptionally lightweight and breathable, ideal for intense workouts, quick-drying fabric handles sweat well, multiple inseams offer a custom fit, sleek and athletic look.
• Cons: Tighter, more athletic fit isn't as comfortable for casual lounging, fabric has a more 'technical' feel than a soft, cotton-like feel, can be less forgiving on different body types.

This is the go-to short for the dedicated athlete who puts performance, low weight, and a streamlined fit above all else.

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

Vuori Kore vs. Lululemon Pace Breaker Comparison

Quality & Materials

Both shorts are made from high-quality materials, but they serve different purposes. Vuori uses a soft, stretchy blend of recycled polyester and elastane for the Kore Short, prioritizing next-to-skin comfort that feels incredible for lounging or light workouts. It has a slightly more substantial feel to it.

The Pace Breaker, uses Lululemon's proprietary Swift fabric. This material is ultra-lightweight, with a crisp, technical texture designed purely for performance. It wicks away moisture instantly and feels almost weightless during a run, which is a clear benefit for intense exercise but less cozy for casual wear.

Fit & Comfort

Comfort is subjective and depends entirely on your needs. The Vuori Kore has a classic athletic fit that’s relaxed through the leg, making it incredibly comfortable for extended wear, whether you're working from home or going for a walk. Its soft fabric and forgiving cut are what makes it a favorite for all-day comfort.

The Lululemon Pace Breaker offers performance comfort. It has a more streamlined, athletic silhouette that sits closer to the body to minimize fabric distraction during movement. While it's very comfortable for running and training, its tighter fit may feel less suited for simply relaxing on the couch.

Versatility

Vuori is the clear winner when it comes to versatility. The Kore Short’s minimalist design and superior comfort make it a true everyday short. You can comfortably wear it to the gym, then out to run errands, and finish the day lounging at home without feeling the need to change.

The Lululemon Pace Breaker is less of an all-rounder. Its technical look and feel scream "workout gear." While perfectly fine for a post-run coffee, it’s not designed as a go-to lounging or all-purpose short. Its versatility lies in its performance across different athletic disciplines, from running to HIIT to yoga.

Price & Value

Both shorts are priced identically, starting at $68, making them a premium investment in athleisure. The value proposition differs. With the Vuori Kore, you are paying for incredible versatility and comfort, it’s a short that can legitimately replace a gym short, a lounge short, and a casual short.

With the Lululemon Pace Breaker, the value is in the high-tech performance and durability. You are paying for engineered fabric and a design that enhances your athletic performance. If your primary need is a dedicated workout short, the Pace Breaker offers excellent value for its quality and function.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both options represent the top of their class, but they excel in very different ways.

Choose the Vuori Kore Short if:

• You prioritize all-day comfort and a soft-to-the-touch feel.
• You want one pair of shorts that works for the gym, errands, and relaxing.
• You prefer a more classic, relaxed fit over a super athletic silhouette.
• You value brands that use sustainable materials like recycled polyester.

Choose the Lululemon Pace Breaker Short if:

• Your top priority is performance during high-intensity workouts like running.
• You prefer an ultra-lightweight, technical, and quick-drying short.
• You like a streamlined, athletic fit that minimizes extra fabric.
• You want length options to dial in your preferred level of coverage (5", 7", or 9").

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Vuori Kore and Lululemon Pace Breaker shorts?

The primary difference is their intended use. The Vuori Kore is a versatile "lifestyle" short designed for ultimate comfort across many activities, including casual wear. The Lululemon Pace Breaker is a pure performance short, engineered specifically for rigorous activities like running and training with lightweight, technical materials.

Which short is more comfortable?

For casual lounging and all-day wear, most people find the Vuori Kore more comfortable due to its soft fabric and relaxed fit. For high-sweat workouts, the lightweight and moisture-wicking Lululemon Pace Breaker offers superior comfort by keeping you dry and unrestricted.

How do the sizes compare? Are they true to size?

Both brands generally run true to size. The Vuori Kore has a more relaxed, straight-leg fit. The Pace Breaker has a more tailored, athletic fit that's slimmer through the glutes and thighs. Stick to your normal size in both, but expect a different silhouette.

Which short is better for running?

The Lululemon Pace Breaker is superior for running. Its lightweight Swift fabric, streamlined fit, and quick-drying properties are specifically engineered to optimize performance and minimize distraction during runs.

Which short is better for weightlifting and gym sessions?

Both are great options, so it depends on preference. The Pace Breaker offers unrestricted movement for squats and dynamic lifts. The Kore's stretch and durability also make it a reliable choice, though some may find the relaxed fit gets in the way on certain machines or exercises.

Is the liner better in one than the other?

Both shorts have excellent built-in liners, and this largely comes down to personal preference. Vuori's boxer-brief liner is known for its softness and comfort. Lululemon also offers liner and linerless versions, with their OOM (Out of Mind™) liner in the Pace Breaker being light and supportive.

Are these shorts worth the price?

In short, yes, if they fit your needs. The price reflects high-quality materials, durable construction, and thoughtful design. If you need a do-it-all comfort short, the Vuori Kore provides great value. If you need a best-in-class performance short, the Lululemon Pace Breaker justifies its cost.

How should I wash and care for these shorts?

For both, it's best to wash them in cold water with similar fabrics and colors. Avoid using fabric softener as it can inhibit the wicking properties of technical materials. Tumble dry on low heat or, ideally, hang them to dry to extend their lifespan.