Ok so let me start off by saying that I have been a runner for years and years, and have ALWAYS struggled to find shorts that actually work on my body. I used to bounce around between Nike and Adidas, or random brands I’d find at TJ Maxx, and still nothing fit the way I thought running shorts should fit. I finally came to accept that I’d always have to wear shorts that were too tight in the waist that gave me wedgies and chaffed like crazy…and then one day I discovered Lululemon. It was 2011 and I was about 8 weeks into a 16 week training program for my first marathon. In addition to the problems listed above, I was also starting to hit the mileage that requires gel or food to keep you going, and I couldn’t figure out a good place to keep the gels. I was desperate for a solution to this problem after running home with my fuel belt strapped diagonally across my shoulders because it wouldn’t stay around my hips. Lululemon Speed Shorts solved all of these problems, and I haven’t worn a different brand ever since. (I’m not a brand snob at all, I just really like how this clothing performs…plus it’s really cute!)
I know Lululemon is expensive, but I promise a few splurge purchases will change your life. They come up with new products all the time (and I’ve tried many of them over the years) but if you look at my collection of workout clothes you’ll see that once I find a piece I love I rarely stray from what works (and then hoard said pieces in every color). Here are my favorite items from Lululemon that are almost always offered because they are so great. (I’m sorry there is no brand diversity here, I really am just sharing what works for me when I’m working out.)
1. Speed Shorts. These are amazing. They are on the shorter side (3 inch inseam), but I like short running shorts, especially if I’m on a long run. They have 2 waistband pockets in the front (you can fit 2 gels in each), and there is a zipper pocket in the back that is perfect for keys, ID cards, money or more gels. The best part is that the lining in the shorts actually fits properly, so forgo the underwear and enjoy your first wedgie-free run! I promise, it’ll change your life.
2. Swiftly Tech Short Sleeved Shirt. I like these shirts for the gym, and they are my go-to top for running in the spring and fall when tank tops don’t provide enough coverage. They are really light, come in lots of colors, and they are fitted but not too tight.
3. Running Skirts. I like running in skirts sometimes because they cover a bit more than the Speed Shorts do. I have quite a few Pace Setter skirts and they have the same pockets as Speed Shorts and the ruffle on the back is a nice feminine touch that always gives me a little extra pep in my step. Unfortunately they aren’t selling Pace Setter skirts right now, but I think the Circuit Breaker Skirt is the updated version of the Pace Setter. I have some of their other skirts too, and they’re great as well.
4. Running Crops. The running crops from Lululemon really suck you in so that everything is nice and compressed. They are great when it’s a little cooler and are also good if you want to avoid any potential leg chaffing. I’ve run 2 marathons in Inspire Crops and I have a handful of other Lululemon crops and they are all amazing and worth the money. Most have 3 pockets (or more!), which really is a necessity if you’re running long distance.
5. Run: Stuff Your Bra. This is my favorite bra, hands down. It has pockets!!! I carry my phone in my bra because I don’t like wearing an arm band and it’s too heavy to fit in shorts. Seriously, this bra is the best. I have a couple of the older versions but I’m sure the version they are selling now is great too.
6. Cool Racerback Tank. The CRB is my go-to tank for all my sweaty pursuits (running, spinning, yoga and body pump). It stays down while doing inversions in yoga class, it can withstand a 26.2 mile run, and it wicks the sweat away in a sweaty spin class. Sure, it’s pricy for a simple tank top, but they really do go the distance and are worth the money. I even wore them my entire pregnancy and they didn’t stretch out at all.
7. Swiftly Tech Long Sleeved Shirt. This is the long sleeved version of the swiftly, and it’s perfect for layering under warmer clothes in the winter, or as a top layer in the spring or fall. The best part is that it has little thumb holes to keep the sleeves down, plus it comes in all sorts of different colors and patterns.
In the winter I’m a sucker for any of their pieces that are made of “Rulu” (the softest and warmest fabric ever), and for yoga and bumming around the house I love the Wunder Under Crops (the roll down version). These are really high wasted so you never get a muffin top. They are super comfy PLUS they’re more flattering than baggy sweatpants 🙂
Have any questions about sizing or Lululemon in general? Let me know!
I have an extra dresser that is jam packed with nothing but workout and athleisure clothes! I was super addicted to Fabletics for a while, but their tops don't fit anywhere near as well as LuluLemon. My favorite Lulu shorts are the Tracker II in 4 way.
haha I had an extra lulu dresser too! It was an old ikea one though and I trashed it right before we moved because I knew it wouldn't survive another Army move. I don't have any Tracker shorts but my mom does and she loves them!
I have an extra dresser that is jam packed with nothing but workout and athleisure clothes! I was super addicted to Fabletics for a while, but their tops don't fit anywhere near as well as LuluLemon. My favorite Lulu shorts are the Tracker II in 4 way.
haha I had an extra lulu dresser too! It was an old ikea one though and I trashed it right before we moved because I knew it wouldn't survive another Army move. I don't have any Tracker shorts but my mom does and she loves them!
I loved the speed shorts until I discovered the tracker! Now I can't get enough! I also love athleta