Lululemon Dark Adobe vs. Cassis: What's the difference?

Compare Lululemon's Dark Adobe and Cassis shades - discover the warm, earthy terracotta of Dark Adobe versus the vibrant, berry-purple of Cassis. Find your style.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The Lululemon Dark Adobe and Cassis are two distinct shades that cater to different styles. Dark Adobe is a warm, earthy terracotta or burnt sienna that acts almost as a neutral, while Cassis is a deep, rich berry-purple with cool plum undertones for a more vibrant, statement look. Though similarly deep and saturated, they create entirely different aesthetics.

Here's everything you need to know to help decide which sophisticated Lululemon color is the right addition to your activewear collection.

Lululemon Dark Adobe

Lululemon's Dark Adobe is a grounded, earthy color that brings a muted warmth to activewear. Its resemblance to terracotta clay or burnt sienna makes it an incredibly versatile color that pairs well with other neutrals and can easily transition from the gym to casual everyday wear. It’s a sophisticated choice for someone who prefers an understated yet unique alternative to standard black or gray.

  • What it is: A warm, muted terracotta/burnt sienna colorway offered across various Lululemon product lines.
  • Key features: Earthy and calming hue, blends well with warm-toned and neutral wardrobes, sophisticated and understated.
  • Price: Available at the standard price for Lululemon items (e.g., $98-$128 for leggings) with no upcharge for the color.
  • Materials/Construction: Offered in Lululemon’s signature high-performance fabrics like Nulu and Luon. The color is achieved with high-quality dyes designed for durability and to resist fading.
  • Styling: Pairs beautifully with cream, beige, olive green, denim, and black.
  • Pros: Extremely versatile year-round color. Functions as a neutral with a bit of warmth. Transitions effortlessly from workout to casual settings. Flattering on a wide range of skin tones.
  • Cons: Less eye-catching than brighter options. Its availability is often seasonal and can be difficult to find. Sometimes described as more brown or red depending on the fabric and lighting.

This color is ideal for those who favor a subtle, earthy palette and want a versatile piece that complements a neutral-focused wardrobe.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=dark%20adobe

Lululemon Cassis

Lululemon's Cassis is a deep, luxurious berry color with rich plum and purple undertones. It’s a bold yet sophisticated choice that adds a pop of jewel-toned color to your look without being overwhelmingly bright. It's perfect for making a stylish statement while maintaining a chic and polished aesthetic, especially popular in fall and winter collections.

  • What it is: A deep, berry-purple activewear colorway with strong plum undertones.
  • Key features: Rich, vibrant, and elegant jewel tone that stands out. Adds a sophisticated splash of color to any outfit.
  • Price: Lululemon products in Cassis are priced the same as standard colors like black or grey.
  • Materials/Construction: Found on bestselling Lululemon fabrics with excellent colorfastness, though like all dark, vibrant colors, requires careful washing to maintain maximum vibrancy over time.
  • Styling: Pairs well with black, white, gray, navy, and even lighter pinks for a complementary look.
  • Pros: Striking and unique color. Sophisticated jewel tone that looks high-end. Versatile enough to be paired with many neutrals. Energizing color for workouts.
  • Cons: Not as subtle as a true neutral tone. Its availability can be patchy as it's typically a seasonal release.

This color is perfect for anyone wanting to add a bold, rich pop of color to their activewear rotation and loves sophisticated, cool-toned jewel hues.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=cassis

Lululemon Dark Adobe vs. Cassis Comparison

Color & Aesthetics

The fundamental difference between Dark Adobe and Cassis is their color family and undertone. Dark Adobe is a warm-toned earthy red-brown, reminiscent of terracotta. It feels grounded, calm, and is easily integrated into a neutral wardrobe. It’s a muted color that brings warmth without demanding attention.

Cassis, on the other hand, is a cool-toned deep purple with distinct berry and plum notes. It's a rich, vibrant jewel tone. While also sophisticated, it is designed to be noticed and adds a powerful splash of color. It has an energetic and luxurious feel that stands in contrast to Dark Adobe’s quiet confidence.

