Lululemon Swim Trunks Review: Lululemon ABC Pants + lululemon mens bathing suit! Win!
Did you know that Lululemon now makes Swim Trunks? Yes! We’ve been searching for the best pair of swim trunks and came across the many new styles of Lululemon Swim Shorts!
You know our love of Lululemon on this blog – if not, check out our Lululemon ABC Pants Review (also, check out how to get Lululemon Promo Codes and our Lululemon Jeans Review) So, step away from the Tommy Hilfiger swim trunks you’ve had for the past couple of years because the new Lululemon mens swimsuit options are here!
That’s right, Lululemon who brought the world the wonder of ABC pants has designed a pair of ABC-style swim shorts with all the classic details and comfort that make Lululemon the first word in men’s comfort clothing. Let’s check them out!
Lululemon Swim Shorts Review: The Differences
First thing first, Lululemon has a confusing naming convention for some of their clothes. Their men’s swim clothes are no different. Lululemon carries several varieties of swimsuits: currently, they only have The Current State Board Short and the brand new Pool Short are the main varieties. To make it even more confusing, there are different types of Current State Board Short, for example.
Here are some of the key differences between the Lululemon Swim Shorts available.
Our new #1 Swim Short | A great board short  | Final sale - hurry! | A new entry  |
Primary Rating: 5.0 | Primary Rating: 4.0 | Primary Rating: 4.0 | Primary Rating: 3.5 |
$78 | $98 | $69 | $88 |
Length: 5, 7 or 9 inches | Length: 9 inches | Length: 9 inches | Length: |
Pockets?: Typical side pockets, back zippered pocket | Pockets?: Small side pockets, zippered back pouch | Pockets?: Small side pockets, zippered back pouch | Pockets?: |
Liner?: Yes | Liner?: No | Liner?: No | Liner?: |
We recommend the new Pool Short but we’ll dive into the others, too.
Lululemon Pool Short Swim Short Review
What are the pool shorts made of?
The pool shorts swim, trunks are made from 89% Recycled polyester, 11% Elastane. Elastane is the stuff that makes it stretchy. They also have a built-in liner and elastic waistband for super comfort.
They are also Water-repellent, Abrasion-resistant and feature Breathable mesh fabric liner with Xtra Life Lycra® for chlorine resistance.
I’ve personally worn my other pair of lululemon men’s swim trunks for two seasons – it’s what makes them one of the best swim trunks you’ll ever own.
And I didn’t wear my swim trunks lightly. I typically would wear them 3-4 times a week. They make for a great pair of shorts.
Lululemon Men’s Swim Trunks: The Look
My first thought on opening the Lululemon Pool shorts is that they certainly don’t look like swim trunks, but rather smart shorts that could easily be worn with a polo or athletic t-shirt. Equally, you could pair them with a pair of flip-flops, loafers or sneakers depending on your mood!
The new Active Swim Short comes in a wide variety of colors, too.
I simply love lulu swim trunks.
What I don’t like in swim trunks
Before I tell you what I love about these swim trunks, let me quickly tell you what I do not like in swim trunks.
I’m always looking for great swim trucks that don’t look super obnoxious. I like shorts that look like normal shorts – not something that looks like it was only designed for the beach. That’s just my personal style.
I also hate shorts that don’t have pockets.
I prefer something to either have a super comfortable mesh lining or no mesh liner at all.
Gone are the days in many other brands of a super uncomfortable, right mesh liner in swim trunks.
Lululemon Commission Shorts: Our previous vote for Best Swim Trunks
Sadly, lululemon doesn’t make our previous pick for the best swim trunk, the Commission Swim Short.
The Commission Swim Short took a chino-style short and turned them into swimming trunks, that didn’t look like swimming trunks.
The fabric looks almost identical to the ABC Pant Fabric.
The details are a bit different – like the elastic waistband.
These shorts also incorporated Lululemon’s hidden pockets, perfect for storing your wallet or phone… just be sure to remove your phone before you jump in the water! It’s worth noting that the pockets are mesh-lined for quick-drying which is good. Nothing worse than a soggy pocket!
