Tory Blue
General Information about Tory Blue
The color #174A9D, commonly known as Tory Blue, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism. It belongs to the blue color family, which is often associated with calmness, serenity, and intellect. In the RGB color model, #174A9D consists of 9.02% red, 29.02% green, and 61.57% blue. This specific combination gives it a distinctive and somewhat formal appearance. Tory Blue is often used in corporate branding, government websites, and educational materials to convey authority and reliability. Its hexadecimal code provides a standardized way to represent this color across various digital platforms and design applications, ensuring consistency in visual communication. Because of its darker nature, it's often paired with lighter colors to achieve a visually balanced and appealing aesthetic.
The hex color #174A9D, also known as Tory Blue, presents moderate accessibility challenges. Its contrast ratio with pure white (#FFFFFF) is approximately 3.7:1, which doesn't meet the WCAG AA standard for normal text (4.5:1) but nearly satisfies the WCAG AA standard for large text (3:1). When used for smaller text elements, ensure sufficient surrounding contrast or consider a lighter background color to enhance readability for users with visual impairments. For larger text or graphical elements, the color can be more acceptable. It's advisable to perform thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools and real users to guarantee usability for everyone. Pairing this color with lighter shades or using it sparingly can improve the overall accessibility of a design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability.
- #808080
A neutral grey that can be used as a background color to complement Tory Blue without causing visual strain.
- #003366
A dark blue that provides a similar aesthetic to Tory Blue but may offer improved contrast depending on the specific context.
Applications
Web Development
In web development, Tory Blue can be effectively used for headings, buttons, and navigation bars to create a professional and trustworthy appearance. Its depth makes it suitable for highlighting key interactive elements, encouraging user engagement. It can also be incorporated into data visualizations to represent important information clearly and concisely. However, careful consideration of text contrast is essential to ensure readability and accessibility, particularly when using it for body text or smaller UI elements.
Fashion
In fashion, Tory Blue can be utilized in both apparel and accessories. Its sophisticated tone makes it suitable for formal wear, such as suits or dresses. It can also be incorporated into casual wear as an accent color in scarves, handbags, or shoes. The versatility of Tory Blue allows it to be paired with a variety of other colors, including neutrals like grey and beige, as well as bolder colors like red or yellow, to create different aesthetic effects.
Interior Design
In interior design, Tory Blue can be applied to create a calming and elegant atmosphere. It works well as a wall color in bedrooms or living rooms, particularly when complemented by lighter furniture and decor. It can also be used as an accent color in cushions, curtains, or rugs to add depth and interest to a space. Its association with stability and trustworthiness makes it suitable for office environments, promoting a sense of professionalism and reliability.