Royal blue and navy blue are two shades of blue that are very similar. At first glance, they may look identical. However, there are subtle differences between royal blue and navy blue that set them apart.
In this article, we’ll examine the history and definitions of royal blue and navy blue. We’ll look at how they are created through color mixing and compare their hex codes and RGB values. We’ll also provide visual examples to highlight the differences between these two classic shades of blue.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly what distinguishes royal blue from navy blue and be able to confidently identify each one.
Definitions of Royal Blue and Navy Blue
Royal blue and navy blue are both dark shades of blue that have long been associated with royalty, prestige, and authority. But what exactly defines each color?
Royal Blue
Royal blue refers to a bright, medium-dark blue. It was named after the blue dress coats worn by British kings and princes.
Traditionally, royal blue has a distinctive purple tinge to it that helps set it apart from navy blue. Modern definitions describe it as a vivid blue with minor purple or reddish tints.
Pantone lists Pantone Bright Royal Blue as being the true royal blue color standard today. Its hex code is #4169E1.
Navy Blue
Navy blue refers to a very dark shade of blue that was inspired by the dark blue uniforms worn by officers in the British Royal Navy.
Unlike royal blue, navy blue does not have noticeable purple tones. Instead, it is a pure, rich and dark blue. Modern definitions describe navy blue as a very dark midnight blue.
The standard navy blue today is considered to be Pantone Navy Blue with a hex code of #000080.
So in summary, royal blue is brighter with subtle purple undertones, while navy blue is darker and purely blue.
The Origins of Royal Blue and Navy Blue
To better understand the contemporary definitions of royal blue and navy blue, it helps to look at the origins of these colors.
The History of Royal Blue
As mentioned, royal blue gets its name from being the color of royal British dress coats worn by kings, princes, and other members of the royal family.
The first recorded use of royal blue as a color name in English was in 1845. It was initially a deeper shade, referred to as “king’s blue” or “royal navy blue.”
Over time, royal blue evolved into a brighter tone with subtle purplish-red hues. Modern dyes and pigments help capture the vivid royal blue that we know today.
The History of Navy Blue
Navy blue got its name from being used as one of the navy uniform colors of the British Royal Navy.
Interestingly, it was initially called marine blue but eventually became known as navy blue by 1840. Before chemical dyes, the uniforms were colored using natural indigo dye.
While early navy uniforms had a slight purple tint, the color evolved into a very dark midnight blue shade without purple tones. Modern navy blue pays tribute to the dark blue naval uniforms that inspired its name.
So in summary, both colors are linked to British royal tradition – but navy blue specifically comes from naval uniforms, while royal blue comes from the dress coats of royalty.
How Royal Blue and Navy Blue Are Created
On a technical level, different combinations of color mixing result in the distinct shades of royal blue and navy blue. Understanding the color theory behind these hues provides further insight into their differences.
Mixing Royal Blue
There are two main ways to mix royal blue:
– Combining blue with a touch of purple or magenta
– Blending blue with a small amount of red
Adding just a dash of the reddish purple undertones gives royal blue its signature vibrant purple-blue color. Printing and digital methods can precisely mix the colors to achieve an accurate royal blue.
Mixing Navy Blue
Navy blue is created by mixing:
– 100% blue
Since navy blue contains no traces of other colors, it appears inky and darker than royal blue. Modern printing and coating methods allow navy blue to be replicated precisely without other color contaminants.
Comparing Hex Codes and RGB Values
Examining the hex codes and RGB values of royal blue and navy blue sheds further light on their distinct technical differences:
Royal Blue
– Hex code: #4169E1
– RGB values: Red: 65, Green: 105, Blue: 225
Navy Blue
– Hex code: #000080
– RGB values: Red: 0, Green: 0, Blue: 128
As shown by the RGB values, royal blue contains noticeable amounts of red and green, giving it those subtle purple-red hues.
In contrast, navy blue contains no traces of red or green. The full blue intensity results in its dark midnight blue shade.
So the technical values confirm that royal blue leans brighter and more purple, while navy blue is a pure, rich dark blue.
Visual Comparison of Royal Blue vs Navy Blue
Looking at solid color swatches side-by-side provides the best visual illustration of how royal blue and navy blue differ:
| Royal Blue | Navy Blue |
|---|---|
As shown, royal blue is noticeably brighter with subtle hints of purple, while navy blue appears purely dark blue.
The visual comparison confirms what the technical definitions imply – that royal blue has purple tones while navy blue does not. Side-by-side, their distinct shades are easy to discern.
How to Tell Royal Blue and Navy Blue Apart
In summary, here are some key ways to identify royal blue vs navy blue:
– Brightness – Royal blue is brighter, while navy blue is very dark
– Purple tones – Royal blue has subtle purple/red undertones, while navy blue is purely blue
– Color mixing – Royal blue mixes blue with red/purple, navy blue is 100% blue
– Hex codes – Royal blue is #4169E1, navy blue is #000080
– RGB values – Royal blue has higher R+G values, navy blue is 0 red, 0 green
– Visual comparison – Viewed together, the purple tint in royal blue is apparent
So while the colors are closely related, there are clear technical and visual differences between royal blue and navy blue. With this knowledge, you can confidently identify which shade you’re looking at.
Uses and Symbolism of Royal Blue vs Navy Blue
Beyond definitions, it’s also helpful to consider how royal blue and navy blue are used symbolically:
Royal Blue Symbolism
– Wealth, prestige, allure
– Authority, expertise, trustworthiness
– Peace, calm, stability
Navy Blue Symbolism
– Professionalism, capability
– Strength, resilience, duty
– Confidence, integrity, wisdom
Royal blue suggests heritage, charm and sentimentality, while navy blue conveys competence, power and dependability. Both hues effectively communicate leadership and influence.
These symbolic associations stem from royal blue’s links to aristocracy and navy blue’s nautical origins. Understanding the connotations can help guide appropriate color usage.
When to Use Royal Blue vs Navy Blue
Because of their different implications, here are some recommendations on when to opt for royal blue over navy blue:
Use Royal Blue When Wanting To Suggest
– Luxury, sophistication, style
– Creativity, imagination, innovation
– Nostalgia, cachet, romanticism
Use Navy Blue When Wanting To Suggest
– Professionalism, practicality, diplomacy
– Decisiveness, resilience, wisdom
– Trust, accountability, stability
Royal blue flatters fashion, art and decor, while navy blue suits corporate, political and academic settings. The choice ultimately depends on the specific tone you wish to set.
Examples of Royal Blue vs Navy Blue
To see royal blue and navy blue used effectively, here are some real-world examples:
Royal Blue Examples
– Queen Elizabeth’s sapphire jubilee coat
– Ford Mustang Bullitt car color
– Jewel-toned evening gowns
– Tiffany & Co. brand color
Navy Blue Examples
– Police, firefighter uniforms
– U.S. Navy and cadet uniforms
– Dark blue business suits
– Yale University brand color
You’ll notice royal blue used more for luxury and style, while navy blue conveys professional duty. Their signature shades suit their respective roles.
Conclusion
In summary, while royal blue and navy blue may initially appear very similar, they have distinct histories, undertones, codes and symbolic meanings.
Royal blue is bright, playful and aristocratic. Navy blue is bold, serious and nautical. Their subtle differences come down to navy blue being a pure, dark blue versus royal blue exhibiting purple/red tints.
Being able to identify and differentiate these two major shades of blue allows for their most effective and appropriate usage. So next time you come across a regal blue, assessing its lightness and purple hue will reveal whether it’s definitively royal blue or navy blue.
