When selecting a Pantone color for a navy design, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the exact shade and tone you want to achieve. Navy can range from a very dark midnight blue to a bright royal blue. The second factor is the Pantone matching system you need – Coated, Uncoated, Metallic or Pastel. Finally, the application will determine if you need a solid Pantone or process color. Looking at popular navy shades across the Pantone library, a few stand out as top choices.
Understanding Navy Color
Navy is a deep blue that got its name from being used predominantly in naval uniforms. It sits between a true blue and dark black on the color wheel. There are varying shades of navy that range from a very dark midnight blue to a brighter royal blue. Traditional navy leans more towards the darker midnight tone. When selecting a Pantone color, you’ll want to determine if you need a traditional deep navy or brighter tone.
Key Factors in Selecting a Pantone Navy
There are a few considerations when choosing a Pantone color for navy:
Shade: How dark or bright do you want the navy? Darker navy shades include 19-4023TPX Midnight Navy or 19-4306TPX Dark Navy. Brighter options include 19-4052TPX Preppy Navy or 18-4129TPX Sailor Blue.
Finish: Pantone colors are available as Coated, Uncoated, Metallic or Pastel. Coated has a glossy finish best for smooth paper stock. Uncoated is a matte finish good for textured paper.
Type: Solid Pantone Colors provide a single precise shade. Process Colors simulate the CMYK printing process. Process allows for gradients and mixing.
Application: Will the color be used for print, web, product, fashion? Print projects often use Solid Pantones. Digital design is best with RGB Process Colors.
Popular Pantone Navy Colors
Here are some of the best and most versatile Pantone colors for navy across varying shades and finishes:
| Pantone Color | Type | Shade Description |
| 19-4023TPX Midnight Navy | Solid Coated | Deep true navy |
| 19-4306TPX Dark Navy | Solid Coated | Slightly brightened navy |
| 19-4064TPX Navy Blue | Solid Coated | Neutral versatile navy |
| 19-4052TPX Preppy Navy | Solid Coated | Brighter fashion navy |
| 19-4013TPX Navy | Solid Uncoated | Deeper matte navy |
| 19-3940TPX Midnight | Solid Uncoated | Darkest navy option |
| 18-4129TPX Sailor Blue | Solid Pastel | Soft bright navy |
19-4023TPX Midnight Navy
One of the most popular navy Pantone colors is 19-4023TPX Midnight Navy, a Solid Coated color. This is an authentic deep midnight navy that has blue undertones while still being dark enough to contrast well with lighter colors. Midnight Navy works beautifully for fashion, activewear, uniforms, corporate identities and more. If you need a versatile go-to navy with universal appeal, 19-4023TPX is an ideal choice.
19-4306TPX Dark Navy
For a similar deep navy tone with a touch more brightness, 19-4306TPX Dark Navy is an option. Also a Solid Coated formula, this navy appears slightly more blue than Midnight Navy. It maintains that sophisticated darker navy aesthetic while adding a hint of vibrancy. Dark Navy can offer a little more versatility for joint print and digital projects. It has universal appeal for fashion, sports, branding and packaging.
19-4064TPX Navy Blue
With a neutral versatility, 19-4064TPX Navy Blue is a tad brighter than the previous two coated colors. Hitting that sweet spot between a rich deep tone and vibrant brightness, Navy Blue works well for a large range of applications from corporate branding to merchandise. The color elicits trust and confidence with a hint of friendliness. Navy Blue is easy to match with complementary colors from black and white to metallics.
19-4052TPX Preppy Navy
For a fashion forward navy, 19-4052TPX Preppy Navy is an upbeat brighter blue option. The cheerful color has youthful vibrancy perfect for athleisure and the preppy style. Its brightness makes it stand out from traditional navys while keeping a richness that elevates beyond primary blue. Preppy Navy can lend a fun, relatable and energetic mood to designs from apparel to invitations.
19-4013TPX Navy
If you prefer an uncoated matte finish, 19-4013TPX Navy is a dark sophisticated navy in the Solid Uncoated system. The lack of sheen creates a muted effect, perfect for a more vintage, heritage or rustic aesthetic. It’s a great option for packaging like paper bags, notebooks, and craft paper projects. The natural uncoated finish allows the richness of the color to shine through.
19-3940TPX Midnight
For the deepest, darkest navy, check out 19-3940TPX Midnight from the Solid Uncoated library. This is an opaque authentic midnight blue that leans slightly black for maximum drama and contrast. Use this color sparingly to make bold statements and highlights that stand out against lighter backgrounds. The matte finish amplifies the bold darkness of Midnight.
18-4129TPX Sailor Blue
In the Pastel range, 18-4129TPX Sailor Blue is a bright, inviting navy with softened sophistication. The lower saturation increases its versatility for a wide range of uses from apparel to branding. Sailor Blue is youthful and friendly while retaining an elevated mood. The pastel formulation expands options for applying navy to meet different needs.
Choosing the Right Pantone Navy
When selecting your ideal Pantone navy, consider these tips:
– Decide on a shade – dark midnight, deep neutral or brighter blue
– Determine the finish you need – glossy Coated, matte Uncoated or soft Pastel
– Identify if a solid or process color works best based on application
– View physical Pantone color samples to test how colors appear in person
– Consider complementary color pairings to help navy hues stand out
Trusting your instincts helps narrow down the navy that evokes the right mood and style for your project. Relying on Pantone expertise ensures color accuracy, consistency and effectiveness.
Using Navy Colors Cohesively
To use your chosen navy color effectively, keep these guidelines in mind:
– Use navy as a neutral that can work with a wide color palette
– Pair with tan, gold, blush, mint and other colors for contrast
– Add depth by layering navy tones like light and dark blue
– Incorporate navy backgrounds to make brighter colors pop
– Limit navy to avoid overwhelming a design
– Distinguished navy with texture, metallics or white space
With strategic color combinations and applications, navy always looks timelessly stylish and refined.
Best Applications for Navy Blue
Thanks to its versatility, navy excels across all sorts of branding and design contexts.
Fashion: Navy is universally flattering. Use brighter tones for athleisure and preppy or deep shades for elegant chic.
Home Decor: From accents to furnishings, navy adds sophistication. Pair with beige and white for coastal chic.
Corporate Branding: For a trustworthy and confident image, navy combines authority and friendliness.
Packaging: Navy makes an upscale color for packaging like gift boxes, totes and bottles.
Editorial Design: Navy is legible and refined for documents, materials and publishing.
Whatever you’re creating, a well-chosen navy sets the right aesthetic tone.
Conclusion
When you need a versatile, sophisticated and timeless blue, navy is an ideal choice. The Pantone Matching System offers navy colors for every application across multiple shades and finishes. By considering your specific needs, the context and intended aesthetics, you can select the perfect Pantone navy. Trusted navy hues like Midnight Navy, Dark Navy and Navy Blue are always stylish options. For different contexts, go brighter with a Preppy Navy or deeper with an authentic Midnight. Use your chosen navy strategically with complementary colors and applications. With the right navy Pantone, you can elevate any design.
