Lululemon Obsidian vs. Black: What's the difference?

The key difference between Lululemon's Obsidian and Black is their tone: Obsidian is a very dark charcoal gray with cool, subtle undertones, giving it a slightly softer appearance, while Black is a pure, solid, and deep true black. Both colors are staples made from the same high-performance fabrics, offering identical quality and durability, so the choice comes down entirely to aesthetic preference.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right dark neutral for your activewear wardrobe.

Lululemon Obsidian

Obsidian is Lululemon's sophisticated take on a dark neutral, offering an alternative for those who find true black too stark. It's a deep charcoal gray that appears almost black in some lighting but reveals its softer, cool-toned character in brighter conditions. This nuance makes it a modern and stylish choice that pairs effortlessly within an activewear wardrobe.

• What it is: A core Lululemon color that is a very dark charcoal gray with cool undertones.
• Key features: Softer and less stark than pure black, appears almost black in low light, subtle cool undertones can look slightly blue in certain conditions.
• Price: Same price as items in Black. Leggings typically range from $98 to $128.
• Materials/Construction: Offered in Lululemon's signature performance fabrics like Nulu, Luon, and Everlux.
• Pros: A stylish and modern alternative to black, slightly better at hiding lint and pet hair, less harsh in tone, feels slightly more unique.
• Cons: Less universally available than Black across all product lines, can look different depending on the ambient lighting.

This color is perfect for those who wear a lot of dark colors but want a subtle variation from pure black that feels sophisticated and modern.

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

Lululemon Black

Black is the quintessential activewear color, and Lululemon’s version is a true, deep, saturated black. It's the brand’s most popular and widely available color for a reason: it's timeless, slimming, goes with absolutely everything, and provides a sleek, polished look for any activity. It's the foundational color upon which most activewear wardrobes are built.

• What it is: A core Lululemon color that is a pure, true, solid black.
• Key features: Classic and timeless hue, offers a noticeable slimming effect, extremely versatile, and has no discernible undertones.
• Price: The standard price for Lululemon items. Leggings usually cost between $98 and $128.
• Materials/Construction: Offered in Lululemon’s signature high-performance fabrics, ensuring quality and durability.
• Pros: Supremely versatile and matches everything, universally available in nearly every style, classic and timeless aesthetic, provides a slimming silhouette.
• Cons: A more common color choice, can show lint, dust, or pet hair more easily than a dark gray.

Black is the ideal choice for anyone building a foundational workout wardrobe or those who prioritize maximum versatility and a classic, sleek look.

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

Lululemon Obsidian vs. Black Comparison

Tone & Aesthetic

The most significant difference lies in the visual tone. Black is a flat, pure, saturated color. It absorbs light and offers a crisp, defined silhouette that never goes out of style. It’s bold and straightforward.

Obsidian, on the other hand, has more complexity. In low light, it can be mistaken for black. But in direct or bright sunlight, its charcoal gray base and cool, sometimes slightly blue, undertones become apparent. This slight softness makes it appear a bit less intense than true black, which some find more flattering and modern.

Versatility & Pairing

Both colors are incredibly versatile dark neutrals. Black holds the title for ultimate versatility - it truly pairs with every color, print, and pattern without a second thought. It is the safest and easiest option for creating endless outfits from a few core pieces.

Obsidian is nearly as versatile. As a dark charcoal, it functions as a neutral and pairs well with bright colors, pastels, and other neutrals like white, cream, and gray. Its cool undertone means it works exceptionally well with blues, purples, and greens. It's just as versatile but offers a slightly different base to build outfits from.

Availability

This is a practical consideration. Black is a permanent cornerstone of the Lululemon color palette. You can find almost every piece of apparel, from the Align Pant to the Define Jacket, in black at all times. If you want a specific item, it is almost guaranteed to come in black.

Obsidian is also considered a core neutral color, but it isn’t quite as ubiquitous as black. While you will find it in many popular items, it may not be offered in every single style or accessory. Its availability can sometimes be seasonal, appearing more prominently in certain collections.

Which Color Should You Choose?

Both Obsidian and Black are fantastic, high-quality choices for activewear, but they serve slightly different aesthetic needs.

Choose Lululemon Obsidian if:

• You find pure black a little too harsh or severe against your liking.
• You want to expand your collection of neutrals without straying too far from a dark palette.
• Your wardrobe contains a lot of cool tones like blues, purples, and grays.
• You prefer a more modern, nuanced neutral that feels a bit more unique.

Choose Lululemon Black if:

• You prioritize maximum versatility and want a color that is guaranteed to match everything.
• You are buying your first few foundational pieces and need a timeless base to build upon.
• You want the most slimming and classic look activewear can offer.
• You have your heart set on a specific style and want to make sure it's available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon's Obsidian and Black?

The main difference is tone. Obsidian is a very dark charcoal gray with subtle cool undertones. Black is a pure, solid, true black with no undertones. Side-by-side, the difference is noticeable.

Is Obsidian gray?

Yes, Obsidian is a form of gray, specifically a very deep charcoal gray. It is much darker than other Lululemon grays like Heathered Core Ultra Light Grey or Graphite Grey.

Does Obsidian look blue?

In certain bright lighting conditions, the cool undertones in Obsidian can give it a faint bluish cast, but it is officially a charcoal gray color and doesn’t look distinctly blue.

Do Obsidian and Black cost the same from Lululemon?

Yes. Both are considered standard colors, and the price of an item is determined by its style and fabric, not by whether it's Obsidian or Black.

Which color is more slimming?

Generally, true black is considered the most slimming color because of how it absorbs light uniformly and creates a clean, uninterrupted silhouette. Obsidian still offers a very streamlining effect as it's a very dark shade.

Is Obsidian a limited-edition color?

Obsidian is considered a core neutral and is usually available year-round in popular styles like Align and Wunder Train. However, it is not as universally available as Black.

Which color hides sweat better?

Both colors are extremely dark and are excellent at concealing sweat marks. Any difference between the two would be minimal, and both are practical choices for intense workouts.

Does black fade more than obsidian?

Both colors from Lululemon use high-quality, colorfast dyes designed to resist fading with proper care (washing in cold water and laying flat or hanging to dry). Neither color is known to have fading issues more than the other.