Dark olive green is a deep, rich shade of green that has undertones of black and brown. It’s an earthy, natural color that is often seen in military and outdoorsy settings. Determining the exact Pantone code for dark olive green depends on how light or dark the shade is intended to be.
What is Pantone?
Pantone is a standardized color matching system used in a variety of industries like printing, manufacturing, textiles, and more. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is made up of thousands of different colors, each with an assigned number code. This allows consistent and accurate color reproduction across various materials and mediums.
Pantone swatch books display small samples of each color to provide an accurate visual reference. Designers and manufacturers use Pantone codes to ensure they are working with the precise shade needed for a project. The codes allow for easy communication of color specifications across supply chains and production workflows.
Characteristics of Dark Olive Green
True dark olive greens are deep and muted. They have more black and brown undertones rather than the blue undertones found in lighter shades of green. The addition of black pigment gives dark olive greens their rich, saturated look.
On the standard color wheel, dark olive greens fall between green and brown. They are more grayish and natural looking compared to brighter greens like lime green. Dark olives work well as neutrals alongside other earthy colors like tans, browns, taupes, and grays.
Where is Dark Olive Green Used?
Here are some of the most common uses for dark olive green colors:
- Military and camouflage uniforms
- Outdoorsy clothing, gear, and accessories
- Home décor accents like pillows, rugs, and furniture
- Complementary color for brighter accent colors
- Packaging for natural or eco-friendly products
- Automotive paint colors
The versatility of dark olive makes it suitable for many contexts. It has a natural, down-to-earth look but can also feel bold and modern depending on how it is used with other colors and materials.
Pantone Codes for Dark Olive Green
There are a few different Pantone colors that could be considered a dark olive green:
| Pantone Code | Color Name |
|---|---|
| 19-0315 | Dark Olive Green |
| 18-0528 | Mirage |
| 18-0627 | British Khaki |
| 19-0617 | Palm Green |
| 17-1119 | Laurel |
As you can see, Pantone has a few shades like Dark Olive Green, Mirage, and British Khaki that all fit the description of a dark olive green. Let’s take a closer look at each of these color options.
19-0315 Dark Olive Green
True to its name, 19-0315 Dark Olive Green is a rich, deep shade of green with obvious olive undertones. It’s a couple shades darker than the classic army green color. Of all the options, 19-0315 is the darkest and most saturated dark olive green in the Pantone Matching System.
18-0528 Mirage
Mirage is very similar to Dark Olive Green but slightly lighter and less saturated. It’s a softened, lighter interpretation of a traditional dark olive that still maintains subtle olive undertones. The Pantone description calls Mirage a grayish khaki green.
18-0627 British Khaki
British Khaki is another light olive green that has more grayness than 19-0315 Dark Olive Green. It is a military-inspired color that echoes the look of traditional khaki uniforms. British Khaki is slightly more green than Mirage but similarly subdued and muted.
19-0617 Palm Green
Palm Green has yellow undertones that give it a brighter appearance than the other options. Of all the Pantone dark olive greens, Palm Green looks most like a typical light green at first glance. Upon closer inspection, olive notes come through in its grayish-green hue.
17-1119 Laurel
Laurel is the lightest and least saturated of the dark olive green choices. It reads as more of a light sage green but still has subtle olive tones. Laurel would work well as a vintage or retro-inspired take on dark olive green.
How to Choose the Right Dark Olive Green
When selecting from these Pantone options, take the following factors into account:
- How dark do you want the shade to be? Darkest option: 19-0315
- Do you prefer more green or more gray tones? Greener: Palm Green, more gray: Laurel
- Is a distinctly olive undertone important? 19-0315 has the most obvious olive notes
- Consider the overall look you’re trying to achieve
British Khaki and Mirage offer nice balance as rich dark olives that aren’t too overpowering. 19-0315 Dark Olive Green makes the boldest chromatic statement.
Palm Green injects more brightness if you want a dark olive with vitality. Laurel is ideal for softer, more vintage looks. Take the time to view physical Pantone color samples to decide which dark olive truly fits your vision.
Using Dark Olive Green in Design Projects
Here are some tips for effectively using your chosen dark olive green in design or branding work:
- Pair it with neutrals like black, white, gray, tan, or brown
- Add in touches of bright colors like yellow, orange, or red for contrast
- Use it with natural wood tones and organic textures
- Print it with a matte finish to avoid looking too slick and plastic-y
- Utilize it in gradients, mixing it with lighter greens or grays
Make sure to specify the exact Pantone code in your technical guidelines for optimal color accuracy. Having vendors match to physical Pantone swatches helps avoid color deviations.
Conclusion
When you need a deep, earthy green, dark olive is a sophisticated choice. It has an inherently natural look but also feels modern in the right context. Several Pantone options like 19-0315 Dark Olive Green, 18-0528 Mirage, and 18-0627 British Khaki fit the description of a dark olive tone.
Consider the level of saturation, undertones, and overall look you want to narrow it down. Dark olive works great for military, outdoors, or eco-friendly designs. Just be sure to provide the precise Pantone code to your team to ensure color consistency across deliverables. With the right dark olive green, you can create stylish yet grounded designs.
