Lululemon Pace Breaker Short Review

by Steve · Published May 11, 2015 , 12:28 pm · Updated July 22, 2023 , 4:51 am

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Versatile training shorts that perform both in the gym and outdoors are as necessary during summertime as cookouts and road trips. The Lululemon Pace Breaker Short satisfy that summertime need for versatile shorts – and would be fine attire for poolside grilling or quick jaunts up the coast.

The shorts I’ve been breaking pace in the last few weeks have been right at home on trail runs while biking and in the weight room. The shorts move like second-skin and ventilate very well. They do, however, have a couple of idiosyncrasies that are worth knowing about prior to purchase.

**Lululemon Pace Breaker Short*Mesh Features**

The shorts are constructed of Lululemon’s Swift Ultra Mesh fabric that is designed to wick away perspiration. The technology works extremely well. In fact, my best efforts at drenching these shorts with sweat resulted in little more than some accumulation at the waist. The mesh is lightweight and perforated, so air flows freely through the exterior for quick evaporation of sweat.

The mesh fabric breathes easily, wicks sweat and moves without restriction. The Lululemon logo is roughly the size of a fingernail.

An elastic waistband keeps the shorts in place. Not that it’s needed, a drawcord also is found at the waist in the event, even more, snugness is desired. I found the elastic to be sufficient for a comfortable and secure fit.

Flat seams and stitching forestall chafing. The stitching plays second duty as a design element on the shorts. The complimentary fabric color is a nice touch, and the stitching provides some visual breakup to the Heathered Zesty Auburn mesh fabric. (Although the color is attractive, Lululemon’s name for it is not. Zesty Auburn, to this reviewer, sounds like a salad dressing to be avoided on the dinner menu.)

The stitching is anti-chafe and adds some visual interest to the shorts.

A pair of deep side pockets add some utility. The most important pocket on these shorts, however, is the zippered security pocket at the left hip. Like the two side pockets, it’s lined with a mildly stretchy fabric that will expand a bit if pressed. Though the security pocket is fairly small, I was able to get my cell phone into it and zipper the thing shut. The pocket’s great for cash, cards and keys. My only note is that the security pocket sits to the outside of the left glute – care is to be taken so as not to accidentally sit on whatever’s stowed in the pocket.

The zippered security pocket fits a cell phone and can be used for cash, etc. Beware not to sit on your phone when it’s in there, as the pocket does reach back from the hip toward the glute.

A neat bit of black mesh fabric is woven into a subtle design at the back and sides of the shorts. The black mesh breathes well and adds some visual interest to the garment.

The black mesh looks cool and creates a nice design.

Black also is the color of the shorts’ boxer brief-style liner. The liner takes a bit of getting used to. It’s not that it’s poorly made or uncomfortable or anything – it just took me a few wears to become accustomed to the feel. The shorts are not to be worn with other undergarments, so, if you’re used to pace breaking in briefs, be aware. On the other hand, the Pace Breakers seem like they’d be great in the pool for leisurely lapping.

The liner takes some getting used to.

One final observation warrants mention. The shorts have an inexplicable faux fly flap. There is no fly on these shorts (recall that there is a liner). Yet, for whatever reason, as though the fly is somehow an inextricable part of all men’s attire, there is a fly flap. Maybe an extra shield acting as wind resistance for one’s delicate parts….?

**Lululemon Pace Breaker Short*Mesh Cut and Fit**

The shorts feature a 9-inch inseam (an inch or two above the knee) and 25.25-inch leg opening (neither loose nor restrictive). The result is a fit that feels very natural and enables unencumbered movement.

The shorts fit nicely – they’re athletic but conservative. Mine are wrinkled because I traveled with them stuffed into my duffel. The shorts come out of the dryer wrinkle-free.

The look of the cut is decidedly athletic and modern and gratefully un-baggy. If like me, you’re of the mind that super-oversized basketball shorts have grown a bit long in the tooth, then the cut of these shorts will most certainly appeal.

The shorts are athletic without screaming “gym shorts.” They’d work at the country club.

The overall cut, to me, says “racquet club.” The shorts would be fine on the tennis court or, if paired with a polo shirt, at lunch or early-afternoon cocktails around the pool.

Yes, you can move easily in them.

At the same time, cross-fitters and weightlifters, runner and bikers, and (of course) yoga instructors can have confidence the shorts will not hold them back during workouts.

The shorts fit very well and accommodate all sorts of athletic pursuits.

The design is modern and easy. These shorts would work well on most body types.

**Who The Lululemon Pace Breaker Short*Mesh Is For**

The shorts are high-performance gear that have enough conservatism in design and cut that they don’t simply scream “gym shorts.” They’re a great answer for versatile summertime shorts. And the cut of the garment works well for a range of body types in a range of pursuits – leisurely to athletic.

For those who don’t adore the Heathered Zesty Auburn color, other shorts will have to do since that’s the only hue available. And, for those with reservations about pants liners, these shorts may not be the answer. For everyone else, the Pace Breaker Short*Mesh is great summertime wear.