Most men’s shorts fall into one of two frustrating extremes: either they look like they belong in a gym locker room, or they feel like your dad’s decade-old cargo pair—baggy, bulky, and anything but flattering. Too sporty, too sloppy, or just plain uncomfortable. What’s missing? A short that actually looks sharp, feels premium, and moves with you, without riding up, sagging, or making you feel underdressed.

That’s the gap Mott & Bow’s Tech Shorts aim to fill. And to put them to the test, we lined them up against two big names in the category: Lululemon and Vuori. Each brand takes a different swing at the modern “tech short,” blending flexibility, breathability, and minimalist styling—but only one delivers the kind of refined, versatile design that works across your entire day.

We wore all three through travel days, coffee runs, long walks, last-minute plans, and everything in between. Our checklist? Comfort, function, polish, and a flattering fit. Spoiler: Mott & Bow didn’t just hold their own—they raised the bar. Ahead, we break down how each brand stacks up in fit, fabric, versatility, and overall value—so you can find the pair that actually gets it right.

Right out of the box, the differences in fit and silhouette between these Tech shorts are noticeable—and surprisingly telling.

Mott & Bow immediately stands out with a sleek, tailored look. These aren’t your average shorts—they’re cut with purpose. The minimalist design, structured fit, and polished feel make them ideal for guys who want to look sharp without sacrificing comfort. Whether it’s a crisp polo or a simple tee, they pair effortlessly and feel elevated for everything from city strolls to casual nights out.

Lululemon, on the other hand, leans into its athleisure roots. The shorts often carry a sportier edge with a slightly looser, more relaxed fit. That said, they still look sharp and have enough structure to wear out and about—just not quite as polished as Mott & Bow. Think of them as a crossover between training gear and casual wear.

Vuori embraces a different lane entirely: ultra-soft, chill, and lifestyle-first. Their tech shorts have a laid-back, beach-town vibe with a silhouette that’s more casual and intentionally looser. Ideal for lounging, walking the dog, or working from home, but they might feel a bit too relaxed for guys wanting a clean, elevated look.

Bottom line: if fit is your top priority—and you’re aiming for something that looks good and feels amazing—Mott & Bow Tech Shorts hit that sweet spot between structure and ease. They’re the kind of shorts that won’t just blend in with your wardrobe—they’ll elevate it.

When it comes to men’s tech shorts, style is only half the equation. Fabric and performance make all the difference—especially if you’re juggling long days, tight schedules, and everything in between. Here’s where each brand starts to carve out its territory.

Mott & Bow hits a sweet balance: the fabric feels smooth, structured, and breathable, with a premium finish that holds up through movement and long days. They stay crisp, never clingy, and have just enough stretch to keep you comfortable—whether you’re navigating travel days, city heat, back-to-back plans, or even a round of golf. The tailored cut looks right at home on the course, while the subtle flexibility gives you full range of motion from tee-off to clubhouse. These are shorts that move with you, not against you.

Lululemon, true to its performance heritage, goes all-in on sweat-wicking technology and stretch. The fabric is light, ultra-flexible, and breathable, optimized for HIIT workouts, yoga, or even long-distance runs. If you’re training hard, Lululemon’s materials deliver—but they do lean a bit more “technical,” which may not transition as smoothly into lifestyle settings.

Vuori brings comfort front and center with ridiculously soft fabrics that feel more like lounge shorts than training gear. They’re great for light movement—think stretching, walking, or hanging out—but the ultra-soft texture and relaxed fit make them better suited for downtime than serious workouts. They’re less about performance and more about feeling cozy.

Ultimately, if you want elevated shorts that feel as good as they look, Mott & Bow brings the best of both worlds: durability and polish. They’re the kind of tech shorts that move with you—and still look like you put some thought into getting dressed.

Let’s be honest—no matter how high-performance a pair of shorts is, if they don’t look good, they’re staying in the drawer. One of the biggest draws of modern tech shorts is how seamlessly they integrate into daily life. Whether you’re dressing for brunch, a client Zoom call, or a quick errand, style matters.

Mott & Bow comes out ahead here, offering what might be the most versatile and elevated look in this lineup. These tech shorts are clean-cut and thoughtfully designed to pair effortlessly with polos, t-shirts, or even a button-down shirt. The minimalist aesthetic makes them an easy swap for chinos or tailored casual shorts, helping you look polished without trying too hard. Whether you’re headed to brunch, a city stroll, or a day on the golf course, they strike the right balance between laid-back ease and refined style. This is where Mott & Bow quietly outclasses the rest.

Lululemon leans more into its athletic DNA. The cuts and styling are clean, but still carry a sport-forward energy that makes them better suited for casual, errand-heavy days or post-gym coffee runs. While they can be dressed up a bit, you’ll still feel like you’re in workout gear.

Vuori plays the comfort card hard—and it shows in the style. These shorts have that laid-back, West Coast vibe, making them perfect for the beach, the couch, or a quiet afternoon at your local café. But when it comes to versatility or elevated styling, they don’t quite match up to the polish of Mott & Bow.

If you’re building a capsule wardrobe or just want one pair of shorts that’ll cover everything from errands to date night, Mott & Bow Tech Shorts are your best bet. They’re proof that men’s tech shorts can be both functional and fashion-forward.

Let’s talk numbers. All three of these men’s tech shorts come in at a premium price point—but not all of them feel equally worth it.

Mott & Bow clocks in around $99, and frankly, the quality, tailoring, and versatility back it up. You’re paying for a short that looks refined, feels premium, and fits seamlessly into real life. It’s an investment in looking sharp without the effort—and for that, the value is clear.

Lululemon falls in the $68–78 range, depending on the style. You’re paying for a legacy name in athletic wear, and the build quality is solid. But it’s worth noting that a chunk of that price goes into brand equity—less so into lifestyle-ready aesthetics.

Vuori shorts are priced at around $84, delivering on softness and comfort, but the lounge-first design may not justify the spend unless that’s exactly what you’re after. In terms of versatility, it’s the most limited of the three.

In short: If you’re hunting for the best tech shorts for men that deliver on quality, polish, and all-day wearability, Mott & Bow offers the strongest value.