Can I Wear Navy and Black Together? How to Wear the Two Colors

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.

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.

Yes, You Can Wear Navy and Black Together The Summer

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.