Let's be real for a second. Spending nearly thirty bucks on a single pair of underwear feels a little ridiculous. It’s a lot. Most of us grew up buying the multi-packs from big-box stores where you get five pairs for the price of a fancy burrito. But then you try the Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer, and suddenly, your drawer full of cheap cotton feels like sandpaper.
It’s not just about the logo on the waistband. Honestly, nobody is seeing that unless you’re still sagging your pants like it’s 2004. It’s about the fact that these things don't ride up when you're walking to the office or hitting a squat rack. They just stay put.
The Fabric Science That Doesn't Feel Like Science
Lululemon uses something called Modal fabric for these. Specifically, it’s a blend of 91% Modal and 9% Elastane. If you aren't a textile nerd, here’s the gist: Modal is derived from beech trees. It’s naturally breathable and way softer than cotton.
Cotton is a trap. It’s great until you sweat, and then it stays heavy and wet for three hours. Modal doesn't do that. It wicks moisture away from your skin, which is why the Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer is marketed for "on the move" lifestyles. Whether you're sitting in a cramped airplane seat for six hours or rushing through a commute, the fabric keeps things breezy.
The "Always In Motion" line is different from their "Built to Move" or "License to Train" versions. Those others are slicker, more synthetic, and built for heavy-duty gym sessions. The AIM (Always In Motion) is the daily driver. It feels like a second skin.
Why They Don't Bunch Up
We’ve all been there. You’re in public, and your underwear has decided to migrate south—or north. It’s awkward.
Lululemon fixed this with an ergonomic design. The pouch isn't just a flat piece of fabric; it’s shaped. This provides "room to breathe," which is a polite way of saying it keeps everything in place without crushing you.
- The Waistband: It’s wide. It doesn't roll over your stomach when you sit down.
- The Leg Opening: They offer 5-inch and 7-inch versions. If you have thicker thighs, go for the 7-inch. They stay anchored to your quad better.
- The Seams: They use flat-out seams to reduce chafe. You won't feel a ridge digging into your hip.
I’ve seen guys complain that the 5-inch version rides up. That's usually because they bought a size too small. Because the Modal is so stretchy, it’s tempting to size down for a "tight" fit, but that actually causes the fabric to pull and slide. Stick to your true size. If you’re a 32-waist, you’re a Medium. Don’t overthink it.
Dealing With the Price Tag and Longevity
Are they expensive? Yes.
But consider the "Cost Per Wear" metric. If you buy a cheap pair of boxers and they lose their elasticity in six months, you’re constantly replacing them. I have pairs of Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers that have been through the wash fifty times. They still look new.
One thing you have to do, though: Stop using the dryer on high heat. Heat kills Elastane. If you want these to last three years instead of one, wash them on cold and tumble dry on low—or better yet, air dry them. Modal dries incredibly fast anyway.
There's also the "pilling" factor. Some users report that after a few months, the fabric gets those tiny little fuzz balls between the legs. This usually happens if you’re walking long distances and there’s a lot of friction. It doesn't affect the comfort, but it does happen. It’s the trade-off for having fabric this soft.
Comparing the Always In Motion to the Competition
You’ve probably seen ads for MeUndies or Saxx. How do they stack up?
Saxx is famous for the "BallPark Pouch," which is basically a hammock for your junk. Some people love it; others find the mesh dividers annoying. The Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer is more minimalist. It relies on the cut of the fabric rather than internal "walls" to keep things organized.
MeUndies uses a similar MicroModal fabric, but in my experience, the Lululemon waistband is significantly better. MeUndies waistbands tend to fold and "bacon" after a few washes. Lululemon’s stays crisp.
Then there’s the "License to Train" boxer from Lulu itself. That one is 100% synthetic. It’s great for a marathon, but it feels a bit "plastic-y" for sitting at a desk. The Always In Motion is the sweet spot.
What People Get Wrong
People think because it's Lululemon, it's just for "yoga guys." That’s nonsense. Most of the people buying these are just regular dudes who are tired of swamp-butt in the summer.
Another misconception is that they are "compression" shorts. They aren't. If you want compression to hold your muscles during a 10-mile run, these will disappoint you. These are loungewear and daily wear. They are designed to be forgotten once you put them on.
How to Buy Them Without Going Broke
Never pay full price if you can help it.
Lululemon has a section on their site called "We Made Too Much." It’s basically their clearance rack. You can often find the Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer for $19 or $24 instead of $28. The catch? It’ll probably be in a wild color like "Neon Electric Lime" or a weird camo print. But hey, your pants are over them. Who cares?
Also, look for the 3-packs or 5-packs. The savings isn't massive—usually a few bucks per pair—but it adds up if you’re overhauling your entire drawer.
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Practical Steps for Your First Pair
If you’re ready to jump in, don’t buy five pairs at once. Start with one.
- Measure your waist at the narrowest point. Lululemon’s sizing is pretty consistent, but if you’re between sizes, go up.
- Pick the 5-inch if you wear shorter shorts or don't have issues with chafing.
- Pick the 7-inch if you have "thicc" legs or find that most boxers turn into a loincloth by noon.
- Wash them cold immediately after buying to get the factory sizing out of the fabric. It makes them even softer.
- Check the seams for any loose threads. Lululemon has a solid "Quality Promise," and if they fall apart prematurely, you can usually take them back to a store for a swap.
The reality is that your comfort starts with the layer closest to your skin. If you're constantly adjusting yourself, you aren't focused on your work or your workout. The Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer basically solves the "I'm aware of my underwear" problem. Once you switch, it’s really hard to go back to the cheap stuff. Just be prepared for your laundry day to get a whole lot more expensive if you decide to replace the whole fleet.