Can you wear dark blue with black?

Q: Can I combine blue with black?

If you mix blue and black paint together, youll get dark blue, also commonly known as navy blue. Thats because mixing black with a color creates a shade, which is a darker version of that color.

The short answer is yes, you can wear navy blue with black. While some may say they should never go together, here at Men’s Health we believe that this color duo is the perfect combo to amp up your wardrobe, perhaps because so many in the office can’t seem to stray from wearing these two colors together. Black and navy are predominant colors in a man’s wardrobe with good reason. Both colors are flattering and pair well with almost anything you could imagine. Here are few tips to keep in mind before trying what is sure to become your new favorite style uniform.

Table of Contents Show

Choose Your Shades Wisely
Texture Is Key
Let One Item be the Focus of Your Navy and Black Look
Is it OK to wear navy blue with black?
Can I combine blue with black?
Can you wear dark blue with black men?
What colors can you wear with dark blue?

Choose Your Shades Wisely

Mixing the right shades is important. Some of the best black and blue pieces out there come in varying shades. Choose a washed-out black sweatshirt, like the one below from Abercrombie & Fitch, when pairing with dark indigo jeans or chinos. Black and navy should never be too close in tone or else it can risk looking like an accident.

Texture Is Key

When wearing an outfit of navy and black clothing, texture makes all the difference. Rich textures make dark-colored clothes come to life, so experiment by mixing linens, corduroy, seersucker, and cottons together. A great example is to pair a textured-twill black jean, like the iconic Wrangler pair featured below with a navy linen button-down, or mix a solid navy seersucker pant with a black pima cotton t-shirt. The textural mix makes even the most affordable clothes look expensive.

Let One Item be the Focus of Your Navy and Black Look

Make sure to find the anchor of your outfit and build the rest around it. For example, if you’re wearing a navy sports jacket, let the other pieces ground the look by choosing pieces in a sharp and simple shade of black. It’s a simple formula that makes it easy for any guy to get the right look.

Contrary to popular notions, black and navy are easy to wear in warmer climates. Innovations in fabric combat the fear of darker colors capturing body heat by weaving in moisture-wicking technology in the fabric. This ensures the body remains cool even during the most grueling summer heat. Furthermore, black and navy conceal sweat marks and flatter your body for a slimmer silhouette.

Here are the Best Navy Blue and Black Clothes to Wear Together:

Gap Everyday Crewneck Pocket T-Shirt

Mack Weldon Vesper Polo Shirt

Wrangler Men's Straight-Fit Jeans

Now 37% Off

Bonobos Tech Blazer

Abercrombie & Fitch Crewneck Sweatshirt

Michael Kors Hartford Quilted Nylon Packable Down Jacket

Buck Mason Broken Twill Trouser

Now 50% Off

Uniqlo Men's Oxford Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt

Now 67% Off

Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein

Is it OK to wear navy blue with black?

Whether worn in a single garment or combined in a head-to-toe look, black and navy looks oh-so sophisticated and extremely chic together. A favourite combination of many European designers, it's also dark without being gothic, and sleek without being too stuffy. Navy has black in it, so the two are perfect companions.

Can I combine blue with black?

If you mix blue and black paint together, you'll get dark blue, also commonly known as navy blue. That's because mixing black with a color creates a shade, which is a darker version of that color.

Can you wear dark blue with black men?

By now you probably know that black and navy are nothing to be feared, absolutely go together, and break exactly zero menswear rules.

What colors can you wear with dark blue?

Black-shaded hues like dusty purple, hunter green, and maroon share navy's intensity and are likely to fade when paired with the dark-blue hue. Luckily, you'll find plenty of colors, including mustard yellow, bright pink, cherry red, and even metallic gold, that go beautifully with navy blue.