Which Brand Truly Wins the Gym? I Put Ten Thousand, Lululemon, and Vuori to the Test
As a guy who lifts heavy, runs often, and occasionally joins in on a bootcamp class, finding the right pair of shorts has felt like a never-ending search. I’ve burned through brands that looked good online but didn’t hold up IRL—waistbands that folded during squats, pockets that couldn’t handle my phone, and liners that bunched in all the wrong ways. I’ve worn Lululemon, Vuori, and even random Instagram brands, but nothing ever checked all the boxes.
So when I saw Ten Thousand’s claim that their Interval Short is “the only short you’ll ever need,” I decided to find out if it could actually replace the rest. I wore them through brutal workouts, long runs, and errands around town. Here’s how they stacked up against the big names: Lululemon and Vuori.
For the Guy Who Does It All, Every Week… Ten Thousand
Ten Thousand: Whether I was doing deadlifts or chasing a PR on a 10K, these shorts kept up. The PROPLYO STRETCH™ fabric moved like a second skin, and the built-in liner stayed perfectly in place—no need to double up with compression. I even wore them hiking in 90-degree heat and didn’t once feel soggy or restricted.
Lululemon: Feels great for yoga and lifting, but I noticed overheating and clinginess on long cardio sessions. Not terrible—but definitely not built for maximum output.
Vuori: Feels more like a lounge short pretending to be activewear. Super soft, but not what I’d trust for a sprint or circuit session.
Winner: Ten Thousand
For the Long-Term Investor… Ten Thousand
Let’s talk durability. I’m not trying to replace my gear every few months—especially when every pair costs upwards of $70.
Ten Thousand: At $68, they’re priced right in line with the others—but with way more value. These shorts are built to take a beating, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. That’s huge.
Lululemon: $68–78 depending on style. Stylish and well-made, but I’ve had seams wear down over time, especially if you train hard in them.
Vuori: Also $68, but definitely not built for heavy-duty wear. After a few months of real training, they start to lose their shape.
Winner: Ten Thousand
For the Guy Who Hates Adjusting Mid-Set… Ten Thousand
There’s nothing worse than being deep in a set and having to stop to yank your waistband up. I’ve had Vuori shorts slide during mountain climbers and Lululemon roll during heavy squats. But Ten Thousand’s waistband? Locked in.
Ten Thousand: It doesn’t budge. Period. Even during sled pushes or jump squats. No pinching, no shifting—it’s like they’re tailored to your body.
Lululemon: Mostly okay, but the waistband rolled on a few deep movements. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.
Vuori: Constant adjusting. I wore them for a plyo session once and kept having to pause to pull them back into place.
Winner: Ten Thousand
For the Pocket Realist (Who Carries a Lot)… Ten Thousand
Look, I don’t carry a duffel bag into every workout. I want my shorts to hold my phone, keys, maybe a gel packet or AirPods—and I want them to stay put while I move.
Ten Thousand: The Every Session Carry™ Pocket System is game-changing. My phone didn’t bounce even during sprints, and the pockets are intuitively placed. It’s the kind of feature you don’t realize you’ve needed until you experience it.
Lululemon: Decent, but no secure phone storage. On runs, you’ll definitely feel the bounce.
Vuori: More lifestyle than utility. Great for coffee runs, not actual runs.
Winner: Ten Thousand
For the Guy Who Wants to be Fashion-Forward… Lululemon
I’ll admit, there’s a confidence boost that comes from looking pulled together—even if you’re drenched in sweat.
Lululemon: Their designs are sharp. You could wear their shorts to brunch after the gym and not look out of place.
Ten Thousand: Sleek and modern, but definitely performance-first. They’re clean, minimal, and athletic—not fashion-forward.
Vuori: Chill, surf-inspired. Ideal for rest days, not deadlift days.
Winner: Lululemon
Final Verdict: Ten Thousand All Day
I used to be the guy who had a drawer full of shorts—one for lifting, one for running, one for chilling. But after putting the Interval Short through every type of workout I do, I’ve stopped reaching for anything else.
It’s not just that Ten Thousand outperformed Lululemon and Vuori. It’s that they solved every frustration I’ve had with training gear over the years. No more waistband drama, no more bouncing phones, no more durability questions. And at $68 with a lifetime guarantee plus 35,000+ five-star reviews, they’re one of the smartest investments I’ve made in my training.
If you train hard, sweat a lot, and want gear that keeps up with real life—not just lifestyle—Ten Thousand is in a league of its own.