Lululemon Black Currant vs. Black Cherry: What's the difference?

While both sound deliciously dark, Lululemon Black Currant is a deep, muted purple with cool, berry undertones, giving it a sophisticated and understated feel. In contrast, Black Cherry is a dark, intense red containing warm burgundy and plum notes, creating a bolder and more energetic look.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which rich tone from Lululemon best fits your personal style.

About Lululemon's Black Currant

Black Currant is a chic and elegant shade designed for those who appreciate nuanced color. It’s a versatile dark neutral that isn’t quite black, offering a unique touch of deep purple that feels both modern and timeless. This color often appears in core styles like leggings and bras, making it easy to build a sophisticated workout set.

• What it is: A deep, muted purple with subtle cool, berry undertones that can appear almost black in low lighting.
• Core Vibe: Sophisticated, understated, quiet luxury, and modern.
• Best Paired With: Neutral colors like white, cream, and gray, as well as silvery metallics and cool pastels.
• Price: The color does not affect the item's price. Lululemon products in Black Currant cost the same as they do in other colors, typically ranging from $50–$150.
• Pros: Unique and chic without being loud, pairs beautifully with a neutral wardrobe, excellent at hiding sweat, versatile enough for gym sessions and everyday wear.
• Cons: Limited seasonal availability, can appear too dark for those wanting a distinct pop of color, subtle undertones may be lost in dim lighting.

This color is for the person who loves a classic, elegant aesthetic but wants a subtle twist that sets them apart from the standard black or navy.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?q=black+currant

About Lululemon's Black Cherry

Black Cherry is a vibrant and rich shade that makes a confident statement. This deep, warm red is eye-catching yet still maintains an air of refinement, thanks to its distinct burgundy undertones. It’s a popular choice for fall and winter collections, bringing warmth and energy to activewear apparel.

• What it is: A dark, intense red with warm hints of burgundy and plum.
• Core Vibe: Bold, warm, energetic, and confident.
• Best Paired With: Warm tones like gold metallics, cream, camel, and earthy colors. It also creates a powerful look when styled with black or deep blues.
• Price: The price of items in Black Cherry is consistent with other seasonal colors, generally falling in the $50–$150 range.
• Pros: A striking color that stands out, adds a rich and warm pop to any outfit, extremely flattering on a wide range of skin tones, effective at masking sweat.
• Cons: Also a seasonal shade with limited availability, its boldness may not be for everyone, can be slightly harder to pair than a muted neutral.

This shade is ideal for someone who wants their workout gear to feel powerful and energetic, using color to make a bold yet sharp impression.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?q=black+cherry

Lululemon Black Currant vs. Black Cherry Comparison

Color Tone & Undertones

The most immediate difference between these two colors lies in their undertones and temperature. Black Currant is distinctly cool-toned, rooted in a deep purple base with hints of berry. It reads as a sophisticated, almost-black neutral from a distance, revealing its complexity up close or in good lighting.

Black Cherry, on the other hand, is unequivocally warm. It is a deep, rich red with strong burgundy and plum undertones. While dark, its red base is always apparent, giving it an energetic and vibrant quality that Black Currant's muted tone lacks.

Styling & Versatility

Black Currant offers seamless versatility, especially for those with a wardrobe built on timeless neutrals. It pairs effortlessly with white, beige, light gray, and even soft pinks or blues. Its subtlety allows it to function as a base color, much like navy or charcoal, making it an easy addition to an existing closet.

Black Cherry demands a bit more attention. While it looks fantastic with black and white, it truly shines when complemented by warm tones. Think camel coats, gold jewelry, or creamy sweaters. It acts more like a statement piece than a simple neutral, intended to be the focal point of an outfit.

Vibe & Overall Impression

Black Currant projects an image of refined, understated elegance. It is for the minimalist who appreciates quiet detail and unique, modern colors that don't shout for attention. The vibe is cool, calm, and collected - perfect for a focused yoga class or a chic coffee run.

Black Cherry radiates confidence and energy. It is a more expressive color associated with power and passion. Wearing it feels intentional and bold, making it a great pick for a high-intensity workout or any time you want your outfit to provide a little boost of motivation.

Which Color Should You Choose?

Both shades are beautiful and high-quality, but they cater to very different style preferences.

Choose Black Currant if:

• You prefer sophisticated, muted colors over bright ones.
• Your wardrobe is filled with cool-toned neutrals like gray, white, and pastels.
• You want a unique alternative to black that is still highly versatile.
• You favor an understated and modern aesthetic.

Choose Black Cherry if:

• You love bold, rich colors that make a statement.
• You gravitate toward warm red, burgundy, and plum shades.
• You want your activewear to feel energetic and powerful.
• Your wardrobe pairs well with warm accents like gold jewelry and earthy tones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Black Currant and Black Cherry?

The key difference is the base color and undertone. Black Currant is a deep, cool-toned purple with berry notes, while Black Cherry is a deep, warm-toned red with burgundy notes.

Is Black Currant more purple or black?

Black Currant is a deep purple. In low or dim lighting, it can appear almost black, but in natural light, its rich purple tones become very apparent.

Is Black Cherry more red or purple?

Black Cherry is primarily a deep red. Its undertones might include hints of plum (a form of purple), but its dominant appearance is that of a rich, warm burgundy-red.

Which color hides sweat better?

Both are dark shades and equally fantastic at hiding sweat marks during a workout. You won't have to worry about transparency or visible moisture with either color in Lululemon's performance fabrics.

How do you style Black Currant leggings?

Pair Black Currant leggings with neutral tops in colors like crisp white, heather gray, beige, or a soft cream. A light pastel tank top in blush pink or baby blue can also create a beautiful, soft look.

How do you style Black Cherry leggings?

For a bold look, pair Black Cherry leggings with a simple black or white top. To lean into its warmth, style them with tops in cream, tan, or even a complementary olive green for a rich, autumnal feel.

Are these colors available year-round?

No, both Black Currant and Black Cherry are typically seasonal or limited-edition colors. Their availability depends on Lululemon's current collection, so it's a good idea to buy them when you see them.

Is one color better than the other?

Neither is "better" - it's entirely a matter of personal preference. If your style is cool-toned and understated, you'll likely prefer Black Currant. If you love warm, powerful colors, Black Cherry is the choice for you.