Lululemon Raw Linen vs. Bone: What's the difference?

The Lululemon Raw Linen color is a textured neutral with an earthy, rustic feel, designed to mimic the appearance of natural linen fabric. In contrast, Lululemon's Bone is a smooth, warm, solid beige neutral known for its classic and versatile aesthetic. The primary difference is texture and overall style: Raw Linen is relaxed and tactile, while Bone is sleek and polished.

Here's a complete look at these two popular neutrals from Lululemon to help you decide which is the right addition to your wardrobe.

About the Lululemon Bone Color

Bone is one of Lululemon's core neutral shades, a sophisticated warm beige that offers timeless versatility. It's a go-to for those who prefer an understated look that can be effortlessly paired with almost any other color. Frequently featured in iconic collections like Align, Scuba, and Wunder Train, Bone delivers a clean, polished look that transitions smoothly from workouts to everyday wear.

• What it is: A solid, warm beige neutral with a smooth, uniform finish.
• Key features: Complements a wide range of skin tones, adapts easily to different styles, and offers a sleek, minimalist appearance. Its light-but-warm tone is great at hiding sweat compared to bright whites or grays.
• Price: The color does not affect pricing. Expect to pay the standard Lululemon price for any given item, typically ranging from $50-$150.
• Materials/Construction: Found across Lululemon's core performance fabrics like Nulu, Luon, and Everlux, maintaining consistent color and a smooth handfeel.
• Pros: Extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down, pairs well with the entire color spectrum, timeless aesthetic, provides a chic and clean look.
• Cons: As a solid light color, it can be more prone to showing stains, its simplicity may feel too plain for those who prefer more visual interest.

This color is ideal for anyone looking to build a capsule wardrobe with a chic, reliable neutral that never goes out of style.

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

About the Lululemon Raw Linen Color

Raw Linen is an earthy color known for its textured look that resembles natural linen fabric. While it shares a similar neutral base as Bone, its distinguishing feature is the subtle, woven-like appearance that gives it a more casual, relaxed, and organic feel. This textured effect adds visual depth, making it a popular choice for athleisure styles that lean toward a boho or laid-back aesthetic.

• What it is: A neutral, off-white or beige shade defined by its textured, linen-like visual appearance.
• Key features: Tactile and visually interesting texture, relaxed and earthy style, breathable feel matching Lululemon's high-performance standards.
• Price: The price is determined by the apparel item, not the color. Costs align with standard pricing for Lululemon leggings, tops, and outerwear.
• Materials/Construction: Achieved by blending textured fibers into core fabrics like Nulu or Luon, creating the signature linen look without compromising on stretch or softness.
• Pros: Unique visual texture stands out from standard solid colors, the textured surface can help camouflage minor stains or imperfections, offers a stylish and relaxed vibe.
• Cons: The specific look is less versatile for formal or sleek outfits, the textured aesthetic may not suit a minimalist or classic wardrobe style preference.

Raw Linen is suited for those who appreciate natural textures and want a neutral color with more character and a decidedly casual feel.

Shop this color: shop.lululemon.com/search?Ntt=raw%20linen

Bone vs. Raw Linen Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The biggest distinction between Bone and Raw Linen lies in their aesthetic. Bone is the epitome of clean, minimalist sophistication. Its smooth, solid finish projects a polished and timeless look that fits seamlessly into classic and modern wardrobes. It's the kind of neutral you can rely on for any occasion, from a yoga class to a casual brunch meeting.

Raw Linen, however, cultivates an entirely different vibe. Its textured appearance introduces a relaxed, earthy, and organic element. It feels more casual and laid-back, perfect for days when you're going for a comfortable, approachable, and slightly bohemian style. The choice here comes down to personal expression: sleek and refined with Bone, or natural and textured with Raw Linen.

Fabric Feel & Appearance

While both colors are applied to Lululemon's famously soft performance fabrics, the surface appearance is what sets them apart. Bone maintains the signature smooth finish of fabrics like Nulu or Luon. There is no visual or physical texture - it's a uniform, solid color.

