The Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Short 7" is a light running short with a mesh back yoke, a zip side pocket and hidden phone sleeves. List price is about $68, and it is often discounted. There is no built-in liner, which is the big decision: runners who like to choose their own briefs or tights will love it, and anyone who wants a liner should look elsewhere. Owners rate it about 4.5 stars on Lululemon's page.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Lululemon Pace Breaker Short 7" Review (2026)
4/5
our rating
our rating
$68 seen $39Full price on Lululemon’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners who prefer to pick their own underwear and want zip plus phone storage.
Skip it if: You want a built-in liner or the lowest possible price.
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What we like
- Linerless, so you choose your own underwear or tights
- Side zip pocket plus hidden phone and coin sleeves
- Mesh back yoke for ventilation
- Lululemon says 100% of the polyester is recycled (excluding trims)
- Strong owner rating (4.5 stars from about 1,800 reviews on the page)
Watch out for
- No liner is a deal-breaker for many runners
- Sale price is final sale
- Priciest of the mainstream running shorts at full price
On this page
Fit and sizing
Lululemon lists sizes XS to 3XL, so the range goes beyond XL. The page names a 7 inch length and the size guide offers 5, 7 and 9 inch options. We have not tried it, but reviewers on Lululemon's page rate it 4.5 stars from about 1,800 reviews. Use our shorts finder if you are unsure which length to pick.
Fabric and feel
The body is 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane, with a mesh back panel of 90% recycled polyester and 10% Lycra. Lululemon says 100% of the polyester in the product is recycled, excluding trims. The fabric is called Swift: lightweight, four-way stretch, sweat-wicking and quick-drying.
How it performs for running
A mesh back yoke provides ventilation, and the pocket setup is the highlight: one low-bounce side zip pocket plus front pockets with hidden phone and coin sleeves. That makes it easy to carry keys and a phone without a belt. Because it is linerless, you need to wear underwear or tights, and that is a feature for many runners and a dealbreaker for others. For more picks see our best running shorts for men.
Price and value
The list price is about $68. When we checked, the page showed $39 as a final-sale price in one colorway. Final sale means you cannot return it, so check your size carefully. At full price it costs more than budget picks like the Gymshark Running 5".
Alternatives
If you want a liner, try the Under Armour Launch Elite 7", which has a mesh liner and costs less, or the Ten Thousand Session 5" for a lighter training feel. Brand context is on our Lululemon page.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you want a built-in liner, prefer a shorter 3 inch race cut, or dislike final-sale discounts.
Specs
| For | Men |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
| Extended fits | Plus sizes |
| Fabric | Body: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane (Swift); back mesh yoke: 90% recycled polyester, 10% Lycra elastane |
| Recycled materials | Yes (brand states) |
| Inseam options | 5″, 7″, 9″ |
| Liner | None |
| Pockets | Multi |
| Fit | Athletic |
| Fabric feel | Woven light |
| Waistband | Both |
| Good for | Running, Long runs, Gym training, Everyday wear |
The verdict
A light, well-pocketed running short for people who prefer to pick their own liner. It is a strong choice for road miles and phone carry, but it has no liner, and discounted pairs can be final sale, so check your size carefully before buying.
Alternatives to consider
Under Armour Launch Elite 7" Shorts4/5 · $50Vuori Kore Short Lined 5"3.8/5 · $78Rhone Pursuit Short Lined 7"3.8/5 · $84
Frequently asked questions
Does the Pace Breaker short have a liner?
No. Lululemon sells this version as linerless, so plan to wear your own underwear or tights underneath.
What is the Pace Breaker made of?
The body is 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane, with mesh at the back. Lululemon says 100% of the polyester is recycled, excluding trims.
Can it hold a phone?
Lululemon lists a low-bounce zip side pocket and front pockets with hidden phone and coin sleeves.
What sizes does it come in?
Lululemon lists XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and 3XL. Length options in the size guide are 5, 7 and 9 inch.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Page showed $39 final sale vs $68 list. Inseam shown as 7" in name; size guide also lists 5" and 9". Colors count not captured. Brand states recycled polyester claim. Ratings estimated.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.