Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The hex color #08427D, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, muted shade of blue often associated with trustworthiness, stability, and professionalism. It is a dark, cool color that evokes a sense of authority and reliability, making it a popular choice for branding and corporate design. In terms of color theory, #08427D is a tertiary color, resulting from the mixture of primary and secondary colors, leading to its complex and nuanced appearance. This color has a relatively low saturation, which contributes to its understated elegance and makes it easy on the eyes. Its RGB value is R:8, G:66, B:125, and its CMYK value is C:94, M:47, Y:0, K:51. The name 'Congress Blue' suggests a connection to governmental or institutional contexts, further reinforcing its connotations of formality and credibility.
The hex color #08427D, also known as Congress Blue, presents specific accessibility considerations for web development. Its dark nature results in a low luminance value, which means it requires careful pairing with text and other interactive elements. To ensure readability and usability, it's crucial to use high-contrast text colors, preferably white or light shades of yellow or gray, with a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Also, avoid using this color for crucial interface elements without sufficient contrast. When this color is used as a background, ensure that the text and interactive elements are large enough or have sufficient spacing around them to maintain legibility. Providing alternative styling options, like high-contrast themes, can further enhance accessibility for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #225470
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still provides a professional look but with better contrast against dark text.
- #1e90ff
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements.
- #333333
A dark grey, suitable for backgrounds where the user wants to create a strong contrast to the text.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Congress Blue can be used in website headers and footers to establish a professional and trustworthy brand identity. This color evokes feelings of stability and reliability, which makes it ideal for businesses in finance, law, or government sectors. Using it as a background color with white or light-colored text can create a visually appealing and easily readable interface.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, Congress Blue can effectively represent key data points or categories in charts and graphs. Its dark hue allows it to stand out against lighter backgrounds, making it easier for viewers to interpret the information. When used in combination with complementary colors, it can create visually compelling and informative graphics that enhance user engagement.
Fashion and Apparel
Congress Blue can be applied in fashion to create sophisticated and elegant outfits. This color is ideal for formal wear, business attire, or evening gowns. When paired with neutral colors like gray, white, or beige, it creates a classic and timeless look. It is also useful as a backdrop color for product photography, particularly for showcasing items with light or vibrant colors, as it enhances their visual appeal.