The light shade of brown is commonly referred to as tan, beige, or khaki. These terms all describe a light brown color that can range from a yellowish tone to a grayish brown. The exact name used often depends on the specific hue and context. In this article, we will explore the different terms used for light brown and what distinguishes them.
Definition of Tan, Beige, and Khaki
Tan, beige, and khaki are often used interchangeably, but do have some distinct meanings:
Tan – Tan is a light golden brown color, like the tan that skin acquires after time spent in the sun. It has warm yellow undertones.
Beige – Beige is a pale sandy fawn color. It is more muted and grayish compared to tan.
Khaki – Khaki is a light dusty brown color, often with a greenish tint. It was originally associated with military uniforms.
So in summary:
- Tan is warm, golden brown
- Beige is pale, sandy brown
- Khaki is dusty, greenish brown
There can be overlap between these shades, but tan generally has more yellow, beige more gray, and khaki more green.
Origins of the Names
The origins of these color names give more insight into their meanings:
Tan – From the 13th century Middle English word “tannen” meaning to convert hide into leather by soaking in tannic acid. This produced a light brown color.
Beige – From the 19th century French word “beige” meaning natural wool that has been neither bleached nor dyed.
Khaki – From the Hindustani word “khak” meaning dust, earth, or soil. Khaki was first used for military uniforms in 1848.
So tan refers to the color of tanned leather, beige to undyed wool, and khaki to dust or soil.
Use in Fashion and Design
Light brown shades like tan, beige, and khaki are widely used in fashion and interior design. Here are some examples of how the terms are used:
Tan – Often used for shoes, belts, purses, and other leather accessories. Also popular for pants, especially in summer. Has a warm, earthy feel.
Beige – Widely used for clothing like trenchcoats, cardigans, dresses, and skirts. Gives a subtle, refined look. A popular paint color for walls.
Khaki – Khaki pants and cargo shorts are a casual style staple. Khaki jackets, hats, and bags have a military vibe. Khaki green is also a popular color for paint, furniture, and bedding.
Comparing Tan, Beige, and Khaki
Here is a table summarizing some of the key differences between tan, beige, and khaki:
| Color | Hue | Undertone | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tan | Golden brown | Yellow, warm | Leather goods, pants |
| Beige | Pale sandy brown | Gray, cool | Trenchcoats, paint |
| Khaki | Dusty greenish brown | Green, natural | Military uniforms, paint |
This illustrates how tan is the warmest shade, beige the coolest, and khaki is in-between with its green undertones. Their uses also differ, with tan and khaki appearing more in accessories and casual wear, while beige is favored for elegant clothing and paints.
Light Brown Color Codes
If you need to specify an exact shade of light brown, using a color code can help. Here are some common tan, beige, and khaki color codes:
Tan Color Codes
- Hex code: #D2B48C
- RGB code: (210, 180, 140)
- CMYK code: (0, 14, 33, 18)
- Pantone: 7529 C
Beige Color Codes
- Hex code: #F5F5DC
- RGB code: (245, 245, 220)
- CMYK code: (0, 0, 10, 4)
- Pantone: 464 C
Khaki Color Codes
- Hex code: #C3B091
- RGB code: (195, 176, 145)
- CMYK code: (0, 10, 26, 24)
- Pantone: 456 C
These numeric color codes define the precise hue and can be useful for graphic design, web development, fashion, and manufacturing. The Pantone codes refer to proprietary color matching systems.
Light Brown Color Mixing
If you want to mix your own light brown paints or dyes, combining these colors can create tan, beige, and khaki tones:
Mixing Tan
- Yellow + red + brown
- Yellow + burnt umber or raw sienna
- Yellow ochre + burnt sienna
Mixing Beige
- White + brown
- Cream + grey + brown
- White + burnt umber
Mixing Khaki
- Yellow + green + brown
- Yellow ochre + sap green
- Cream + yellow ochre + green
Test different proportions to get the exact light brown shade you want. Adding white will make colors lighter, while more brown gives a darker tan, beige, or khaki.
Light Brown in Nature
Light brown colors like tan, beige, and khaki occur naturally in the wild. Here are some examples:
- Sand – Beaches often have tan or beige sand.
- Earth – Khaki colored soil, clay, and rock.
- Wood – Light brown bark on trees like birch.
- Animals – From tan chihuahuas to khaki colored deer.
- Food – Almonds, pecans, cinnamon, coffee.
Nature contains endless variations of light brown. These earthy tones provide camouflage, texture, and visual interest in the natural world.
Light Brown Dyeing and Pigments
A variety of dyes and pigments can produce tan, beige, and khaki colors. Here are some common options:
Dyes
- Tan – Turmeric, annatto, chamomile
- Beige – Onion skins, oatmeal, straw
- Khaki – Catechu, green tea, eucalyptus
Pigments
- Tan – Sienna, umber, ochre
- Beige – Raw sienna, yellow ochre
- Khaki – Chromium oxide green, raw umber
Many dyes come from plants, while pigments derive from mineral sources. By using natural ingredients like these, a wide spectrum of light brown hues can be achieved.
Cultural Associations
In culture, light brown shades like tan, beige, and khaki take on symbolic meanings:
Tan
- Associated with leisure and luxury – tropical vacations, bronze skin, tan clothing
- Casual, relaxed, and carefree
Beige
- Sophisticated and elegant
- Calm, subtle, and neutral
- Boring, bland, or dated to some
Khaki
- Outdoorsy and tactical – hiking, safari, military
- Functional, durable, utilitarian
So tan evokes a leisurely summer mood, beige refined sophistication, and khaki outdoor pragmatism. But cultural associations can also vary by generation, geography, and personal taste.
Conclusion
In summary, tan, beige, and khaki describe similar light brown colors but with distinct hues and connotations. Tan is warm golden brown, beige is cool sandy brown, and khaki is natural greenish-brown. These versatile neutrals appear throughout fashion, design, nature, and culture. Specifying the exact name depends on the particular shade and intended use. But whatever you call it, light brown is a perennially popular palette adding earthy aesthetics to any setting.