Lululemon Cassis vs. Red Merlot: What's the difference?

The Lululemon shades Cassis and Red Merlot are both beautiful, rich tones, but they serve different style preferences. Cassis is a soft, muted lavender-purple that offers a serene and delicate look, while Red Merlot is a deep, bold burgundy-wine shade that provides a more vibrant and sophisticated statement.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right hue for your activewear wardrobe.

Lululemon Cassis

Cassis is a sophisticated and understated color that often appears in Lululemon’s beloved Align™ collection. It’s a muted purple with cool, gray undertones, resembling the pale shade of blackcurrant. This makes it a unique yet highly versatile color that feels calming and chic, perfect for yoga, Pilates, or comfortable everyday wear.

• What it is: A soft, muted lavender-purple hue with a calm, pastel vibe.
• Key features: Unique yet subtle, easy to pair with neutrals, and exudes a relaxed, feminine aesthetic.
• Price: Price is tied to the garment, not the color. Leggings in Cassis typically cost between $98 and $128.
• Materials/Construction: Most commonly found in Lululemon's buttery-soft and lightweight Nulu™ fabric, known for its second-skin feel and incredible comfort.
• Pros: A beautiful and unique shade that isn't overly bright. Pairs well with white, beige, light gray, and other pastels. Offers a serene and sophisticated look.
• Cons: As a lighter color, it may show sweat more visibly than darker shades. Often released as a seasonal color, so availability can be limited.

This color is ideal for anyone who prefers muted, calming tones and wants a versatile piece that feels both unique and understated.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/leggings/Cassis-Align-Pant-28-Inseam

Lululemon Red Merlot

Red Merlot is a rich, warm, and deep wine color that makes a confident style statement. It's a classic burgundy shade similar to a glass of Merlot wine, offering a look that feels both luxurious and powerful. Like Cassis, it is frequently featured in core collections like the Align™ series, making high-performance activewear feel exceptionally elegant.

• What it is: A deep wine-red or burgundy shade that is bold and sophisticated.
• Key features: A rich and intense statement color that adds depth to any outfit.
• Price: Aligns with standard Lululemon pricing for the clothing item, leggings typically range from $98 to $128.
• Materials/Construction: Often made with the lightweight and soft Nulu™ fabric, providing the same high-quality feel and performance as other colors in the collection.
• Pros: A rich and luxurious color that doesn't show sweat easily. Highly versatile, pairing beautifully with black, navy, cream, and metallics. Great year-round color, especially popular in fall and winter.
• Cons: A more common color profile than Cassis, so it may feel less unique. Availability is also often seasonal and can sell out quickly.

This shade works perfectly for those who want a bold, eye-catching piece that can be styled for workouts, errands, or casual get-togethers.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/leggings/Red-Merlot-Align-Pant-28-Inch

Lululemon Cassis vs. Red Merlot Comparison

Color & Vibe

The primary difference lies in their aesthetic. Cassis is a cool-toned, soft lavender-purple that feels serene, gentle, and modernly feminine. It’s perfect for someone whose style is more understated and leans towards pastels.

On the other hand, Red Merlot is a warm-toned, deep burgundy that projects confidence, sophistication, and timeless elegance. Its richness provides a more intense, statement-making look, ideal for those who love bold, luxurious jewel tones.

Versatility & Styling

Both colors are surprisingly versatile, but they shine with different palettes. Cassis creates a fresh, clean look when paired with light neutrals like white, cream, and light gray. It also complements other pastels for a softer overall style, making it feel especially fitting for spring and summer workouts.

Red Merlot is a powerhouse when paired with deeper colors like black and navy, or classic neutrals like cream and camel. It looks incredibly chic with metallic accents like gold. While wearable year-round, its deep, warm tone makes it a natural fit for fall and winter wardrobes.

Quality & Materials

There is no difference in quality between the two. When both colors are offered in the same product, such as the Align™ Pant, they are made from the exact same fabric (typically Nulu™) with identical standards of construction and durability. The only variable is the color dye itself. Both will offer the same beloved buttery-soft feel, four-way stretch, and lightweight performance you expect from Lululemon.

Price & Availability

Pricing is determined by the clothing item, not the colorway. An Align™ pant will cost the same whether you buy it in Cassis, Red Merlot, or classic black. However, both Cassis and Red Merlot are often released as seasonal or limited-edition colors. This means they are not always available and tend to sell out, especially in popular sizes. If you see either color in a style you love, it’s best to purchase it sooner rather than later.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both colors are great options in Lululemon's high-quality fabrics, so the best choice depends on your personal style and existing wardrobe.

Choose Cassis if:

• You prefer soft, subtle, and calming pastel tones.
• Your activewear aesthetic is serene, feminine, and understated.
• Your wardrobe has plenty of light neutrals like white, cream, and heather gray to pair it with.
• You want a color that feels special and unique without being overly bright or loud.

Choose Red Merlot if:

• You love deep, rich, and bold statement colors that feel luxurious.
• You want a sophisticated shade that can easily be dressed up for athleisure looks.
• Your wardrobe includes classic colors like black, navy, camel, and cream.
• You prefer darker colors that don’t show sweat and feel appropriate for any season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Cassis and Red Merlot?

Cassis is a soft, cool-toned lavender-purple. Red Merlot is a deep, warm-toned burgundy-wine color. The difference is their color family and overall vibe: Cassis is subtle and serene, while Red Merlot is bold and sophisticated.

Is Cassis considered purple or pink?

Cassis is firmly in the purple family. It’s a muted lavender color with noticeable grey undertones, which distinguishes it from brighter magenta or pink shades.

Which color hides sweat better?

As a darker, more saturated shade, Red Merlot is significantly better at minimizing the appearance of sweat compared to the lighter pastel of Cassis.

Do Cassis and Red Merlot fit the same in Align leggings?

Yes. The fit and feel of Lululemon workout attire, like the Align leggings, are consistent across different colors. A size 6 in Cassis will fit identically to a size 6 in Red Merlot.

Are Cassis and Red Merlot limited edition colors?

They are typically released as seasonal colors rather than core, permanent offerings. This means their availability can be limited, and they often get replaced by new shades each season.

How should I wash apparel in these colors?

Follow standard Lululemon care instructions: Machine wash with similar fabrics in cold water and tumble dry on low. Avoid using fabric softener to protect the performance fibers of the fabric.

Which color is more popular?

Popularity often depends on current trends. However, deep wine colors like Red Merlot tend to have broad, consistent appeal due to their classic look and versatility, particularly for fall fashion.

Is Lululemon Cassis see-through?

When featured in Nulu™ fabric for products like the Cassis Align Pant, the material is generally opaque and passes the squat test. However, as with any lighter-colored legging, it's always best to wear seamless, neutral-toned underwear for maximum confidence.