I’ve been a diehard fan of lululemon’s speed shorts ever since I started wearing lululemon. I have about 20 pairs and seriously wear them non-stop all summer. Lululemon’s shorts category is one of their strongest in my opinion, so I generally expect good things. Enter the hotty hot shorts. They’ve been around for a couple seasons now, but I’ve admittedly had a hard time breaking out of my speeds comfort zone to give these a proper try.
I finally picked up a pair in viridian green, a gorgeously saturated spring shade. I absolutely love the color so I decided it was finally time to test these out properly. Here’s my review of the hotty hots as well as thoughts on how they compare to lululemon’s speed shorts.
The fabric of the hotty hots is 4-way stretch and therefore completely flexible. This pair has a very slightly more textured feel to it compared to my solid, 4-way stretch speed shorts, but it could just be this particular color. The fabric is not noticeably different when worn. The combination of the fit and fabric can make it prone to creasing/wrinkling when worn, as you can see in the photos, which is not something that happens with my speed shorts but isn’t a big deal.
I purchased the hotty hots in the same size as my speed shorts (I’m wearing a size 2), which is the same size I wear in lululemon’s other bottoms. I suggest trying your usual lululemon size.
That said, there are many fit differences versus speeds. Laid flat, the cut of the two shorts are virtually nothing alike. Speed shorts have a fairly straight cut that angles outward, while hotty hots have a more contoured, bubble-like shape. The leg opening of the hotty hots is 2″ larger in circumference compared to my speed shorts (24″ vs 22″ for size 2).
Both shorts are listed as having a 2.5″ inseam, but laid next to one another, the hotty hots are noticeably shorter, probably about 1/2″. The combination of the generous leg opening and super-short length means these are significantly more revealing than speed shorts. The contoured sides with mesh details also add to the ultra-short factor. There is a liner inside (the same as lulu’s other shorts) to help with potential wardrobe malfunctions.
All that said, lululemon does offer a longer version of the hotty hots that have gotten a lot of praise. So if you love everything about these shorts but the length, or if you’re quite tall, give the long version a try.
The elastic waistband looks very small when laid flat, but it stretches a ton. It has a lot of give to it so it doesn’t cut in at all. In my opinion this waistband is less muffin-prone than the speeds waistband. The drawstring on the waist is not really something you’d use due to the elastic, it’s mostly just decoration.
The hotty hot shorts rise is similar to speed shorts. You do need to be mindful of where you wear the waistband on your hips, because it’s very possible to wear them too high and not keep everything covered. I took these on a hike last week and at first I wore them too high, so I had to adjust the waist a bit. They need to be worn medium/low for coverage, as I’m wearing them in the photos. If you want to wear them any higher, you’ll probably need to try the long version.
Lululemon also recently released the hotty hot ii, which ditched several of the design elements. There’s no drawstring on the updated version, the side reflectivity detail was switched to a more subtle stripe on the leg, and the back zip pocket was moved to the side. It’s not clear whether the original hotty hot will be phased out in favor of the new version, but if you like the details on the original shorts, now’s your chance!
In my opinion, the fit of the hotty hots is particularly flattering to athletic figures. The bubble shape accentuates the hips, so if you want the appearance of a bit more booty, these shorts might deliver. And on a more practical level, if you have a straight, muscular figure, the extra room through the legs might be a big plus. On the other hand, if you already have a curvy figure or full hips, don’t expect these to downplay that feature.
I have a petite yet somewhat curvy figure and my hips are my most full feature. The fit of the hotty hots is a totally different look versus speed shorts–definitely not what I’m used to! The effect is a little less elongating. That said, they’re still very cute. For comparison, you can see how speed shorts look on me here or here.
In terms of color, viridian green is a gorgeous teal shade that’s basically a creamier version of emerald. It’s quite a bit darker than lulu’s menthol and bali breeze. I would call viridian more of a jewel tone.
Functionally, the hotty hots are very lightweight and therefore excellent as running or training shorts in hot weather. Due to the low coverage, I would not recommend lifting or anything where you’ll be bending or squatting.
Overall, these are a great pair of shorts that are popular for good reason. I’ll be honest, I’m still partial to my speed shorts for their fit and look, but if you’re not a speeds gal, give these a try!
Outfit details
Lululemon hotty hot shorts – viridian green
Lululemon run stuff your bra – classic stripe/flash light (past season)
Lululemon cool racerback – deep zinfandel
Nike metcon 3
Cute! I have a pair of the long version and I really like them. They are definitely not “long” and appear shorter than my trackers, particularly from the side. I have the hotty hots in a 4 even though I’m a 6 in most things lululemon. I also get muffin top with speeds (like, horribly… even in size 8) and have zero muffin in hotty hots size 4. I guess they are just a better shape for my body. That color is nice! Maybe I’ll consider a second pair this summer. I haven’t bought any new lulu in eons.
Yeah I tried the long hotty hots once and they weren’t exactly granny length, lol. Good to know that you’ve had good luck sizing down. I wish I could try one down for the leg gaping. Alas!
I just bought these in the vivid green. They are a gorgeous color. I love hotty hot shorts. I find them to be nice for my large thighs and they do not give me muffin top. They are great for bike rides to the park with my 3 year old. I always get the 2.5 inseam since I am 5′ 1″. They are a little short but I am comfortable in them. I hope the new hotty hot shorts are not permanent… I love the drawstring & reflective details!!
Yes I agree, I like the look of the old design better. :) The new ones look a little more like pajama shorts to me and don’t have as many cute details.
I’m waiting for more colors to come out in the version without the drawstring. I’m also a Speeds only girl as well, but wouldn’t mind a pair or two in the Hotty Hots. Interestingly enough I’m a size 4 in Speeds, but need a size 2 in Hotty Hots.
Interesting about sizing. I’d be worried about the waist being too small in a size down but it sounds like that’s not the case. If you do get a pair I’d love to read your review! :)
I find the Hotty Hot shorts super flattering but hate that the pocket is over the butt cheek. Stick anything in there and you’ll look horribly misshapen. It should go on the waistband like with the Speeds!
Hm good point! I hadn’t actually tried to put anything in the pocket but I could definitely see that happening. Maybe the new one with the side pocket will be better for that?
This article is so timely as I’m a speeds shorts lover and currently own 22 pairs. I have been tempted by the hotty hot shorts but my friend said they are not as flattering as speeds. The reviews all mention they are great for bigger legs but I have slim ones so wondering if they would be too baggy for me in my TTS. I have to try it on one day for size.
Yeah, it sounds like if you have slim legs trying a size down in addition to your normal size is a good option. Unfortunately I can’t size down so I don’t have any personal experience there. They’re not *huge* in the legs but definitely roomier than speeds.
Have you had any issues with the waistband curling in? I’m thinking of getting these but I’m hesitant after reading some reviews saying the waistband curled in after a few washes and digs into the stomach.
I haven’t had issues with the waistband curling or rolling so far. That said, I’ve only worn them a handful of times so I’m not sure if that might change after a longer period of time. Fingers crossed it won’t though!
Hey, loved your review, very useful! I was wondering if you had any issues with sweat marks? I’m thinking to buy these shorts in Tidewater Teal colour, but wouldn’t want to look as if I hadn’t reached to the toilet in time, after a long summer run. 😅
I ended up selling these after a while since I decided I liked the fit of my other shorts better. Usually the lighter colors can show sweat marks (I have had this happen on very hot days with my other lululemon shorts), but the loose fit definitely mitigates that. So…I’m not 100% sure which way it will go for you. Sorry I don’t have a more clear answer there! Good luck. :)