Lululemon Blackened Pine vs. Black: What's the difference?

The difference between Lululemon's Blackened Pine and classic Black comes down to undertone and aesthetic. While both are dark neutrals, Blackened Pine is a deep, muted greenish-black with earthy tones, offering a sophisticated alternative to pure black. Lululemon's core Black is a true, rich black without any undertones, providing maximum versatility and a timeless, sleek look.

This guide will walk you through the key differences to help you decide which dark neutral matches your personal style.

Lululemon Blackened Pine

Blackened Pine is one of Lululemon's popular seasonal colorways, valued for its nuanced and understated appearance. It's not quite black, not quite green, it sits in a sophisticated space in between. It serves as an excellent neutral for those who find traditional black too stark or who prefer colors inspired by nature.

• What it is: A deep, muted colorway with strong green and charcoal undertones that often appears almost black in low light.
• Key features: Unique, earthy tone that adds depth to an outfit. It's a "soft" black that feels less intense than pure black.
• Price: Priced identically to core colors like black, typically ranging from $50 - $150.
• Aesthetic: Sophisticated, nature-inspired, and versatile. It pairs exceptionally well with other earth tones, creams, and whites.
• Pros: A unique yet understated alternative to classic black. Flattering on a wide variety of skin tones. Excellent at hiding lint or dust compared to jet black.
• Cons: As a seasonal color, it isn't always available. Less universal for matching than pure black. Can be hard to find in all styles and sizes.

This color is ideal for anyone who loves a dark neutral but wants something with more character and a softer, earthier vibe.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/search?q=blackened-pine

Lululemon Black

Black is the cornerstone color in Lululemon's collection and the most popular choice for a reason. It's slimming, stylish, and incredibly versatile, making it the fail-safe option for leggings, joggers, and tops. Lululemon's black is a deep, saturated shade that holds its color well and provides a clean, sleek foundation for any outfit.

• What it is: Lululemon's timeless, core black color - a true and deep black with no undertones.
• Key features: Completely versatile and easy to match with everything. It is always in stock and available across the widest range of products.
• Price: Standard pricing, typically $50 - $150, consistent with other colors.
• Aesthetic: Classic, sleek, modern, and polished. Works for intense workouts, casual wear, and can even be dressed up.
• Pros: The most versatile color option available. Matches every other color. Never goes out of style and is consistently available.
• Cons: A very common and standard color choice. Can sometimes show lint or pet hair more easily than colors with undertones.

This is the essential go-to for those who value classic style, guaranteed availability, and maximum versatility in their wardrobe.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/search?q=black

Lululemon Blackened Pine vs. Lululemon Black Comparison

Color & Aesthetic

The primary difference is the color's composition. Lululemon Black is a true, pure black. There are no other colors mixed in, giving it a sharp, crisp, and high-contrast look. It's the standard by which all other dark activewear is judged.

Blackened Pine, however, is a complex color. While it is very dark, its base includes dark green and gray tones. In dim lighting, it might easily be mistaken for black. But in daylight, those subtle earthy pine undertones become visible. This gives it a softer effect compared to the starkness of pure black and adds a unique, sophisticated feel to your workout gear.

Versatility & Styling

When it comes to versatility, classic black is unmatched. You can pair black Lululemon leggings or shorts with any color, pattern, or style and be confident that it works. It is the most reliable building block for a capsule wardrobe, whether for fitness or everyday life.

Blackened Pine is also highly versatile, functioning as a dark neutral. It pairs best with other neutrals like white, cream, beige, and shades of gray. It also looks incredible with other earth tones, such as olive green, rust, and khaki. While it works with most colors, it may not create as sharp a look with certain bright neons or cool blues as pure black would.

Availability

This is a major point of differentiation. Black is a core, permanent color for Lululemon. It is always available, well-stocked, and offered in nearly every single product style the company releases, from leggings to accessories.

Blackened Pine is typically a seasonal release. This means it is available for a limited time and only in a select number of styles for that particular season. Its scarcity can make it feel more special, but it also means that if you fall in love with it, you should buy it when you see it, as it may not return.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both colors are excellent, high-quality options from Lululemon, but they cater to slightly different style preferences.

Choose Blackened Pine if:

• You already own a lot of black pieces and want a change.
• You prefer softer, earthier tones and find pure black too harsh.
• Your wardrobe contains a lot of creams, browns, and other neutral colors.
• You appreciate unique, limited-edition colors that few others might have.

Choose Black if:

• You are buying your first core item (like leggings or shorts) and need maximum versatility.
• You want a foolproof color that will match everything in your closet without question.
• You prefer a classic, sleek, and timeless look for your activewear.
• You need a specific style that may not be available in seasonal colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real color of Lululemon Blackened Pine?

Blackened Pine is a deep gray-green with a charcoal base. In low lighting, it reads as a soft black, but in bright sunlight, its complex greenish undertones are clear. It's often described as a dark olive-meets-charcoal color.

Does Blackened Pine fade?

Like any dark garment, fabrics can fade over time with machine washing and drying. To preserve the color of your Lululemon pieces, including Blackened Pine and Black, wash them in cold water with like colors and hang for air drying.

Which color is more flattering?

This is subjective. Black is universally considered slimming and offers a higher-contrast, sleek look. However, some find Blackened Pine to be a softer and more harmonizing option against certain skin tones, appearing less harsh than pure black.

Will Lululemon bring back Blackened Pine?

As a seasonal color, its return isn't guaranteed. Lululemon occasionally brings back popular colors from past seasons, but it's best not to count on it. If you see an item you love in Blackened Pine, it's wise to purchase it while it's available.

How do you style Blackened Pine?

Treat Blackened Pine as you would any dark neutral. It pairs beautifully with light colors like cream, ivory, and light gray. It also complements other earthy tones like olive, tan, rust, and mustard perfectly.

Are items in Blackened Pine made from the same fabric as those in Black?

Yes. The colorway does not change the high-performance fabric used. Whether you choose Blackened Pine or Black in an Align Pant, both will be made of the same soft Nulu fabric.

Does Blackened Pine look more gray or more green?

The color's appearance can vary slightly depending on the fabric and lighting. However, most people perceive distinct green undertones on top of a very dark charcoal or off-black base, leaning more toward a blackened olive than a simple gray.