Lululemon Nocturnal Teal vs. Submarine: What's the difference?
While sharing a similar aquatic naming theme, Lululemon's Nocturnal Teal and Submarine represent two different colorways in the same brand's activewear line. Both Nocturnal Teal and Submarine are specific color options for Lululemon's high-performance activewear, known for its technical fabrics and athletic fit.
Here's a detailed look at each colorway to help you decide which one aligns with your style and preferences.
Lululemon (Nocturnal Teal)

Lululemon is a premium athletic apparel company famous for its high-quality workout and athleisure wear. The Nocturnal Teal colorway is a deep, rich hue offered across their product lines, known for its versatility and sophisticated look on their signature performance fabrics.
- What it is: A premium activewear brand offering performance-driven apparel. Nocturnal Teal is one of its many seasonal and core colors.
- Key features: Technical fabrics (like Nulu and Everlux) that are sweat-wicking, breathable, and offer four-way stretch. Designs focus on functional, minimalist aesthetics with a flattering, body-contouring fit.
- Price: Premium pricing, typically ranging from $98 to $148 for leggings and tops.
- Materials/Construction: Engineered fabrics designed for durability, shape retention, and comfort during intense physical activity.
- Sizing/Fit: Offers a consistent, true-to-size athletic fit designed to support movement. Sizing typically runs from 0-20.
- Pros: Exceptional quality and durability. Superior performance-oriented materials. Flattering and functional fits. Strong brand reputation and resale value.
- Cons: High price point can be a barrier. Styles are minimalist and may not appeal to those seeking bold, graphic designs.
This brand is ideal for those who invest in high-performance activewear for workouts, yoga, running, and a polished athleisure look.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com
Lululemon (Submarine)
Submarine is another popular colorway from Lululemon, offering a slightly different shade in the blue-green spectrum. Like Nocturnal Teal, it's available across Lululemon's range of high-performance activewear pieces.
- What it is: A Lululemon colorway offering the same technical performance in a different shade.
- Key features: Same technical fabrics and performance features as other Lululemon products, with the distinctive Submarine color.
- Price: Same premium pricing as other Lululemon items, typically ranging from $98 to $148.
- Materials/Construction: Identical to other Lululemon products - engineered fabrics designed for athletic performance.
- Sizing/Fit: Same consistent, true-to-size athletic fit across all Lululemon colorways.
- Pros: Same quality and performance as other Lululemon products. Unique color option for variety in your activewear wardrobe.
- Cons: Same premium pricing as other Lululemon items.
Submarine is a great choice for those who love Lululemon's performance but want a different color option from Nocturnal Teal.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com
Nocturnal Teal vs. Submarine Comparison
Quality & Materials
Both colorways use the same high-quality materials and construction. Lululemon invests heavily in proprietary technical fabrics built for sweat-wicking, stretch, and recovery. Whether it's the buttery-soft Nulu fabric for yoga or the fast-drying Everlux for intense training, the focus is squarely on performance and longevity. You feel the quality in the seams, the fabric weight, and how it holds its shape after countless workouts and washes.
Both Nocturnal Teal and Submarine offer the same performance features and durability you expect from Lululemon's premium activewear line.
Style & Aesthetic
Lululemon's aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and functional. Both Nocturnal Teal and Submarine are sophisticated and easy to style, allowing the fit and fabric to be the main features. The look is polished and athletic, easily transitioning from the gym to errands.
The main difference is in the color tone - Nocturnal Teal offers a deeper, richer hue while Submarine provides a slightly different shade in the blue-green family.
Price & Value
Both colorways are priced the same, operating at Lululemon's premium price point, with leggings often costing over $100. The value proposition is in the performance, durability, and fit - you're paying for technical innovation and a product that lasts. Many customers see it as an investment in their active lifestyle.
The choice between the two comes down to personal color preference rather than price differences.
Fit & Sizing
Both Nocturnal Teal and Submarine offer the same fit and sizing. Lululemon is known for its precise, body-contouring fits that are designed to support and move with you. The brand offers consistent sizing and specific designs engineered for different activities, whether you need compression for running or unrestricted stretch for yoga.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both colorways offer the same exceptional Lululemon quality and performance, so your choice comes down to color preference.
Choose Nocturnal Teal if:
- You prefer deeper, richer teal tones.
- You want a versatile color that works well with many other shades.
- You like the sophisticated, muted aesthetic.
- You're building a more neutral-toned activewear wardrobe.
Choose Submarine if:
- You prefer this particular shade in the blue-green spectrum.
- You want to add variety to your Lululemon color collection.
- You're drawn to this specific colorway's unique tone.
- You want the same Lululemon performance in a different color option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Nocturnal Teal and Submarine?
The main difference is the color tone. Both are Lululemon colorways with identical performance features and quality, but they offer different shades in the blue-green color family.
Is one color better quality than the other?
No, both Nocturnal Teal and Submarine use the same high-quality Lululemon fabrics and construction. The performance, durability, and comfort are identical across both colorways.
Which color is more expensive?
Both colors are priced the same. Lululemon doesn't typically charge different prices for different colorways of the same item.
What kind of style is Lululemon's Nocturnal Teal?
Nocturnal Teal is a deep, muted teal color. It reflects Lululemon's overall aesthetic: sophisticated, versatile, and modern. It's a color that can be worn for a workout or styled for a casual, sleek street look without being overly flashy.
Is Lululemon suitable for everyday wear?
Absolutely. Lululemon is a leader in the "athleisure" movement, and its clothing is designed to be comfortable and stylish enough for both workouts and everyday life, such as running errands or meeting friends.
Are both colors considered activewear?
Yes, both Nocturnal Teal and Submarine are colorways for Lululemon's performance activewear, featuring moisture-wicking, stretch, and supportive properties.
How does sizing work across different Lululemon colors?
Lululemon sizing is consistent across all colorways. Whether you choose Nocturnal Teal or Submarine, the fit will be the same - tailored, athletic, and true to size.
Which color is more sustainable?
Both colorways are produced using Lululemon's same sustainability practices and commitments, including goals for using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing.
Written by
Spencer Lanoue
