Colours play an important role in our lives. The colours we wear affect how we feel and how others perceive us. This is especially true for men who often have a more limited colour palette in their wardrobes. So which colours should men wear to look and feel their best? Let’s take a look at some of the top colour choices for men along with the reasoning behind them.
Black
Black is a classic colour that never goes out of style. There’s a reason why the “little black dress” is a wardrobe staple. Black looks great on everyone. On men, black is stylish, slimming, and polished. It’s associated with power, strength, authority, and sophistication. Black suits and tuxedos are standard formalwear. A black leather jacket oozes coolness and rebellion. Black also matches with everything, making it a versatile base colour. Just be sure to add pops of colour so your black outfit doesn’t look too somber.
White
White represents cleanliness, purity, and freshness. It instantly makes anything look crisp and bright. A white button-down shirt or t-shirt projects an image of minimalism. White reflects light and can make skin tones appear warmer and more radiant, especially when you have a tan. It’s a great summer colour that pairs well with any colour palette. The main downside of white is that it gets dirty easily. Stains are quite visible on white fabric. So save your white clothes for when you want to look neat and polished.
Blue
Blue is one of the most popular colours for men’s clothing and for good reason. It’s universally flattering on all complexions. Blue has calming and peaceful connotations. Different shades of blue can project different moods:
- Navy blue conveys authority and confidence
- Royal blue has an elegant, refined look
- Light blue gives off a soothing, gentle vibe
Blue is extremely versatile – it works for formal business wear, casual weekend outfits, and everything in between. Every man should have a few staple blue items like jeans, shirts, and suits in his closet.
Grey
Grey is the perfect neutral shade for men who prefer low-key, understated style. It straddles the formality scale, appropriate for both casual Fridays and important meetings. Grey looks especially modern and stylish in men’s suits. It provides a cooler alternative to basic black suits. Grey shirts and sweaters also have a refined, tailored look. Just avoid greys that skew too dark, which can look drab, or too light, which show dirt too easily.
Green
Green is a natural, earthy tone that conjures up thoughts of renewal, growth, and the great outdoors. Because of its association with vegetation, green is mentally linked to stability and endurance. Different shades of green work for men depending on skin tone and personal style:
- Olive green flatters men with warmer, yellow undertones
- Emerald and forest greens complement cooler skin tones
- Sage green offers a muted, casual earthiness
Green is a unique, versatile neutral that provides an alternative to the standard greyscale palette.
Red
Red is the colour of passion, aggression, adventure, and danger. It instantly commands attention. In small doses, red accents can give men’s outfits a bold boost of high-energy colour. But be careful about wearing too much red or you may come across as brash and overbearing. Red works best when balanced out with neutral tones. A red tie with a navy suit, red socks with a grey outfit, a red pocket square to complement an earth-toned jacket – these small splashes of red can make you stand out in a crowd.
Purple
In ancient times, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive, making purple-coloured garments a status symbol reserved for royalty. Today, purple still retains connotations of luxury, creativity, and magic. Lavender, lilac, and amethyst shades of purple project sensitivity and spirituality. Rich eggplant and wine purples suggest wealth and sophistication. While purple may not traditionally be viewed as a masculine colour, modern style-savvy men can definitely experiment with wearing purple. It offers a creative, unexpected way to expand your fashion horizons.
Pink
Pink is most strongly associated with feminine style. But in recent years, pink has also become popular in menswear as gender norms have become more flexible. Millennial pink and dusty rose offer muted takes on pink that work for men’s aesthetic. Avoid neon, Barbie-esque pinks and opt for softer salmon and blush pinks instead. The pink family can add a romantic, creative vibe to men’s wardrobes.
Brown
Brown is an underrated neutral colour for men. Unlike black, brown offers a warmer, more relaxed look. Different shades of brown span the formality scale – from a deep chocolate brown suit to casual tan chinos. Brown’s earthiness complements blue eyes and fair skin tones. It’s associated with stability, dependability, and being down-to-earth.
