Carolina blue and University blue are two similar shades of light blue that are associated with certain universities and their sports teams. Carolina blue is famously associated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, while University blue is linked to several other schools like the University of Michigan. There has been some debate over whether these two colors are actually the same or if there are subtle differences between them. This article will examine the history and usage of these two shades of blue, comparing their exact hex codes and visual appearances to determine if they can be considered identical colors.
Defining Carolina Blue
Carolina blue refers specifically to the light blue used by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as one of their official school colors. It has been used on the uniforms of UNC sports teams since the 1880s. The exact shade has been standardized over the years and in 2007 UNC defined the official Carolina blue as Pantone 542. This corresponds to a hex code of #4B9CD3.
The name “Carolina blue” comes directly from association with the school’s name and location in North Carolina. While North Carolina is sometimes called the “Tar Heel State,” UNC Chapel Hill is also known as the “University of North Carolina” and students there are called “Carolina students.” So the blue color linked distinctly to this university naturally became known as Carolina blue over time.
Defining University Blue
University blue refers to a shade of blue used by several different universities as part of their school colors. Unlike Carolina blue, University blue does not have one exact definition but rather varies slightly from school to school. Some of the most prominent uses of University blue include:
– University of Michigan – #00274C
– University of Memphis – #005DAA
– University of Toledo – #003C71
– University of Utah – #2C3E50
– Florida Atlantic University – #0056A6
As you can see, these hex codes all describe shades of medium to darker blue but have subtle visual differences between them. The name University blue simply refers to any shade of blue used by a university for their colors, rather than one standardized blue.
The University of Michigan’s shade of University blue is probably the most well-known version, with a hex code of #00274C. This deep blue has been used by Michigan sports teams since 1867 and matches the blue found on the state flag.
Comparing Carolina Blue and University Blue
When visually compared side by side, Carolina blue appears as a vivid, medium-light blue while the various University blues are typically darker shades. Specifically, UNC Chapel Hill’s defined Carolina blue of #4B9CD3 looks clearly lighter and brighter than the University of Michigan’s dark University blue of #00274C.
| Name | Hex Code | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Blue | #4B9CD3 | |
| University of Michigan Blue | #00274C |
While Carolina blue is a specific shade defined by UNC, University blue varies from school to school and is often a darker blue than the light Carolina blue.
Origins of the colors
The history and origins of these two colors also show how Carolina blue is distinct from the broader definition of University blue.
Carolina Blue History
UNC Chapel Hill first began using light blue for their school colors in the 1880s. The exact shades were not standardized right away and varied over the early years. Legend says the particular shade of light blue was chosen because of the color of the North Carolina skies. Other stories say it was selected to match the blue hydrangeas that bloom around campus.
By the 1960s, the school wanted to standardize the exact hue used for uniforms and merchandise. They worked with the company Dupont to create a specific formula for Carolina blue paint in 1973. This became known as PMS 542.
In 2007, UNC officially trademarked Pantone 542 as the defined, standardized Carolina blue color. So while originally inspired by the natural landscape of North Carolina, today the color has an exact definition used exclusively by UNC Chapel Hill sports teams and graduates.
University Blue History
Unlike Carolina blue, University blue does not have one single point of origin. The University of Michigan was the first major school to use a darker blue starting in the 1860s, matching the blue on Michigan’s state flag. Their blue became known as University blue but was not defined as an exact Pantone shade.
Other schools later adopted their own blue shades for school colors, with the flexibility to make them lighter or darker than Michigan’s version. It became an easy choice since blue is a common color representing wisdom and intelligence. Lighter blues also complement most other colors nicely. So various universities gravitated toward different unique blue hues to stand out from each other while still representing their academic focus.
So while Carolina blue origins can be traced to UNC Chapel Hill’s school history and state pride, University blue encompasses a wider, less standardized range of blues.
Usage and branding
The difference between these two shades of blue becomes very apparent when you compare their usage in school branding and merchandise.
Carolina Blue Usage
The only proper usage of true Carolina blue is by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC has trademarked Pantone 542 so that no other schools can legally use this precise shade of blue. It appears on all of their sports uniforms, school apparel, and facilities.
Carolina blue has become synonymous with UNC and is a huge part of the school’s brand image. Fans proudly wear the color and describe things like the sky or ocean as “Carolina blue.” It represents a Tar Heel identity and connection to UNC Chapel Hill. Improper usage is seen as trademark infringement.
University Blue Usage
Many schools across the United States use some shade of University blue for their colors. This includes schools like:
– University of Michigan
– University of Memphis
– University of Toledo
– University of Utah
– Florida Atlantic University
None of these schools can use UNC’s exact Carolina blue, but they each have brand freedom to use their own unique shade of University blue. Often these shades are darker than Carolina blue as well. Fans identify each school based on the specific hue used there and not as interchangeable blues.
The term University blue has become more generic, simply referring to any blue associated with an academic institution. But each school still has its own distinct branding for their particular shade.
Psychology of the colors
Both Carolina blue and the various University blues are intended to have psychological impacts as school colors. Here is some analysis of what the different shades communicate:
Carolina Blue Psychology
– Bright, vivid shade stands out on uniforms and merchandise
– Energizing, youthful color connects with students
– Lighter blue conveys openness, wisdom, stability
– Gender-neutral color appeals equally to men and women
– Distinct enough from other blues to be own unique brand
University Blue Psychology
– Darker shades seen as more traditional and academic
– Navy blues convey intelligence, power, and masculinity
– Allows schools to brand themselves as bold and elite institutes
– Color contrast on merchandise helps names/logos stand out
– Not as gender-neutral as lighter blues
Both color families aim to be distinctive and build school affiliation. Carolina blue is unique to UNC as an energizing, inclusive shade of blue. University blues let schools brand themselves as academic powerhouses through darker blue tones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Carolina blue and University blue refer to two distinct color families used in school branding. Carolina blue is a light, vivid blue solely linked to UNC Chapel Hill athletics and merchandise. University blue describes the broader category of darker blues used across many other colleges and universities.
While they are both shades of blue, when directly compared side-by-side Carolina blue appears clearly lighter and brighter than the most common hues of University blue. Carolina blue is also protected as a trademarked brand color exclusively for UNC Chapel Hill. University blue is a generic term that allows flexibility across school colors.
So while these two color names sound similar, Carolina blue is a very specific light blue shade representing just one university. University blue refers to the darker blues adopted more generically across various academic institutions. When comparing their visual hue and usage in branding, Carolina blue can certainly not be considered the exact same color as the more widespread University blue. They are distinct blue shades with their own unique histories and applications.
