Lululemon Maldives Green vs. Kelly Green: What's the difference?

Discover the difference between Lululemon's Maldives Green and Kelly Green. Choose between calming pastels or bold jewel tones for your perfect look.
Spencer Lanoue
Written by: 
Spencer Lanoue
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The difference between Lululemon Maldives Green and Kelly Green comes down to mood and saturation. Maldives Green is a soft, muted pastel inspired by tranquil tropical waters, offering a calm and understated look. In contrast, Kelly Green is a classic, vibrant jewel tone that's bold, energetic, and designed to stand out.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the right Lululemon green for your personal style and workouts.

Lululemon Maldives Green

Maldives Green is a serene and sophisticated shade that captures the essence of a peaceful oceanic lagoon. It’s a light, muted pastel that brings a sense of calm to activewear, making it a perfect fit for those who prefer an understated and nature-inspired aesthetic.

  • What it is: A soft, calming pastel green colorway offered across various Lululemon styles, from leggings to tops.
  • Key features: Subdued, tranquil hue with a clear muted quality. Inspired by nature and tropical landscapes.
  • Aesthetic: Minimalist, relaxed, and serene. It's an elegant color that transitions seamlessly from yoga class to a casual coffee run.
  • Price: The color does not affect the price, costs are consistent with Lululemon's product pricing, typically between $50 - $150.
  • Pros: Extremely versatile and easy to pair with neutrals like white, cream, and grey. Complements a wide range of skin tones. The soft tone feels sophisticated and timeless.
  • Cons: Lighter colors can sometimes show sweat more easily depending on the fabric. It is less bold and eye-catching compared to more vibrant options.

This color is for those who lean toward a subtle, minimalist style and want activewear that feels both elegant and peaceful.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?N=0&Nrpp=12&Ntt=green

Lululemon Kelly Green

Kelly Green is a pure, vibrant green with a classic richness that pops. It’s an energetic, confident color that channels vitality and is perfect for anyone looking to make a statement with their activewear. This shade stands out in the gym or during an outdoor run.

  • What it is: A bright, bold, classic jewel-tone green available in many high-performance Lululemon pieces.
  • Key features: High saturation and lively hue. It’s a pure green that's eye-catching and distinctive.
  • Aesthetic: Vibrant, confident, and energetic. It injects a sense of fun and dynamism into your workout wardrobe.
  • Price: The price is determined by the garment, not the color, ranging from approximately $50 - $150.
  • Pros: High visibility makes it great for outdoor activities like running or cycling. The rich color hides sweat marks effectively. It’s perfect for creating bold, color-blocked looks.
  • Cons: Can be less versatile for everyday styling compared to a muted pastel. Pairing with other colors requires more consideration to avoid clashing.

This brilliant color appeals to those who enjoy a vibrant, powerful aesthetic and aren't afraid of being the center of attention.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?N=0&Nrpp=12&Ntt=green

Maldives Green vs. Kelly Green Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The primary difference lies in the aesthetic each color promotes. Maldives Green is for the minimalist. It embodies a chic, calm style that is subtle and modern. It aligns perfectly with a wellness-focused vibe, fitting in at a yoga studio or a seaside retreat. The color feels quiet and composed.

On the other hand, Kelly Green is for the maximalist at heart. It is unapologetically bold and full of life, exuding energy and confidence. It’s a color that makes a statement and is perfect for high-impact activities where you want your apparel to reflect your intensity. It feels active and assertive.

Versatility & Pairing

Maldives Green’s muted tone makes it incredibly easy to style. It works beautifully as a soft pop of color alongside neutrals like black, white, tan, and grey. It can also be paired with other pastels for a gentle, cohesive look.

Kelly Green operates best as the focal point of an outfit. It looks striking when paired with crisp neutrals - think a Kelly Green sports bra with black leggings, or green shorts with a simple white tee. While it can be styled with other bold colors for a confident look, it shines most when it's the star.

Best Use Cases

Maldives Green's relaxing vibe makes it an ideal choice for low-intensity activities like yoga, Pilates, walking, or simply for comfortable, everyday athleisure wear. Its tranquil hue complements the mindset needed for mindful movement.

The energy of Kelly Green is excellent for running, HIIT, CrossFit, and other high-intensity training. Its visibility is also a practical advantage for anyone exercising outdoors. This color helps you feel powerful and ready to perform.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both greens offer the same great Lululemon quality, but they serve different moods and style preferences.

Choose Maldives Green if:

  • Your personal style is more subtle, minimalist, or modern.
  • You want a versatile color that is easy to pair with most of your wardrobe.
  • You primarily engage in yoga, Pilates, or other mind-body practices.
  • You prefer calm, nature-inspired tones in your activewear.

Choose Kelly Green if:

  • You love bright, bold colors that make a statement.
  • You want your workout gear to feel energetic and motivating.
  • You are looking for high-visibility options for outdoor activities.
  • You enjoy creating eye-catching, confident looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Lululemon’s Maldives Green and Kelly Green?

Maldives Green is a soft, muted pastel green with a calming aesthetic. Kelly Green is a vibrant, saturated jewel-tone green that is bold and energetic.

Does Lululemon charge more for certain colors?

No. Lululemon's pricing is based on the specific product (e.g., Align Pant, Scuba Hoodie), its materials, and its design. The colorway does not impact the price of an item.

Which green is more flattering?

Flattery is subjective and depends on skin tone and personal preference. The softness of Maldives Green often complements a wide variety of skin tones in a subtle way, while the brightness of Kelly Green can beautifully accentuate others with its bold contrast.

Do these colors fade over time?

Lululemon uses high-quality, colorfast dyes to maximize longevity. To prevent fading, it is best to wash your items in cold water with similar colors and lay them flat to dry, away from direct sunlight.

Is Maldives Green see-through?

Whether an item is see-through depends on the fabric, not the color. Lighter shades can sometimes appear less opaque, but Lululemon designs its fabrics like Nulu and Luxtreme to be highly squat-proof and provide excellent coverage.

Which color is better for hiding sweat?

Generally, more saturated and darker colors are better at disguising sweat marks. Kelly Green, with its deep and vibrant pigment, will be more effective at hiding sweat than a light pastel like Maldives Green.

How should I style these colors?

Pair Maldives Green with neutrals like white, cream, tan, and light grey for a chic, minimalist look. Style Kelly Green with black or white to make the color pop, or go bold by pairing it with other classic shades like navy.

Are Lululemon's green colors limited edition?

Lululemon frequently rotates its color offerings each season. While some core colors remain, shades like Maldives Green and Kelly Green are often seasonal. If you see one you love, it’s a good idea to consider purchasing it before it’s gone.