Lululemon vs Nero

Every panel of a Pace Breaker is polyester. Lululemon lists them one by one.

Why Nero is better

0% plastic

Lululemon's Pace Breaker body is 86% recycled polyester and 14% elastane. The mesh, waistband and pocket lining are polyester too.

Odour handled by the fibre

Lululemon markets Swift fabric with an anti-stink finish. Merino binds odour compounds inside the fibre itself.

17.5 micron merino

Lululemon has no wool in the Pace Breaker. Nero publishes the fibre diameter on every page.

No microplastic shedding

Lululemon recycles the polyester before the yarn exists. The finished short sheds like any polyester.

99 day guarantee

Lululemon's published returns window is 30 days.

Nero vs Lululemon

  Nero Lululemon
Body fabric 100% GOTS organic cotton Lululemon lists 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane
Liner 100% merino, 17.5 micron Lululemon uses a recycled polyester mesh
Waistband Organic cotton Lululemon lists 85% recycled polyester, 15% elastane
Pocket lining Organic cotton Lululemon lists 100% recycled polyester
Plastic content Zero Lululemon uses polyester in every panel
Odour control Merino fibre structure Lululemon applies an anti-stink finish
Fibre certification GOTS, RWS, OEKO-TEX Made in Green, WRAP Lululemon publishes recycled content claims
Guarantee 99 days Lululemon gives 30 days

Lululemon figures taken from claims published on their own site. Specifications change, so check the current pages before you buy.

The Active Merino Liner Short

Nero shorts with the waistband lifted to show the built in merino wool liner

A 100% GOTS certified organic cotton shell over a 100% merino liner at 17.5 micron, RWS certified with no mulesing. Two open pockets, one secure zip pocket, 5.5 inch and 7.5 inch inseams.

  • Moisture moves into the fibre, not across it. Merino absorbs water vapour into the fibre core and releases it to the air, so odour compounds stay bound inside instead of sitting on the surface.
  • Zero petrochemicals. No polyester, no nylon, no elastane, no recycled bottle flake.
  • Merino sourced and produced in New Zealand. RWS certified, no mulesing, under OEKO-TEX Made in Green and WRAP.

The shorts are where most men start. The rest of the range, tees, vests and boxers, is in best sellers.

Shop the liner short

Recycled plastic is plastic

How polyester activewear is made, from plastic bottle to shredded flake to spun yarn to finished garment

A bottle shredded into flake and spun into yarn is the same polymer it was before. It sheds the same microfibres in the wash, it holds odour compounds on the surface the same way, and it sits against your skin the same way.

The recycling happened before the fabric existed. By the time it reaches your waistband it is a plastic short with a better story attached.

★★★★★1000+ Reviews

Shorts for Any Season

Temperature-Regulating: Stay cool in scorching heat and warm when it's chilly - no more sweaty plastic clinging to your thighs.

Naturally Moisture-Wicking: Merino wool quickly absorbs and evaporates sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the day.

Built for Every Workout: Crafted from unbelievably soft yet durable Merino fibers, our shorts handle intense workouts, weekend hikes, and everything in between.

Nero merino liner shorts

Test them out for 99 days

Nero 99 day money back guarantee

We're so confident you'll love Nero that we offer a 99-Day Money-Back Guarantee. No questions asked. Try them risk-free and feel the difference immediately. Say goodbye to sweaty plastic shorts forever.

Shop Nero Shorts

What they say after training in them

★★★★★
JJ Joel J. Verified Buyer Canada 06/20/2025
★★★★★

5/5 – Best Shorts I've Ever Owned

I bought the Nero Shorts made with wool and organic cotton, and I can confidently say they're the best shorts I've ever worn. The material is next-level, breathable, soft, and somehow manages to feel both lightweight and durable at the same time. The fit is perfect, relaxed but sharp, and they move with you without ever feeling bulky or stiff.

They've quickly become my go-to for everything from casual wear to lounging, and I genuinely notice the quality every time I put them on. The wool keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cool. You can tell these were made with intention and attention to detail.

Highly recommend. I'll be buying another pair (or two).

JY Jeffrey Y. Verified Buyer Canada 06/02/2025
★★★★★

Great shorts

These shorts fit and look great. The materials are excellent. Will definitely buy more going forward.

FP Findal P. Verified Buyer New Zealand 06/01/2025
★★★★★

Comfy and practical

These are some of the best shorts i've ever worn! Comfy, good pocket size, sits well on the booty! The merino on skin is really cosy, while the cotton outer always looks good! Finally found a pair of shorts that are good for me and the earth!