Lululemon Taupetastic vs. Nomad: What's the difference?

The Lululemon colors Taupetastic and Nomad are two of the brand's most popular neutrals, but they are not interchangeable. Nomad is a warm, earthy beige with distinct olive and khaki undertones, giving it a classic, grounded look. Taupetastic is a cooler, more complex taupe-beige that leans into gray territory with soft pink and purple undertones, creating a more modern and unique neutral.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the Lululemon neutral that best fits your skin tone and wardrobe.

The Color: Lululemon Taupetastic

Taupetastic is a sophisticated and trendy neutral noted for its complex, cool undertones. Visually, it exists in the space between beige, gray, and lavender. This unique mix makes it a standout choice that feels more distinct than a standard tan or beige, pairing beautifully with other cool-toned colors in your closet.

• What it is: A cool-toned, grayish-beige with noticeable purple and pink undertones.
• Appearance on Fabrics: On matte fabrics like Nulu (used for Align leggings), the dusty, purplish hues are more prominent. On slicker, performance fabrics like Luxtreme or Everlux, it can appear slightly more gray and less purple.
• Price: As a colorway, it's available on products ranging from $68 to $148, including popular items like Align leggings, Wunder Train shorts, and Scuba hoodies.
• Pros: A unique and stylish neutral that stands out from typical beige or khaki, pairs well with cool colors like gray and lavender, and is excellent at hiding signs of sweat during workouts.
• Cons: The prominent purple/pink undertones can be difficult to pair with warmer colors and may not be flattering on all skin tones, particularly those with strong yellow or olive undertones.

This color suits those looking for a modern, fashion-forward neutral that has a little extra personality and works well within a cool-toned color palette.

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

The Color: Lululemon Nomad

Nomad is Lululemon’s quintessential earthy neutral. It's a warm and versatile shade of beige that strongly channels a khaki or light olive vibe. Its grounded, natural tone makes it incredibly easy to wear and style, functioning almost like a classic tan but with a bit more depth and character thanks to its slight green-brown base.

• What it is: A warm-toned, khaki-leaning beige with definite olive or green undertones.
• Appearance on Fabrics: On soft materials like the Align's Nulu, Nomad has a muted, almost dusty desert feel. On performance fabrics, its khaki undertones become more saturated and pronounced.
• Price: Nomad appears on classic Lululemon styles, which usually fall in the $58 to $128 price range, including Define Jackets, various leggings, and classic men's pieces.
• Pros: Extremely versatile and easy to pair with a wide range of colors (creams, greens, browns), flatters warm and neutral skin tones beautifully, and offers a timeless, outdoorsy look.
• Cons: Can look more "green" than a true beige, which might surprise shoppers expecting a sandy tan. Its warmth can sometimes clash with purples and cooler grays.

Perfect for anyone seeking a reliable, warm, khaki-like neutral that offers effortless Gorpcore and everyday-athleisure style.

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

Taupetastic vs. Nomad Comparison

Color & Undertones

This is the most critical difference. Nomad is firmly a warm-toned color. Holding it in different lighting reveals its olive, khaki, and sometimes yellowish undertones. It’s an earthy, natural color reminiscent of a dry landscape or safari wear.

In contrast, Taupetastic is cool-toned. Its primary base is a beige-gray, but its defining feature is the hint of lavender or dusty pink that runs through it. Next to true gray, it looks beige, but next to true beige, it reveals its distinct purplish-gray identity. The undertone is key to how it will look on your skin and pair with other clothes.

Styling & Versatility

Nomad's warmth makes it an easy match for other earthy tones. It pairs stunningly with cream, forest green, chocolate brown, tan, and faded black. It's a foundational color for a wardrobe built around natural, muted shades.

Taupetastic's cool, unique profile calls for different styling partners. It looks best with black, white, charcoal gray, heathered grays, lavender, and soft blues. It creates a more sleek, modern, and sometimes urban aesthetic compared to Nomad's outdoorsy feel.

Which Products Feature These Colors?

Both colors have been featured across Lululemon's core product lines. You can often find Align Leggings, Wunder Train Leggings and Shorts, and Scuba Hoodies available in one or both shades, depending on the season. Nomad tends to be a reliable staple in both men's and women's collections, appearing on joggers, shorts, and jackets.

Taupetastic often appears in trendy cuts and popular women’s items as a seasonal fashion color, but its popularity has made it a recurring fan favorite. Always check the main Lululemon website, as availability shifts with new product drops.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two legendary neutrals really comes down to your skin's undertones and your personal style.

Choose Taupetastic if:

• You have cool or neutral undertones in your skin (veins look blue or a mix of blue/green).
• Your wardrobe contains a lot of black, gray, lavender, white, and cool blues.
• You want a modern, stylish neutral that feels more unique than traditional beige.
• You aren't afraid of a hue with a subtle hint of dusty purple or mauve.

Choose Nomad if:

• You have warm or neutral undertones in your skin (veins look green or a mix of blue/green).
• Your closet is full of earthy tones like olive green, cream, tan, and rust.
• You want a timeless, super-versatile khaki color that never goes out of style.
• You're looking for an activewear color that easily doubles for casual everyday wear and hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Taupetastic and Nomad?

The main difference is the undertone. Nomad is a warm, earthy beige with olive/khaki undertones. Taupetastic is a cool grayish-beige with purple/pink undertones.

Which color is darker, Nomad or Taupetastic?

They are very similar in terms of depth, so neither is definitively darker than the other. However, Nomad can sometimes appear slightly deeper or more saturated due to its earthy green base, while Taupetastic can sometimes read as lighter due to its gray and lavender hues.

Does Taupetastic actually look purple?

Yes, in certain lighting and next to warmer colors, the lavender and dusty mauve undertones of Taupetastic are quite noticeable. It’s part of what makes the color unique, but it’s something to be aware of if you dislike purple tones.

Is Nomad more brown or green?

Nomad sits perfectly in between, which is why it’s often described as a true khaki. It has both brown and green elements, preventing it from looking like a flat brown or a bright olive.

Which color is better for hiding sweat?

Both muted tones are excellent at hiding sweat, much better than lighter beiges or grays. Taupetastic, with its complex gray base, is particularly effective at masking moisture spots during a workout.

Will these colors wash me out?

It depends on your skin tone. If you have very warm or olive-toned skin, the cool purple notes in Taupetastic might make you look washed out. Conversely, if you have very cool-toned skin with pink undertones, the yellowy-green in Nomad might clash slightly. A great rule of thumb is to match the color temperature to your skin's temperature: warm-toned Nomad for warm skin, and cool-toned Taupetastic for cool skin.

How do you style Lululemon Nomad?

Style Nomad leggings or joggers with a simple white or cream-colored top. It also pairs beautifully with other natural colors like forest green, rust orange, and deep brown. It's a versatile base for any casual or outdoor-inspired outfit.

How do you style Lululemon Taupetastic?

Taupetastic creates a sharp, modern look when paired with a black Align tank, a crisp white top, or a soft charcoal gray Scuba hoodie. For a more subtle color pairing, try it with lavender or other muted purples that complement its undertones.