Black Granite vs. Graphite Grey Lululemon: What's the difference?

The main difference between the Lululemon Black Granite and Graphite Grey colors is their undertone and depth. Black Granite is a deep, textured off-black that looks like dark charcoal, giving it dimension, while Graphite Grey is a solid, cool-toned medium-dark grey that appears softer and has a more modern, understated feel.

I'll walk you through the key differences so you can pick the perfect neutral shade from Lululemon for your wardrobe.

Lululemon Black Granite

Black Granite is Lululemon's answer to a classic black with a modern twist. Instead of a flat, jet-black color, it has a subtle heathered or textured appearance that adds depth, making it look like a very dark, rich charcoal. This unique finish gives it a slightly more casual and sophisticated feel than a standard black, while retaining all the sleek versatility you'd expect.

• What it is: A core neutral color that presents as a textured, off-black or dark charcoal shade.
• Key features: Subtly textured appearance hides sweat exceptionally well and offers a less harsh alternative to a pure jet black.
• Price: The color does not affect the price, pieces in Black Granite cost the same as other core colors in the same style (typically $78 to $128 for leggings).
• Style &, Aesthetic: It’s sleek, modern, and slimming. The textured look makes it feel a bit more elevated and less like basic workout gear.
• Pros: Excellent at concealing sweat and stains, incredibly versatile, provides a slimming effect, modern alternative to solid black.
• Cons: Can look like slightly faded black until seen up close, not as high-contrast as true black.

This color is for those who love wearing black but want something with a bit more visual interest and sophistication.

Shop this color on Lululemon's website: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=black%20granite

Lululemon Graphite Grey

Graphite Grey is a cool-toned, medium-to-dark grey that offers understated elegance. It serves as a softer, brighter neutral alternative to black, providing a minimalist and versatile base for any outfit. It's a clean, solid color without the texturing of Black Granite, making it feel contemporary and calm.

• What it is: A sophisticated, solid medium-dark grey with cool, slate-like undertones.
• Key features: Smooth, solid color that complements both brights and neutrals, offers a lighter aesthetic than black or charcoal.
• Price: The cost is consistent with other core colors within Lululemon's product lines.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Modern, understated, and versatile. It's perfect for a less intense look and excellent for athleisure styling.
• Pros: Lighter alternative to black, extremely versatile, clean and modern aesthetic, pairs well with a very wide range of colors.
• Cons: Can show sweat more easily than darker colors, particularly on fabrics like Nulu, not as slimming as true black or Black Granite.

This shade works best for anyone who finds black to be too harsh and wants a versatile neutral that feels both relaxed and chic.

Shop this color on Lululemon's website: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=graphite%20grey

Black Granite vs. Graphite Grey Comparison

Color &, Undertones

The most immediate difference is in the color itself. Held side-by-side, Black Granite is clearly an off-black. It's a very dark charcoal that appears almost black from a distance but reveals a fine, textured pattern up close. It doesn't have strong cool or warm undertones, making it a true neutral.

Graphite Grey, on the other hand, is a true grey. It's a solid, single-tone color that's several shades lighter than Black Granite. It has distinct cool, almost slate-blue undertones, which gives it a crisp, modern appearance.

Style &, Versatility

Both colors are incredibly versatile, but they create different moods. Black Granite provides the classic, go-with-anything performance of black. It offers a slimming silhouette and feels grounded and powerful, making it a perfect choice for intense workouts where you want to feel focused. The subtle texture adds just enough interest to make it suitable for casual wear without looking like you just left the gym.

Graphite Grey feels softer and more laid-back. It's an excellent choice for athleisure looks, pairing equally well with a pastel oversized sweatshirt as it does with a vibrant workout tank. It brightens up an outfit compared to black and exudes a more contemporary, lifestyle-oriented feel, perfect for yoga, Pilates, or running errands.

Performance &, Sweat Concealment

When it comes to hiding sweat, Black Granite is the clear winner. Its dark color and textured finish are exceptionally effective at masking moisture, even during the most demanding HIIT sessions. You can work out with confidence knowing sweat marks are unlikely to show.

Graphite Grey is a solid performer but, being a lighter shade, it can be less forgiving. In fabrics designed for low-impact activities like buttery-soft Nulu (found in Align leggings), sweat can become visible. However, in technical, fast-drying fabrics like Everlux (found in Wunder Train leggings), its performance is much better.

Price &, Availability

There is no price difference between choosing a product in Black Granite versus Graphite Grey. Both are considered core colors in the Lululemon palette, so they are consistently available across a wide range of popular product lines, including Align, Wunder Train, Scuba hoodies, and various joggers and shorts. You can reliably find both online and in stores throughout the year.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both colors are excellent, reliable choices, but they suit different preferences and priorities.

Choose Black Granite if:

• Hiding sweat during high-intensity workouts is your number one priority.
• You are looking for a classic black but want a more modern, textured finish.
• A sleek, slimming silhouette is important to you.
• You want a highly versatile color that works seamlessly for both performance and everyday wear.

Choose Graphite Grey if:

• You find solid black leggings too intense or harsh.
• You want a chic neutral that feels softer and more contemporary.
• Your activities are generally lower-impact, like yoga, walking, or Pilates.
• You love pairing your leggings with pastels, bright tones, and a variety of other neutrals for athleisure looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Black Granite vs. Graphite Grey?

Black Granite is a textured off-black/dark charcoal, while Graphite Grey is a solid, lighter, cool-toned medium grey. Black Granite is much darker and better at hiding sweat.

Which color is darker?

Black Granite is significantly darker. It is meant to be a variation of black, whereas Graphite Grey is firmly a shade of grey.

Does Graphite Grey show sweat?

It can show sweat more than Black Granite or true black, especially in softer fabrics like Nulu used for Align leggings. In performance fabrics like Everlux from the Wunder Train collection, it does a much better job wicking moisture and minimizing the appearance of sweat.

Is Black Granite the same as Lululemon's regular "Black"?

No. Lululemon's standard "Black" is a deep, solid jet black. Black Granite is lighter and has a distinct texture, making it look like a very dark, heathered charcoal.

Which color is more versatile?

Both are extremely versatile. Black Granite functions as a classic black, pairing effortlessly with any color. Graphite Grey is also a highly functional neutral that offers a softer, more modern base for outfits.

Are these colors likely to go on sale?

As core colors, they appear less frequently in Lululemon's "We Made Too Much" sale section compared to seasonal shades. However, it's not impossible to find them discounted, especially during larger sale events.

How do I care for my gear in these colors?

To prevent fading and maintain fabric quality, Lululemon recommends washing garments inside out in cold water with similar fabrics, avoiding fabric softener, and hanging them to air dry.

What popular items come in these colors?

You can find both colors in many of Lululemon's most popular items, including Align leggings, Wunder Train leggings, Scuba hoodies, and Ready to Rulu joggers.