Congress Blue
General Information about Congress Blue
The color #103E8A, also known as Congress Blue, is a deep, rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, authority, and stability. It is often associated with professionalism and competence, making it a popular choice for corporate branding and government-related applications. This particular shade of blue is created by combining a small amount of red and green with a significant amount of blue. In the RGB color model, it consists of 6.27% red, 24.31% green, and 54.12% blue. Congress Blue is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of design contexts, from web design to fashion. It provides a balanced combination of depth and vibrancy, which can be easily incorporated in digital interfaces.
The Congress Blue color (#103E8A) presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background color for text. Due to its relatively low luminance, it may not provide sufficient contrast with lighter text colors like white or light gray. Web developers should carefully evaluate the contrast ratio to ensure it meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, aiming for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using a color contrast checker is highly recommended. If the contrast is insufficient, consider using a lighter shade of blue or a different color altogether for the background, or using a darker text color to enhance readability for users with visual impairments. Also avoid using this color for important UI elements without proper contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e64fe
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers improved contrast and visibility while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #007bff
A more saturated blue that can draw attention and add vibrancy to designs, while still providing a professional look.
- #6699cc
A desaturated blue that provides a soft, calming effect while ensuring readability and accessibility.
Applications
Web Design for Professional Services
Congress Blue can be effectively utilized in website headers and navigation bars to establish a sense of authority and trust. Its deep, rich hue provides a professional look, making it suitable for businesses and organizations aiming to convey stability and reliability. The color also works well in call-to-action buttons, as it can draw the user's eye without being overly aggressive. Complementary colors, such as a muted yellow or a light gray, can be used for text to create a balanced and accessible design.
Fashion Design for Formal and Casual Wear
In the fashion industry, Congress Blue is often used for formal wear, such as suits and dresses, to project an image of sophistication and competence. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, black, and white, as well as with metallic accents like silver and gold. The color can also be incorporated into casual wear, such as sweaters and jeans, to add a touch of elegance to everyday outfits. Accessorizing with complementary colors like mustard yellow or burnt orange can create a stylish and eye-catching look.
Data Visualization in Infographics
This shade is great for infographics to give the presentation of data a professional yet eye-catching tone. The color can be combined with lighter blues and contrasting colors like yellow or white to make the data easily readable. Charts and graphs can benefit from using #103E8A to highlight important data trends. This ensures the infographic is not only informative but also visually appealing, helping to engage the audience and effectively communicate complex information.