Versatility & Styling

Both colors are surprisingly versatile, but they serve different styling purposes. Dark Adobe excels as a "colored neutral." It can be worn similarly to how one might wear olive green or navy - it provides variety without disrupting a minimalist or earthy aesthetic. It pairs effortlessly with other warm tones like cream, tan, and brown, making it a staple for those with that color palette.

Cassis is a statement color. Its versatility comes from how well it complements foundational neutrals like black, white, charcoal, and heather gray. It elevates a simple outfit by providing a single, compelling focal point of color. While strongly associated with autumn, Cassis works year-round to bring depth and personality to a look.

Availability & Price

Neither Dark Adobe nor Cassis are typically considered part of Lululemon's permanent core collection, which includes colors like black, white, and navy. They are usually released seasonally in various product styles, from Align leggings to Swiftly Tech tops. This means their availability can be inconsistent, and popular items in these colors may sell out quickly. Checking the "We Made Too Much" section can sometimes uncover past-season items in these shades.

When in stock, items in Dark Adobe and Cassis are sold at the same price as the same item in a core color. You do not pay a premium for these specific shades.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your personal style and existing wardrobe.

Choose Dark Adobe if:

  • You prefer warm, earthy colors and a muted aesthetic.
  • You want a unique alternative to black or gray that functions as a neutral.
  • Your wardrobe has a lot of cream, beige, olive, and brown.
  • You want a color that seamlessly blends into a casual, everyday look outside the gym.

Choose Cassis if:

  • You love rich jewel tones and want your activewear to make a statement.
  • You want to add a vibrant but sophisticated pop of color to your collection.
  • You often pair your Lululemon pieces with black, white, or gray tops and shoes.
  • You're drawn to elegant, energetic colors with cool undertones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Dark Adobe and Cassis?

Dark Adobe is a warm-toned, earthy terracotta red-brown. Cassis is a cool-toned, deep berry-purple with plum undertones. The primary difference is the color family and overall vibe: warm and muted vs. cool and vibrant.

Is Dark Adobe more brown or red?

Dark Adobe sits right in between, similar to burnt sienna or clay. On different fabrics and in different lighting, it can appear more reddish or lean more into its muted brown base, but it's best described as a terracotta color.

Is Cassis purple or burgundy?

Cassis is definitively in the purple family. It is a very deep berry-purple with rich plum notes, distinguishing it from burgundy, which has stronger red and brown undertones.

Which color is more versatile?

Dark Adobe is arguably more versatile in a neutral, everyday sense, as it blends easily with more colors. However, Cassis is also very versatile because it pairs so well with foundational basics like black, white, and gray, making it easy to create an impactful outfit.

Are Dark Adobe and Cassis limited edition colors?

They are generally considered seasonal rather than part of the year-round collection. They appear in select product drops and may not be consistently available, so it's a good idea to purchase if you see an item you love in either color.

Do these colors cost more?

No. Lululemon does not charge extra for seasonal or premium colors like Dark Adobe or Cassis. Products are priced based on the item style and fabric, not the color.

How do you style Dark Adobe leggings?

Pair them with a cream-colored top, an olive green jacket, or a simple white or black t-shirt. They also look great with denim jackets and neutral-toned sneakers for a casual look.

How do you style Cassis leggings?

Create a chic and easy look by pairing them with a crisp white, heather gray, or black top. Cassis also looks beautiful with navy blue or even a softer, lighter pink.

Is Lululemon sizing consistent across colors?

Yes, the fit and sizing for a specific Lululemon item like the Align Pant should be the same regardless of whether you choose a core color like black or a seasonal color like Dark Adobe or Cassis.

Do these colors fade easily?

Lululemon uses high-quality dyeing processes designed to minimize fading. To ensure longevity, especially for a rich color like Cassis, wash your items in cold water with similar colors and hang them to dry, avoiding high-heat dryers.