Hunter green and forest green are two similar shades of green that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences between the two colors that are worth noting.
Definitions
Hunter green is a dark green color named after hunter green uniforms worn by hunters in the 19th century. It is usually created by combining chromium oxide and aluminum oxide. Hunter green first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Forest green refers to a green color associated with forests and trees. It is a very dark green which gets its name from the color of pine forests. Forest green contains less yellow than hunter green.
Color Codes
In graphic design and web development, colors are defined by their RGB (red, green, blue) or HEX color codes. These codes specify the exact shade of the color.
The RGB color code for hunter green is R: 53, G: 94, B: 59. The HEX code is #35593B.
The RGB color code for forest green is R: 34, G: 139, B: 34. The HEX code is #228B22.
As you can see, hunter green contains more blue while forest green contains more green. This gives forest green a brighter, more yellow-tinged appearance compared to the darker hunter green.
Usage
Both hunter green and forest green are considered dark, earthy greens. However, there are some general guidelines for when each color is most appropriate:
- Hunter green is commonly used for design accents, backgrounds, packaging, camouflage, and military or hunting uniforms.
- Forest green is often seen in nature-inspired design, environmental graphics, gardening/landscaping, financial industries, and academic or institutional settings.
Forest green is generally perceived as more traditional, while hunter green offers a more modern, edgy look. However, both colors work very well in rustic, outdoorsy, or natural style designs.
Comparison
Here is a quick visual comparison of hunter green vs. forest green:
| Color | RGB Code | HEX Code | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Green | R: 53, G: 94, B: 59 | #35593B | |
| Forest Green | R: 34, G: 139, B: 34 | #228B22 |
As shown above, forest green is brighter and contains more green (139) compared to hunter green which has more blue (59). Hunter green is a very dark green that appears almost black in some lighting.
Conclusion
In summary, hunter green and forest green are similar dark green shades that are often used interchangeably in design. However, hunter green is slightly darker with more blue tones, while forest green is brighter and more yellow-toned. Knowing the subtle differences allows designers to choose the most suitable green for their specific project or purpose.
When it doubt, check the exact RGB or HEX color codes to compare the amounts of red, green, and blue in each shade. Use hunter green for modern, edgy design elements or camouflage patterns. Opt for forest green in traditional, nature-inspired, or academic designs. Both colors work very well for earthy, rustic styles.
So in some contexts the two greens can substitute for one another, but they are technically different shades with distinct color codes. Hunter green and forest green have more similarities than differences, but side-by-side forest green appears brighter due to its additional green and yellow tones.