Denim
General Information about Denim (#185ACE)
The hexadecimal color #185ACE, also known as Denim, is a medium-dark shade of blue. It's composed of 9.41% red, 35.29% green, and 80.78% blue. In the RGB color model, it is defined by the values (24, 90, 206). Denim has a hue angle of 217.7 degrees, a saturation of 79.2%, and a lightness of 45.1%. This color is often associated with trustworthiness, reliability, and calmness, making it a popular choice in branding and design. In CMYK, its composition is 88.35% cyan, 56.31% magenta, 0% yellow, and 19.22% black. This color is frequently used in web design for backgrounds, buttons, and text, and it also appears in fashion, interior design, and other creative fields. Denim's versatility stems from its ability to evoke both a sense of stability and creativity.
The color #185ACE, also known as Denim, presents moderate accessibility challenges. When used as text, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios against background colors. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Pairing #185ACE with light backgrounds like #FFFFFF (white) or #F0F0F0 (light gray) may not provide sufficient contrast, potentially causing eye strain and difficulty in reading. Conversely, using it against very dark backgrounds such as #000000 (black) might create excessive contrast, which can also be problematic for some users. Therefore, it is crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance with WCAG standards. A suitable strategy could involve using #185ACE for larger text elements or graphical elements where precise readability is less critical, or employing it as an accent color rather than for primary text. Also, consider providing alternative color schemes that users can switch to if they find the default scheme inaccessible.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3366cc
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the Denim aesthetic while providing improved contrast against white backgrounds.
- #003399
A darker variant of Denim, ideal for situations where higher contrast is needed, such as small text or important UI elements.
- #2e86c1
A shade of blue similar to denim that provides more contrast with light text than the original denim color.
Applications
Web Design Accents
In web design, #185ACE is excellent for creating visually appealing headings, button backgrounds, or navigational elements. Its bold presence makes it suitable for highlighting important call-to-action elements. Use it sparingly and strategically to guide user attention without overwhelming the design. Consider pairing it with neutral colors like grays or whites to maintain a balanced aesthetic and ensure readability of text placed on top of it. It can also be used in charts and graphs to represent data points, adding a touch of sophistication to data visualization.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, #185ACE represents a sophisticated and classic choice for clothing and accessories. It can be used to create denim-inspired looks or as a statement color in outfits. It pairs well with neutral colors like beige, white, and gray, as well as complementary colors like yellows and oranges for a more vibrant and eye-catching look. Denim blue accessories like scarves, bags, or jewelry can add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #185ACE can be used to create a calming and sophisticated ambiance. It works well as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decor items. It can be paired with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige for a classic and timeless look, or with complementary colors like yellow and orange for a more vibrant and energetic feel. Denim blue accents can be used to add depth and character to a room, creating a cozy and inviting space.