Lululemon Garnet vs. Red Merlot: What's the difference?

Garnet and Red Merlot are two of Lululemon's most popular reddish hues, but they serve distinctly different style purposes. Garnet is a deep, rich burgundy with warm undertones, offering a more subdued and sophisticated look. In contrast, Red Merlot is a brighter, more vivid wine-inspired red that feels energetic and makes a bolder statement.

Here’s a complete look at these two colors to help you decide which one is the right addition to your activewear collection.

Lululemon Garnet

Garnet is a classic, elegant color that exudes warmth and sophistication. Think of it as a deep burgundy or a dark jewel tone. Its richness makes it incredibly versatile, allowing it to function almost like a neutral while still providing a touch of color.

• What it is: A deep, rich burgundy shade with distinctive warm undertones.
• Best Paired With: Its depth allows it to pair beautifully with a wide range of neutrals like black, white, cream, and gray. It also complements earthy tones and muted colors well.
• Vibe: Understated, elegant, sophisticated, and earthy.
• Pros: Extremely versatile for gym and casual wear, pairs easily with most classic activewear colors, has a timeless appeal, and works perfectly for fall and winter aesthetics.
• Cons: A seasonal color that is not always available, less of an "energetic" or eye-catching shade compared to brighter reds, which might not be what you want for an inspiring workout outfit.

Garnet is ideal for those who prefer timeless, versatile pieces that can easily transition from a workout to a casual outing without a second thought.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=garnet

Lululemon Red Merlot

Red Merlot captures the vibrant, lively look of a glass of wine. It's noticeably brighter and more saturated than Garnet, designed to stand out and add energy to any outfit. This color is perfect for anyone wanting to make a confident statement.

• What it is: A vibrant, wine-inspired hue with a lively, energetic feel.
• Best Paired With: It pops beautifully against light neutrals like white, light gray, and beige. You can also pair it monochromatically or with other bright shades for a bold look.
• Vibe: Bold, bright, energetic, and confident.
• Pros: Serves as a great statement piece, adds a motivating pop of color to workout gear, feels vibrant and eye-catching, excellent for all seasons.
• Cons: Less versatile for creating quiet, understated looks, the bright tone might feel too intense for some, and could potentially show wear more visibly over time than a deeper shade.

Choose Red Merlot if your goal is an energetic, attention-grabbing color that brings personality and flair to your activewear wardrobe.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=red-merlot

Garnet vs. Red Merlot Comparison

Color Tone & Vibe

The primary difference is the tone. Garnet is muted and deep, giving it an earthy, luxurious feel. It’s an easy-to-wear color that adds richness without demanding attention. It’s often seen as a staple in fall and winter palettes.

Red Merlot is much more vivid and saturated. It has an energy that Garnet lacks, feeling brighter and more impactful. It reads as a true red with wine-colored depth, designed to stand out and feel motivating.

Styling & Versatility

Garnet is the winner for versatility. Its deep tone allows it to function similarly to a navy or charcoal gray, it pairs effortlessly with almost any neutral color in your wardrobe. You can wear Garnet leggings with a black workout top or a casual cream sweater with equal success.

Red Merlot is more of a statement color. While it also pairs well with neutrals, it creates a much bolder contrast. It’s less about blending in and more about creating a focal point in your outfit. It’s perfect for adding that pop of color to an otherwise simple look.

Who Each One Works Best For

Garnet appeals to those with a more classic and understated style. If you love rich, jewel-toned colors and prioritize versatility for your gym-to-street wardrobe, Garnet is a fantastic choice. It offers color without being overly bright.

Red Merlot is designed for someone who loves to incorporate bold tones into their activewear. If you find vibrant colors motivating and enjoy having standout pieces in your collection, Red Merlot will be a perfect fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both are beautiful colors, but they cater to different style preferences.

Choose Garnet if:

• You prefer timeless, sophisticated colors over brights.
• You want maximum versatility to pair with other items in your wardrobe.
• Your style is more understated and classic.
• You're looking for a perfect fall or winter shade that feels warm and rich.

Choose Red Merlot if:

• You want your activewear to make a bold, energetic statement.
• You love adding a vibrant pop of color to your outfits.
• You are looking for a color that feels motivating and confident.
• Your style is more extroverted and you love eye-catching pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Lululemon Garnet and Red Merlot?

The main difference is saturation and brightness. Garnet is a deep, muted burgundy with warm undertones, while Red Merlot is a much brighter and more vivid wine-red. Garnet is understated and versatile, Red Merlot is bold and energetic.

Is Garnet more of a brown or a red?

Garnet is firmly in the red family, specifically a deep burgundy or maroon. It has warm, slightly brown undertones that contribute to its earthy richness, but it is not a brown color.

Which color is more versatile?

Garnet is generally more versatile because its muted, deep tone pairs easily with a wider range of colors and functions almost as a neutral, making it suitable for many different styles and occasions.

How do I style Red Merlot leggings?

Treat Red Merlot leggings as your statement piece. Pair them with simple, neutral tops like white, black, heathered gray, or beige tanks and t-shirts to let the color pop. A white sneaker completes the clean, sporty look.

Is Red Merlot similar to other Lululemon reds like Dark Red?

Red Merlot is unique, but it shares qualities with other reds. Compared to Dark Red, Red Merlot is typically a bit brighter and has more of a "wine" undertone, whereas Dark Red can be a more classic, primary red. Always compare them in person if possible, as lighting affects perception.

Which Lululemon products come in these colors?

Both Garnet and Red Merlot appear across Lululemon's core product lines, often depending on the season. You can commonly find them in Align and Wunder Train leggings, Define Jackets, sports bras, and various tops and accessories.

Do these colors fade easily?

Lululemon is known for its excellent colorfast technology. To preserve the vibrancy of both colors, especially the brighter Red Merlot, wash items inside out in cold water with similar colors and hang them to dry away from direct sunlight.

Which color is better for a casual, non-gym setting?

Both can work, but Garnet is often an easier color to style for casual, non-workout settings. Its sophisticated, understated vibe easily reads as regular fashion, especially when paired with sweaters, coats, or non-athletic tops.