Lululemon Garnet vs. Cassis: What's the difference?

Garnet and Cassis are two of Lululemon's most popular rich, jewel-toned colors, but they offer distinct aesthetics. Garnet is a deep, warm red that feels bold and energetic, while Cassis is a muted, elegant plum-purple with a softer and more understated vibe. Though similar in depth, their tones place them in completely different style categories.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide between the vibrant energy of Garnet and the subtle sophistication of Cassis.

About Lululemon Garnet

Lululemon's Garnet is a true jewel-toned red, designed for those who want to make a confident statement. With its rich and warm undertones, it’s a powerful color that feels both luxurious and athletic. It’s often featured in popular collections like the Align and Wunder Train, adding a pop of energy to any workout or casual outfit.

• What it is: A deep, sophisticated red shade with warm undertones.
• Aesthetic: Bold, confident, strong, and energetic.
• Price: Available in standard product lines, so there is no price premium for this color. Leggings are typically $98-$128, and tops are $48-$78.
• Pairs well with: Neutrals like black, charcoal grey, white, cream, and navy allow the red to stand out.
• Pros: Makes a strong style statement. The warm tone is flattering on many skin types. Feels energizing for workouts. Great seasonal color for autumn and winter.
• Cons: Less versatile than Cassis or other neutral colors. Can be too bold for those who prefer an understated look.

This color is for someone who loves a vibrant look and wants their activewear to feel powerful and motivating.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/c/women?color=Garnet

About Lululemon Cassis

Cassis is one of Lululemon’s most versatile and sought-after colors, a muted plum-purple that strikes a perfect balance between a neutral and a statement color. Its sophisticated appeal makes it incredibly easy to wear and pair. Cassis often appears muted in some lighting and richer in others, giving it a dynamic quality.

• What it is: A muted plum or dark mauve color with cool-to-neutral undertones.
• Aesthetic: Elegant, subtle, versatile, and calm.
• Price: Follows standard Lululemon pricing, with no additional cost for the color itself on items like Align Pants or tops.
• Pairs well with: Exceptionally versatile. Matches well with grey, black, cream, navy, olive green, and even soft pinks or blues.
• Pros: Extremely versatile and easy to coordinate. Unique without being overly bright or loud. An excellent year-round color. Very sophisticated appearance.
• Cons: Might be too subtle for those who prefer very bright colors. Its muted tone can wash out some complexions depending on the surrounding colors.

This colorway is ideal for anyone looking for a unique yet understated option that works well beyond the gym.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/c/women?color=Cassis

Garnet vs. Cassis: Side-by-Side Comparison

While both colors are featured in the same high-quality fabrics and product lines at identical prices, their key differences come down to aesthetic, versatility, and overall vibe.

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference lies in the personality of each color. Garnet is unapologetically bold. It’s an energetic, fiery red that commands attention and exudes confidence. Wearing Garnet is a deliberate style choice that feels powerful and assertive, making it a favorite for high-intensity workouts or days when you want to feel motivated.

On the other hand, Cassis is all about understated elegance. It's a color you discover rather than one that announces itself. Its calm, plummy hue is sophisticated and chic, easily blending into a refined wardrobe. It provides a touch of color without being loud, making it perfect for yoga, studio classes, or simply looking polished while running errands.

Versatility & Pairing

Here, Cassis has a clear advantage. Its muted, near-neutral quality allows it to pair with a huge spectrum of colors, from basic blacks and greys to more adventurous options like olive green, dusty pink, or pale blue. This makes it incredibly easy to mix and match with items you already own.

Garnet is slightly more limited, working best when positioned as the hero of an outfit. It shines brightest next to simple neutrals that let its rich red be the focus. While this creates a striking look, it offers less mix-and-match flexibility than the more versatile Cassis.

Seasonality

Garnet has a strong association with autumn and winter. Its warm, deep red tone feels perfect for crisp fall days, holiday workouts, and cozy winter style. It can certainly be worn year-round, but it has a distinctly seasonal feel.

Cassis is a true year-round color. Its balanced purple hue works as well in the spring with pastels as it does in the winter with deep charcoals. Its ability to adapt to different seasons adds to its value as a wardrobe staple.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your personal style and what role you want this color to play in your wardrobe.

Choose Garnet if:

• You love bold, energetic colors that make a statement.
• You want your activewear to feel motivating and powerful.
• Your wardrobe consists mainly of neutrals that need a vibrant pop of color.
• You are looking for the perfect rich color for the fall and winter seasons.

Choose Cassis if:

• You prefer sophisticated, understated colors that are elegant and chic.
• Versatility is your top priority, you want a color you can mix and match easily.
• You want something unique but subtle that won't feel loud.
• You're looking for a year-round color that works in any setting, from the studio to the street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon Garnet and Cassis?

The main difference is their tone and vibe. Garnet is a warm, bold, and energetic deep red. Cassis is a cool-toned, muted, and elegant plum-purple. Choose Garnet for a statement look and Cassis for subtle versatility.

Is Cassis a burgundy or a purple?

Cassis is best described as a muted plum or dark mauve color. While it has some reddish undertones like a burgundy, it leans distinctly more purple, making it a unique and sophisticated shade.

Are Lululemon items in these colors see-through?

No. Both Garnet and Cassis are deep, saturated colors featured on Lululemon's high-quality, opaque fabrics like Luon and Nulu. You can feel confident that leggings in these shades will provide full coverage during squats and other movements.

What colors go best with Garnet?

Garnet pops beautifully against simple neutrals. It pairs best with black, charcoal grey, white, cream, and beige. These combinations allow Garnet to be the centerpiece of the outfit.

What colors go best with Cassis?

Cassis is very versatile. It looks incredible with heathered grey, black, navy, and cream. For more colorful pairings, try it with olive green, dusty rose, or even a soft slate blue.

Are Garnet and Cassis limited edition or seasonal colors?

Lululemon frequently rotates its color offerings. Both Garnet and Cassis tend to appear seasonally rather than being permanent core colors. If you see a piece you love in either shade, it's often a good idea to buy it before it disappears.

Which color is more popular?

Both colors have a strong following, but Cassis is widely regarded as a fan-favorite for its extreme versatility and chic look. It often sells out quickly upon release. Garnet is also popular, especially during the fall season.

How do I care for these colors to prevent fading?

To preserve the rich color of both Garnet and Cassis items, follow Lululemon's care recommendations: wash in cold water with similar colors and lay flat or hang to dry. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can damage the performance fibers.