Lululemon Sequoia vs. Espresso: What's the difference?

The Lululemon Sequoia and Espresso colors are two of the brand's most popular neutral offerings, but they cater to very different aesthetics. Sequoia is a muted, earthy green with olive and moss undertones, offering a subtle, nature-inspired feel. In contrast, Espresso is a deep, rich, classic brown that provides a sophisticated and timeless alternative to black or navy.

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

Lululemon Sequoia

Sequoia is a warm, earthy green tone that feels pulled from nature. It’s a muted and sophisticated shade, often described as a mossy or olive green, that functions as a versatile neutral while still offering a unique alternative to more common colors. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to add subtle color to their workout and casual wardrobes.

• What it is: A muted, earthy green colorway available across many of Lululemon's core styles, from leggings to accessories.
• Key features: Subdued, natural hue that pairs exceptionally well with other neutrals like cream, beige, and black, as well as warmer tones like terracotta. Its medium depth is also effective at hiding sweat and minor marks.
• Price: Available in products that typically range from $98 to $128, such as Align or Wunder Train leggings.
• Materials/Construction: Found on Lululemon’s signature fabrics like Nulu and Everlux. The color is consistently applied using high-quality dyeing processes to ensure it doesn't fade with proper care.
• Pros: A unique yet understated color. Highly versatile for both workout and everyday wear. Its nature-inspired look is very on-trend. Blends well with a wide variety of other shades.
• Cons: As a slightly more specific color than a true brown or black, it may not match every item in your existing wardrobe. Availability can fluctuate based on seasonal collections.

This color is perfect for those who love earthy tones and want a versatile, modern neutral that's a step away from traditional gray or navy.

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Lululemon Espresso

Espresso is a deep, rich brown that offers a sophisticated and classic look. It's a true dark neutral that functions much like black but with added warmth and dimension. This shade is a go-to for anyone seeking a timeless, polished color for leggings, jackets, and tops that can easily transition from the gym to daily life.

• What it is: A deep, rich brown color available across a range of popular Lululemon products.
• Key features: Rich, chocolate-brown shade that exudes a classic, refined vibe. It complements nearly every color and provides a softer, warmer alternative to black. Its dark shade is excellent for hiding sweat.
• Price: Commonly found on items priced between $98 and $128 in core styles like the Align Pant.
• Materials/Construction: Offered in Lululemon’s technical fabrics renowned for their softness, stretch, and durability. The dyeing process ensures a rich, lasting color.
• Pros: Extremely versatile and pairs with almost anything. A timeless and flattering alternative to black. Looks sophisticated and polished in both casual and athletic settings. Flattering on a wide range of skin tones.
• Cons: In some low-light conditions, it can appear very close to black. As a popular core neutral, it can sell out quickly, especially in popular sizes and styles.

It's an ideal choice for anyone looking for a versatile, workhorse neutral that feels both timeless and sophisticated.

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Sequoia vs. Espresso Comparison

Color & Aesthetic

The primary difference between the two is their core hue. Sequoia brings a muted, earthy green to the table, creating an aesthetic that feels organic, calm, and grounded. It's modern and aligns perfectly with outdoor activities and a casual, laid-back style. It pairs beautifully with creams, tans, whites, and other greens.

Espresso, on the other hand, is a classic and rich brown. Its aesthetic is more traditional, sophisticated, and polished. Think of it as a direct substitute for black pants - it offers the same go-with-everything versatility but with a softer, warmer feel. It’s perfect for creating chic, monochromatic looks or pairing with bold, bright colors.

Versatility & Styling

Both colors are highly versatile, but they serve slightly different styling roles. Espresso is a foundational wardrobe staple. You can wear Espresso leggings just as you would black leggings - with an oversized sweater for errands, a sports bra at the gym, or a casual button-down for a relaxed weekend look. Its classic nature makes it virtually foolproof.

Sequoia offers a similar level of versatility but with a bit more personality. While it pairs with many colors, it makes a subtle statement. It's great for those who want their neutral base to have a touch of color and feel more current. It looks incredible with athleisure styles and fits seamlessly into wardrobes built around earthy or natural tones.

Who Each One Works Best For

Sequoia is best for someone whose personal style leans towards earthy, natural, or slightly bohemian aesthetics. It's a fantastic choice if your wardrobe is already filled with beiges, creams, and other greens, or if you simply prefer a softer, more distinctive neutral base for your outfits. It's for the person who wants a functional neutral that doesn't feel basic.

Espresso is for the classicist. It's the perfect choice for anyone looking for a direct, high-quality alternative to black activewear. If you prioritize timelessness and want a dark neutral that is unfailingly chic and easy to style, Espresso is the superior pick. It works for anyone who values a polished, sophisticated look that never goes out of fashion.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Lululemon Sequoia and Espresso are fantastic neutral choices, but they are designed for different style preferences.

Choose Sequoia if:

• You love earthy, nature-inspired tones like olive and moss green.
• You want a neutral that feels modern, unique, and a bit more fashion-forward.
• Your wardrobe has a lot of cream, beige, tan, and other warm neutral colors.
• You like a color that is interesting on its own but still pairs easily with others.

Choose Espresso if:

• You are looking for a sophisticated and timeless alternative to black.
• You want a deep, rich color that is easy to style and goes with everything.
• You prefer a classic, polished aesthetic in your activewear and casual clothing.
• You need a foundational color that is guaranteed to match the bright or patterned tops in your wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lululemon Sequoia and Espresso?

The main difference is the base color. Sequoia is a muted, earthy green with olive undertones. Espresso is a deep, rich, classic brown. Sequoia feels more modern and nature-inspired, while Espresso is a timeless, sophisticated neutral.

Which color is more versatile?

Both are highly versatile, but Espresso is arguably more traditional in its versatility, similar to black or navy. It pairs with virtually any color effortlessly. Sequoia is also quite versatile but works best within an earthy or neutral color palette.

Is Sequoia green or brown?

Sequoia is definitively a green. It is a muted, warm green with significant olive and moss tones, sometimes called a "muddy" or "dusty" green, which allows it to function much like a neutral brown.

Is Lululemon Espresso close to black?

In low lighting, Espresso can appear almost black due to its depth. However, in good lighting, its rich brown tones are clearly visible, offering more warmth and dimension than a true black.

Which color is better for hiding sweat?

Both colors are quite dark and excellent at camouflaging sweat marks. You are unlikely to have issues with sweat showing through in either Sequoia or Espresso leggings.

How do you style Lululemon Sequoia?

Pair Sequoia bottoms with tops in cream, white, beige, light gray, black, or warmer tones like rust and terracotta. It creates a stylish, grounded look perfect for both athletic and casual wear.

How do you style Lululemon Espresso?

Treat it like black. You can style Espresso with anything, from bold, bright colors like blue and pink to soft pastels or other neutrals for a chic monochromatic look. An oversized white t-shirt or a cozy beige sweater are classic pairings.

Do these colors fade after washing?

Lululemon uses high-quality dyeing processes designed to maintain color vibrancy. If you follow the care instructions (machine wash cold with like colors, and tumble dry low), both Sequoia and Espresso should retain their rich hues for a very long time.