Raw Linen is intentionally designed to look textured. You can see the subtle variations in the weave that mimic natural linen. While the inside of the garment remains soft against the skin, the exterior has a distinct tactile look that adds depth and character.

Versatility

Both colors are neutral and versatile, but they serve different functions. Bone offers superior versatility in a traditional sense. Because it's a smooth, solid color, it can be paired with literally anything - from bold prints to other solid colors and textured materials like knits or denim - without clashing. Its refined look makes it suitable for a broader range of settings.

Raw Linen is exceptionally versatile within a casual context. It pairs beautifully with other natural tones, denim, and simple solids. However, its prominent texture can make it more challenging to style in more dressed-up or sleek outfits. It defines the outfit's vibe as inherently relaxed, whereas Bone allows the other pieces to dictate the overall tone.

Price & Value

There is no price difference between items in Raw Linen and Bone. A pair of Align leggings, for example, will cost the same regardless of which of these two colors you choose. The value proposition for each is tied directly to your personal style. If your wardrobe is built on timeless, minimalist basics, Bone offers incredible value. If you crave neutrals with more unique character and a relaxed sensibility, Raw Linen is the better long-term investment for your style.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Bone and Raw Linen are fantastic neutral options, but your personal style will make the decision clear.

Choose Bone if:

• You prefer a classic, minimalist, and polished aesthetic.
• You want a core neutral that pairs easily with everything in your wardrobe.
• You need versatile activewear that can transition to casual work-from-home or day-out settings.
• You favor a smooth, uniform fabric finish over anything textured.

Choose Raw Linen if:

• You love a natural, earthy, or slightly bohemian style.
• Your look is generally relaxed and casual.
• You prefer neutrals that have more visual interest and character than a simple solid.
• You primarily wear your Lululemon for lounging, errands, and gentle activity like walking or yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Lululemon Bone and Raw Linen?

The main difference is texture and style. Bone is a smooth, solid warm beige with a classic, polished aesthetic. Raw Linen is a similarly hued neutral but has a visible texture designed to look like natural linen fabric, giving it a more relaxed and earthy vibe.

Is Raw Linen actually made of linen fabric?

No, it is not. Lululemon's Raw Linen products are made from their signature high-performance synthetic fabrics like Nulu or Luon. The "Raw Linen" name refers to the color and visual texture that is designed to mimic the appearance of real linen, not the material itself.

Which color is more versatile?

Bone is traditionally more versatile because its smooth, solid finish allows it to be paired with any other color, print, or texture without clashing. It fits into a broader range of styles, from sporty to smart-casual. Raw Linen is versatile within a casual, relaxed, or boho aesthetic.

Does one color hide sweat better than the other?

Both are light colors, but Bone's warm beige tone is generally effective at masking moisture stains better than bright white or light gray. The texture in Raw Linen can also help camouflage sweat marks by breaking up the solid surface area.

How do Raw Linen and Bone compare to other Lululemon neutrals like White Opal?

White Opal is a creamier, lighter off-white compared to the beige tones of Bone and Raw Linen. Bone is a distinct warm beige, while Raw Linen often shares that base but is defined by its texture. All three create a soft, neutral palette but differ in their specific hue and finish.

Does the texture of Raw Linen feel different?

Against the skin, products in Raw Linen feel just as soft as their smooth counterparts because they are built from the same base fabrics. The texture is primarily a visual characteristic visible on the exterior of the garment.

Does the textured Raw Linen fabric pill more easily?

All performance fabrics can experience some pilling in high-friction areas over time. While the textured nature of Raw Linen is well-constructed, it's always best to follow Lululemon's care instructions - wash in cold water with similar fabrics and lay flat to dry - to preserve the fabric integrity of any item.

Is there a price difference between Bone and Raw Linen?

No, Lululemon does not charge differently based on color. An item available in both Bone and Raw Linen will have the exact same price.