Lululemon Allspice vs. Burnt Caramel: What's the difference?

The Lululemon Allspice and Burnt Caramel colors are both warm, earthy browns, but key differences in undertone set them apart. Allspice is a rich yet muted brown with subtle, understated warmth, making it a versatile neutral. Burnt Caramel is a deeper, more intense hue with distinct reddish-copper undertones, giving it a bolder, more seasonal feel.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right warm tone for your activewear collection.

Lululemon's Allspice Color

Allspice is an earthy brown designed for subtlety and sophistication. It functions as a versatile neutral that's warmer than a classic taupe but more subdued than a true chocolate brown. This understated quality allows it to integrate seamlessly into a minimalist or classic wardrobe, perfect for those who prefer timeless shades that complement a wide range of other colors.

• What it is: A popular core/seasonal color from Lululemon applied to best-selling products like leggings, shorts, and tops.
• Color Profile: A balanced, muted brown with subtle warm undertones, avoiding the strong red or orange hues seen in other browns.
• Vibe: Sophisticated, grounded, versatile, and calm.
• Pros: Extremely versatile and pairs well with countless other colors. Works for year-round wear. A great alternative to black or gray. Has a timeless, classic feel that won't go out of style quickly.
• Cons: Might feel too subdued for those who prefer vibrant colors. Can wash out some skin tones if the undertones are too similar.

This color is perfect for anyone seeking a sophisticated and understated earthy brown that pairs effortlessly with an existing wardrobe.

Shop items available in this color: shop.lululemon.com/women-new-arrivals

Lululemon's Burnt Caramel Color

Burnt Caramel is a much richer and more saturated take on a brown neutral. Defined by its deep caramel base and prominent reddish undertones, this color makes more of a statement. It radiates warmth and depth, evoking a cozy, autumnal feeling that makes it a perfect highlight for fall and winter activewear collections.

• What it is: A highly sought-after seasonal color from Lululemon, known for its richness and warmth.
• Color Profile: A deep, warm caramel-brown with noticeable reddish and copper undertones that give it intensity and vibrance.
• Vibe: Warm, bold, autumnal, and energizing.
• Pros: Rich hue adds warmth and depth to outfits. Flattering on a wide variety of skin tones due to its warm glow. Makes a stylish statement. Pairs beautifully with cream, teal, and navy.
• Cons: Its strong red undertones may not suit all personal color palettes. Less versatile than Allspice for year-round styling. Feels more seasonal.

An ideal choice for those who love bold, rich autumnal shades and want an activewear color that feels warm and vibrant.

Shop items available in this color: shop.lululemon.com/women-new-arrivals

Allspice vs. Burnt Caramel Comparison

Color & Vibe

The primary difference lies in the undertone and saturation. Allspice presents as a true, muted brown. In sunlight, its subtle warmth comes through, but it remains a grounded neutral. It projects a sleek, classic, and minimalist vibe.

Burnt Caramel, on the other hand, is unmistakably warm due to its strong red and copper undertones. It’s a deeper, richer color that almost looks like a terracotta-brown hybrid in certain lights. This gives it a bolder and cozier vibe, firmly rooting it in an autumnal color story.

Versatility & Pairing

Think of Allspice as a workhorse neutral. It pairs effortlessly with other neutrals like black, white, cream, and olive green. It also provides a great foundation for brighter colors like blues and pinks without clashing. Its year-round versatility makes it an easy choice for building a capsule activewear wardrobe.

Burnt Caramel is slightly more specific but still very stylable. It looks stunning when paired with other warm tones, creams, and deep greens or teals. While excellent for the colder months, its vibrant warmth might feel distinctly autumnal, making it slightly less versatile for spring and summer looks compared to the more neutral Allspice.

Who Each Color Works Best For

Allspice is an easy win for those with a minimalist or classic sense of style. If you primarily build your wardrobe around timeless neutrals and want a warm alternative to gray or navy, Allspice is the color for you. It's a "safe" yet sophisticated choice that always looks put together.

Burnt Caramel appeals to those who embrace seasonal trends and love colors that make a statement. If your style is bolder and you enjoy incorporating rich, warm tones, Burnt Caramel will add a beautiful pop of depth to your activewear. Its warmth is often described as being particularly flattering, giving skin a healthy glow.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Lululemon colors are excellent choices, but they are right for different personal styles and wardrobe needs.

Choose Allspice if:

• You prefer subtle, sophisticated, and understated neutrals.
• You want a color with maximum versatility for year-round wear.
• Your personal style leans toward classic, minimalist, or quiet luxury.
• You want an earthy brown without strong red or orange tones.

Choose Burnt Caramel if:

• You love rich, warm, and vibrant autumnal colors.
• You want an activewear piece that feels like a style statement.
• Your wardrobe already includes complementary tones like cream, navy, or teal.
• You find that warm, reddish-browns are flattering on your skin tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Lululemon's Allspice and Burnt Caramel?

The main difference is the undertone and intensity. Allspice is a muted, neutral brown with a subtle warmth. Burnt Caramel is a deeper, more saturated brown defined by its strong reddish-copper undertones, giving it a much warmer and bolder appearance.

Is Burnt Caramel more brown or red?

Burnt Caramel is fundamentally a brown color, but its character comes from its very strong red and copper undertones. In direct sunlight, the reddish dimension is quite prominent, giving it the appearance of a rich, earthy terracotta.

Is Allspice a good year-round color?

Yes, Allspice is an excellent year-round color. Its balanced, neutral profile makes it just as appropriate for summer athleisure pairings as it is for cozy winter layers, making it a highly versatile pick in any Lululemon product line, like their popular leggings.

Which color is more popular?

Both colors are very popular, but their demand often follows seasonal trends. Burnt Caramel typically sees a huge surge in popularity during the fall and winter months. Allspice, being a more classic neutral, tends to have steady demand year-round. It often comes down to current trends and individual preference.

Do these colors look different in various Lululemon fabrics?

Yes, fabric can affect the appearance of any color. On the matte, buttery-soft Nulu&trade, fabric (used for Align products), colors tend to look slightly softer and more muted. On fabrics with more sheen, like Luxtreme&trade, or Everlux&trade,, colors can appear a bit deeper and more saturated.

How do I style Allspice vs. Burnt Caramel?

Style Allspice with classic neutrals: white, black, heathered grey, cream, or olive green for a timeless look. Style Burnt Caramel with cream or off-white to make the warm tones pop, or pair it with complementary colors like forest green or deep navy for a stylish, rich palette.

Are Allspice and Burnt Caramel limited edition colors?

Lululemon rotates its color offerings seasonally. While some colors become so popular they join the "core" lineup, others are available for a limited time. If you love one of these shades, it's generally best to purchase it when you see it in stock, as there's no guarantee it will return.

Which color is better for fair skin tones?

Both can be flattering. Allspice provides a soft, low-contrast neutral look. Burnt Caramel’s warm, reddish undertones can add a beautiful glow and bit of color to fair skin, preventing a "washed-out" look, which some may find highly flattering.