A Color Through The Ages

A few days ago, I began wondering why Navy Blue continues to be a preferred color not only with our clients but also within the menswear market. Particularly when compared to black, it outperforms across our many categories from pants to suits and outerwear. Personally, too I find it a constant go-to for every occasion with my closet carefully arranged so navy and black are separated to avoid the style faux pas of mixing them together.

Navy Blue as its name implies, comes from the naval uniforms of the British in the 18^th century. The deep, dark color was practical for woolen, naval uniforms, helping to conceal dirt and wear from the sea. As the military influence spread, navy blue began to appear in civilian clothing, and by the mid-19th century, it was widely used in formal attire, becoming a common choice for suits and evening wear. The color transitioned into workwear, particularly among factory workers and laborers, and its association with reliability and durability made it a popular choice in clothing of the time. In the 1920s and 1930s, it also began to be featured in stylish leisurewear, such as blazers and sports coats. After World War II, navy blue became synonymous with classic menswear and it was embraced in business attire, often seen as a sign of professionalism and authority. With the rise of Ivy League style in the 1950s, navy blazers became a collegiate staple, and a collegiate standard that has stayed associated with preppy style to this day.

In the late 20th century, navy blue became a versatile choice in menswear, often seen as a neutral alternative to black. Designers incorporated it into a wide range of styles, from casual to formal. Its timeless quality ensures it remains a mainstay in wardrobes around the world. From Ralph Lauren to Yohji Yamamoto, navy blue works as traditional and classic on one hand but avant-garde and modern on the other, showing its true versatility as a color adopted across the whole menswear market.

Today, navy blue is celebrated for its versatility and elegance, a color that can be dressed up or down, making it a foundational element of men’s clothing. Its journey from military uniform to wardrobe essential highlights its enduring appeal and adaptability. Its origins as a nautical color have stayed with it through the centuries particularly when combined with white, it becomes synonymous with nautical style.

In the fall season, I love how it integrates into a fall palette working perfectly with every tone of neutral from taupe and beige to camel and brown, these combinations are must-haves in any men’s fall looks. It also works well with the olive family of greens and recently I like the way navy looks with deep burgundies, another color of military descent. I also love the seriousness of navy and grey together, reminding me of Italian style and suit separates worn as a Milanese man’s uniform. It works as a tonal palette with every tone of blue and of course, denim, in endless shaded combinations. All the above combos can be found in our suiting and sportscoat fabrics with Navy always part of menswear fabrics selections despite the season or style. In shirting it is often found combined with white for fresh stripes or checks though rarely used as a solid but in knits Navy is again a preferred color for solids in every weight.

Whoever the client Navy consistently addresses the menswear codes of well chosen, and well-dressed taste synonymous with J.Hilburn.