If you’ve worn anything from Lululemon, then you know they make nice freakin’ stuff. From the materials, to the colors, to the tiny details, the Vancouver apparel brand has the activewear game on lock. That’s why when we heard they were making clothes specific to weightlifting (read Crossfit – ing), we had to get our hands on some.
Although the complete “License To Train” (LTT) line includes performance shirts, jackets, and pants, we set our eye on the staple of lifting apparel – the shorts. You can get away with an old t-shirt from time to time. A pair of shorts, however, that will allow full range of motion without being bulky, and will stand up to tough WODS week after week, is of utmost importance.
The brand currently offers two types of shorts from the “License to Train” collection; the “License to Train Short” and the “License to Train Impact Short.” Good luck finding a pair though, they seem to be sold out on the website, but we found both to compare which ones we like best, and the results are in.
Lululemon License to Train Short
These are an athletic short with a 9” inseam that fall just above the knee. Unlike most Lululemon (LLL) shorts, they are not available in multiple lengths or with the internal liner. The first thing to know about the LTT Short is that the front panels of the shorts are a different fabric from the back. Although it’s the same color, the material on the front is much rougher than the back. The purpose is for durability against barbell abrasion from cleans, snatches, and other front loaded barbell work. These became our go-to “Snatch Shorts” for this reason, and the “roughness” does not bother the skin or make the shorts feel stiff.
The back panel is a soft, thicker material that has much more stretch. It almost feels like a piece of thin neoprene, but is extremely comfortable. We ask all the ladies to feel our butts for this reason. The gusset, or material in the crotch, is made of this same soft material, allowing for ample stretch and plenty of range of motion. The waistband is also constructed of this same stuff, which makes for a thicker waistband than typical LLL shorts, both nothing bulky or bothersome. The seam joints are also reinforced internally for added durability.
The two front pockets don’t have zippers and are like what you would find on a pair of casual shorts – good for easy access to keys, phone, etc., but not so good for secure stowage of said items when running, jumping, working out. Wisely, LLL added a small zipper pocket to the left side, which is about big enough for a phone but not much else. The placement of this zipper pocket keeps items secure against the side of your leg, so it wont get in the way during a run, etc.
Two things that may affect your decision to buy the LTT shorts; color and drape. When we purchased these they were only available in a dull gray color. The color is very inoffensive and will go with most anything, however, it’s just plan flat gray. Also, these shorts have a bit more structure to them from the mix of materials used. The idea was performance, so I suppose there had to be some sacrifices a long the way. Not saying these shorts feel boxy or stiff by any means, but they don’t drape like a pair of basketball shorts.
Comfort: A
Fit: A-
Performance A+
Quality A+
Price A-
DELTA GRADE: A
Lululemon License To Train Impact Shorts
When is comes to the better looking of the two, the Impact short takes it. These are constructed and appear more like a typical LLL short. The drape is softer and lays against the skin more, and is also available in a 9” inseam – again no internal liner or alternative lengths. For some reason, however, these feel shorter than the other LTT shorts, possibly from the way they’re cut, and fall a little higher on the knee. They also feel a little more snug around the thighs, not skinny jeans tight, but a closer fit than the other LTT shorts.
The entire Impact Short is constructed of the same material, unlike the other shorts. The Impact material however, provides similar durability against barbell abrasion in a softer fabric with more stretch. It almost feels like a soft stretch canvas type of material. The contrast color waistband gives the shorts an appealing look, and is similar to what you’d find an any other pair of LLL shorts.
The Impact Shorts have almost identical pocket design to the other LTT shorts, with standard zipper-less front pockets and a small side zipper pocket on the left. So again, you’ll have easy access to your keys, etc. when out of the gym, but able to secure them with the zipper when you’re getting after it. The back yolk, or area just below the waistband on the back panel, has a pattern of small holes for better breathability and ventilation. Who knows how much they actually do, but they add to the design of the short.
These feel like a suped-up pair of standard LLL shorts in terms of fit, feel, and look. The material is beautiful and the color is more attractive than the previously mentioned flat gray, however these were not our preference of the two. These seem like a good pair of all around gym shorts, but specific to barbell lifting we like the first pair listed above. The first pair has a sense of “heavy-duty” to them while the Impact Shorts, although very durable, don’t provide that same feeling.
Comfort: A
Fit: A-
Performance A-
Quality A
Price A-
DELTA GRADE: A-
Shop the License To Train collection here.