They also have a 9″ inseam on the short. This puts them more in line with the Myles Short (or other casual shorts you’d wear). There is a trend toward loud, short swims shorts (I’m looking at you, Chubbies!) and I like a more casual, relaxed-looking short – especially when I’m lugging the 3-year old around.
Lululemon Pool Short: The Fit and Function
Lululemon does make some BRIGHT Pool Short Swim Trunks, just FYI – but I have the black pair.
These short are very comfortable! I’m a 32/33-inch waist and I opted for a medium. This made for a perfect fit.
The stretchy material and elasticated waistband make them super flexible and they move with the body with no restriction.
While I wouldn’t recommend them for “fancy” shorts Iike wearing to the office, but I’d have no problem wearing them to run errands.
However, what I’d use them the most for is: run (or walk or ride one of my eBikes) all the way to the pool, and then jump in. The material is breathable, making them feel really lightweight, keeping you cool throughout the day.
Let’s talk about pockets for a second
Much like women love dresses with pockets, I need pockets in my swim trunks. In fact, I need them in my swim trunks.
Why? I still usually have my cell phone and typically my wallet. Going to the local pool, I also usually need a pool tag to get in the pool and a couple of quarters (for popsicles, actually).
Mesh lining
One thing worth mentioning in our Lululemon swim trunks review is that these shorts do have a mesh lining, unlike the Commission Swim Trunks or the board men’s swim shorts listed below.
Pool Shorts: Swim Shorts Sizes
These swim trunks come in a couple of different lengths. They come with a seven inch inseam and a five inch inseam.
Both of these swimming trunks are great – but you have to pick the correct length for you. I’ve found the seven inch inseam to be right for me and the best men’s swim trunks size.
Some other pants pride themselves on short swim shorts, like Chubbies, we don’t like wearing short shorts.
Lululemon Pool Swim Shorts: The Final Verdict
A great new version of our favorite swim shorts.
Lululemon has managed to design a fully-functional and versatile pair of swim shorts. You could easily wear these to the office in the morning, the beach in the afternoon, and then dress them up for the evening BBQ or beach bar. Their smart appearance and the fact that they are not super loud when you walk, means that no one will even know you’re wearing swim trunks.
At $88, they might be more than you’d usually pay for a pair of swimmers, but you do get what you pay for. They are long-lasting, stylish, well-crafted, and super high quality. I’ll be wearing these all summer long!
Lululemon Current State Board Short Review
I also tried out the Current State Board Short (not as clever as the Namaste at the Beach Board Short name for the previous product, if I must say so myself!).
Lululemon Current State Board Short: The Look
Right now the Current State Board Short is only available in a 9″ inseam.
They are 2 inches longer than the Pool Short Swim Shorts. They look “sportier” than the other pairs and definitely could not be worn casually – only to the pool or working out.
They do not have mesh lining; these are classic board shorts – not true swim trunks.
So if you want that extra layer, I recommend Mack Wheldon Amphibious Underwear – see What Do You Wear Under Board Shorts?!
Lululemon Current State Board Short: The Fit and Function
I actually liked the way the Lululemon Current State Board Shorts fit. They were comfortable overall.
Here’s what I didn’t like the most about the Current State Board Shorts: the pockets! Or should I say the lack thereof. The Current State Board shorts only have some oddly placed pockets.
Also – no velcro here – that doesn’t play well with sand. No one wants a summer full of sand in their velcro while surfing, right?
Lululemon Current State Board Short: The Final Verdict
Overall, the Lululemon Current State Board Short is a great, overall beach short if you can get over the oddly placed pockets. It also doesn’t have any mess lining, which is OK – here’s what to wear under board shorts.
Lululemon Swim Shorts Review: The bottom line
- $78Buy Now
A great new version of our favorite swim shorts.
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- $98Buy Now
If you're into board shorts, check these out. We simply don't like the lack of "normal" pockets.
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- $69Buy Now
A more typical board short from lululemon.
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- $88Buy Now
While these shorts feature a design only a mother could love, they are a great addition to your more active pool and water adventures.
We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Overall, we love the brand new Pool Short. If board shorts are more your style, you can’t go wrong with the Current State Board Short.
We just wish they had the original Commission Swim Shorts, that looked more like ABC Shorts than the current swim offerings.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below!
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