Lululemon Medium Forest vs. Dark Forest: What's the difference?

The Lululemon Medium Forest and Dark Forest colors may sound similar, but they create entirely different aesthetics. Dark Forest is a deep, rich green with a bold, saturated intensity, offering a more polished and sophisticated look. In contrast, Medium Forest is a softer, more muted shade of green, providing a calmer, more understated, and earthy feel.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which shade of Lululemon green is the right fit for your wardrobe and style.

Lululemon Medium Forest

Medium Forest is a popular shade in Lululemon’s color palette, known for its soft, understated appearance. This natural, muted green has a gentle and calming quality that avoids being overly bright or eye-catching. It perfectly embodies an earthy, relaxed aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer more subtle tones in their activewear.

• What it is: A soft, muted shade of green with an understated and soothing tone.
• Key features: Subdued color that evokes a calm, natural vibe. Pairs beautifully with light neutrals like white and cream, as well as pastel shades.
• Price: The price is determined by the product (e.g., leggings, tops) and is consistent with other standard colors in that line.
• Pros: Highly versatile for a soft, serene look. Easy to pair with lighter colors for a fresh, casual style. Perfect for those who dislike bold colors.
• Cons: Its softer tone might show dirt or scuffs more easily than a darker color. May be too subtle for those seeking a more vibrant or statement look.

This color is ideal for anyone seeking a gentle, earthy green that complements a casual, relaxed athleisure style, particularly for activities like yoga or everyday wear.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/shades-of-green

Lululemon Dark Forest

Dark Forest is Lululemon's richer, more intense take on a classic forest green. This color is deeply saturated, offering a bold yet sophisticated visual that feels both timeless and modern. It's a statement color that remains versatile, pairing effortlessly with dark and neutral tones for a polished look that transitions seamlessly from the gym to daily life.

• What it is: A deep, rich, and saturated green with a bold and sophisticated tone.
• Key features: High intensity level brings a polished look to activewear. Extremely versatile, pairing well with blacks, grays, creams, and other dark neutrals.
• Price: The color does not affect the price, it costs the same as other colors offered for the same apparel item.
• Pros: Bold and sophisticated appearance. Excellent for hiding sweat and concealing dirt. Versatile enough for both athletic and more elevated casual outfits.
• Cons: May feel too intense for individuals who prefer very muted or pastel color palettes. Less of a casual, "breezy" vibe compared to lighter greens.

This shade works best for those who appreciate deep, saturated colors and want a versatile, polished green that makes a statement without being loud.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/shades-of-green

Medium Forest vs. Dark Forest Comparison

Color Tone & Visual Impact

The primary difference between these two colors is their intensity and saturation. Medium Forest is a desaturated, muted green that feels calming and natural. It has grayish undertones that soften its appearance, giving it an earthy, almost dusty quality. It absorbs light and provides a gentle, low-key look.

Dark Forest, on the other hand, is a fully saturated, deep green. It's rich and vibrant, leaning towards a true jewel tone. It has a much bolder presence and often appears more formal or polished due to its depth. In low light, it can almost look black, while in direct sunlight, its rich green hue becomes unmistakable.

Styling & Versatility

Styling options differ significantly based on the color's undertones. Medium Forest pairs beautifully with other soft colors, including pastels (like light pink or baby blue), creams, whites, and light grays. This makes it a great choice for creating a fresh, bright, and relaxed outfit.

Dark Forest serves as a "colored neutral." Its depth allows it to be paired seamlessly with black, navy, charcoal gray, and crisp white for a high-contrast, sophisticated look. It can anchor an outfit and serve as a less harsh alternative to basic black, adding a touch of elegance to any ensemble.

Suitability & Practicality

From a practical standpoint, Dark Forest has a clear edge. Its deep hue is excellent for high-intensity workouts where sweat might be a concern, as it's far less likely to show moisture marks. It’s also more forgiving when it comes to hiding minor dirt or stains, making it a reliable choice for outdoor activities or frequent wear.

Medium Forest, while beautiful, is a bit less practical for intense activity due to its lighter tone, which may show sweat more visibly. It's often better suited for lower-impact activities like yoga or Pilates, or for casual athleisure looks where performance isn't the top priority.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style, your existing wardrobe, and how you plan to wear the items.

Choose Medium Forest if:

• You prefer calm, muted, and understated colors that aren't too bright.
• Your wardrobe features a lot of pastels, creams, and other light neutrals.
• You are looking for an earthy, nature-inspired green for yoga, walking, or everyday wear.
• You want a relaxed, gentle aesthetic over a bold, polished one.

Choose Dark Forest if:

• You love rich, deep, and saturated colors that make a statement.
• You want a versatile shade that works as a polished "colored neutral" with blacks and grays.
• You need your activewear to be practical and effective at hiding sweat and stains.
• You are looking for a sophisticated color that easily transitions from a workout to a casual outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon Medium Forest and Dark Forest?

The main difference is saturation and tone. Dark Forest is a deep, highly saturated green that looks rich and bold. Medium Forest is a muted, softer green with a more understated, earthy appearance.

Is Dark Forest basically black?

No, but it is a very deep green. In dim lighting, it can appear almost black, but in natural or bright light, its rich green color is clearly visible. It's a great alternative for those who wear a lot of black but want to add a touch of color.

Which Lululemon color is better for hiding sweat?

Dark Forest is much better for hiding sweat marks due to its deep, saturated color. Lighter and more muted colors like Medium Forest are more likely to show moisture.

How do I style Medium Forest?

Medium Forest pairs beautifully with light and neutral colors. Try styling it with creamy whites, light grays, beige tones, or soft pastels like lilac or baby pink for a fresh, casual look.

How do I style Dark Forest?

Dark Forest is incredibly versatile. Style it with black, charcoal gray, navy, or crisp white for a classic, sophisticated look. It also pairs well with camel or beige for a chic, autumnal feel.

Which color is more popular?

Both colors are popular but serve different style preferences. Dark Forest is often a core recurring color due to its versatility and classic appeal, similar to navy or burgundy. Medium Forest tends to be more seasonal, appealing to those who love softer, earth-toned palettes.

Do these colors fade after washing?

Lululemon uses high-quality, colorfast dyes. When following the care instructions (washing in cold water and hanging to dry), both colors should maintain their vibrancy well over time with minimal fading.

Are both colors available in all styles like leggings or bras?

Availability depends on the season and current product line. Generally, popular colors like Dark Forest are released in a wide variety of items, including Align leggings, Wunder Trains, sports bras, and outerwear. Medium Forest is also often available in key styles, but its release might be more limited to specific seasonal collections.