Yellow
Yellow is the colour of optimism, joy, and positivity. Spring and summertime are perfect occasions for dapper gents to incorporate some yellow into their outfits. Pastel yellows and dusky goldenrod work best for menswear – bright neon yellow may be too overwhelming. Yellow looks great paired with blue, its complementary colour. A yellow necktie, pocket square, or outfit accent conveys friendliness and confidence.
Best Colours for Cool Skin Tones
Men with cool undertones to their skin should stick to colors with blue, purple, and greenish bases. Pure black, various shades of blue, forest greens, magentas, and cool-toned reds tend to be the most harmonious with cool complexions. Avoid pure orange and yellow as these warmer shades tend to clash.
Best colours for cool skin tones:
- Black
- Navy blue
- Royal blue
- Sky blue
- Electric blue
- Magenta
- Purple
- Lavender
- Emerald green
- Forest green
- Mint green
- Salmon
- Wine red
- Burgundy
- Mauve
- Grey
Best Colours for Warm Skin Tones
Men with warm undertones should choose colors with yellow, orange, red, or golden bases. Warm metallics like gold and copper also flatter warm complexions. Stay away from bright whites, pastels, and icy silvers.
Best colors for warm skin tones:
- Ivory
- Camel
- Peach
- Coral
- Orange
- Terracotta
- Mustard
- Olive green
- Jade green
- Chocolate brown
- Taupe
- Brick red
- Rust
- Cognac
- Gold
- Honey
- Amber
Best Colours Based on Hair Colour
Your hair colour is another factor that impacts how flattering a colour will appear. Here are some suggestions on the best clothing colours to complement different hair shades:
Brunettes
- Camel
- Emerald green
- Royal blue
- Burgundy
- Chocolate brown
Blondes
- Light blue
- Soft pink
- Mint green
- Cream
- Grey
Redheads
- Forest green
- Purple
- Navy blue
- Cranberry red
- Mustard
Silver Foxes
- Royal blue
- Emerald green
- Lilac
- Camel
- Chocolate brown
Factors in Choosing Colours
When deciding which colours look best on you, consider these different factors:
Skin tone:
Warm skin tones vs. cool skin tones
Hair colour:
Brunette, blonde, redhead
Eye colour:
Blue, green, hazel, brown
Personal style:
Formal, business, casual, edgy, preppy
Lifestyle needs:
Office, weekend, night out, activewear
Season & weather:
Bright colours for summer, darker hues for winter
Age:
Muted tones for older men, bolder colours for younger
Body type:
Slimming colours if needed
Favourite colours:
Wear colours that make you feel happy and confident
Tips for Wearing Colour
Here are some tips on how to wear colour effectively as a man:
- Use colours strategically – bold shirts with neutral suits or loud socks with understated outfits
- Add colour in layers – a patterned jacket over a white shirt and jeans
- Stick to a cohesive palette – shades that complement each other
- Be aware of colour associations – red = bold, yellow = friendly
- Consider how colours make you feel when you wear them
- Step outside your comfort zone slowly – a pink shirt rather than a hot pink suit
- Use accessories to incorporate colour – pocket squares, ties, hats
Most Flattering Clothing Colours for Men
Here is a table summarizing some of the most universally flattering clothing colours for men:
| Black | Goes with everything, slims the figure |
| White | Crisp and fresh, brightens complexion |
| Blue | Versatile, calming, suits most complexions |
| Grey | Understated and stylish, professional |
| Brown | Earthy, relaxed, versatile neutral |
| Green | Natural, renewal, suits redheads |
Conclusion
Colour is an important stylistic choice for men to be aware of. While no colour is absolutely off limits, some are more harmonious and flattering than others. The best clothing colours for men depend on factors like skin tone, hair colour, eye colour, and personal style preferences. When building a wardrobe, focus on versatile neutrals like black, white, blue, grey, and brown. Then incorporate splashes of more lively colours through accessories or accent pieces. With the right balance of classic and colour, you can craft a wardrobe that keeps you looking stylish year-round.
