Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

50 Shades of Blue: Put a Little Indigo in Your Wardrobe this Spring

By
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just about everybody loves denim and has at least one pair of jeans in his closet. Part of denim’s allure is its traditional indigo color. That rich, practically navy shade of blue washes down beautifully and looks great on most of us (unless you’re part of the Kentucky’s Fugate family, said to actually have blue skin … in which case, indigo on blue skin might be a little matchy-matchy). Indigo is also a bracing, refreshing tone that signals spring and the coming summer. The color takes on a starring role in the palette of our favorite collections this season, so prepare to look amazing in 2018.

Pact Crew Sweatshirt – $45
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Look great and save the planet, all at the same time? If only Deadpool had it so good. Pact is dedicated to making comfortable clothes using sustainable materials in Fair Trade Certified factories. It’s soft, French terry fabric feels good on, while it’s organic cotton and recycled polyester blend will make you feel good inside too.

Recommended Videos

See It

Southern Tide Nep Chambray Sport Shirt – $100
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like so many colors this Spring, indigo can be washed out — as demonstrated by this neat and clean chambray shirt — to form a pale, cool color reminiscent of sea glass. For those of you who aren’t complete denim geeks out there, a “nep” is formed when visible fibers are exposed during the weaving process, in this case, providing a little warmth and texture to the pale blue ground.

See It

Related
Bonobos Beach Pant Navy Triangle Jacquard – $118
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bonobos’ new spring collection seamlessly transitions from the beach to the city. These beach pants are graphically-patterned, yet sophisticated — maybe not enough for every boardroom, but perfect for casual Fridays. Of course, they’re from Bonobos, so we know the fit will be awesome, and the brand shot with Thaddeus O’Neil, a designer known for his surfing-inspired, bohemian style.

See It

Faherty Marled Indigo Knit Blazer – $198
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Faherty’s Marled Indigo Knit Blazer is a sweatshirt for the office. Throw it on for just a tad more formality, but still feel relaxed and in the flow. It’s knit from two different shades of indigo, for a rich visual texture. Dress up a T-shirt or dress down a button-up, and consider summer dressing managed.

See It

Swims Breeze Tennis Knit Shoe – $150
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t give your shoes the blues! Finish off indigo style with these light, airy Swims shoes that offer extra cushioning and ventilation. Their clean, modern silhouette will pair well with most jeans, and are a perfect off-set to spring khakis and white pants.

See It

Hook & Albert Weekender – $395
Image used with permission by copyright holder

We couldn’t pass up including this great duffel bag from Hook & Albert. Are your travels trending a little more formal? Need a suit for that business trip or weekend wedding? This is the perfect travel bag, allowing room for two suits, shoes, and accessories.

See It

Article originally published by Tim Yap on June 4, 2013. Last updated by John Jones on March 27, 2018.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
John Jones
John Jones
Contributor
John Jones is a Jersey City, New Jersey-based writer who enjoys covering design in all its forms, from fashion to…
How to style the henley shirt, the versatile men’s fashion item your wardrobe needs
Pick up these underrated heroes of the closet
Orange linen suit and trelby hat

Men have a small amount of choices when it comes to shirts—dress shirt, polo, sweater, t-shirt that seems like all there is. Of course, that is only if you don't dive into all of the diamonds in the rough. There are a lot of unsung heroes in the closet that you have likely been overlooking. The henley shirt is the number one most underrated and often overlooked shirt in men's fashion. There are so many uses for it that men tend to forget about.

It may have started as the top portion of long underwear, but the knit shirt with two or more buttons at the opening became one of the most coveted uniform shirts due to its comfort and versatility. It became so beloved that the name henley came from its use as the uniform during the annual Henley Royal Regatta, one of the first organized rowing events in British history. Ever since, it has been a mainstay in our wardrobes, but now it's time that we all learn how to wear these in ways that get the full potential out of the henley.

Read more
Yeah, a leather jacket is iconic, but you need these 7 coat types in your wardrobe, too
The types of coats every man should own to stay warm and in style
Man in black overcoat

It's that time of year again. Whether you're braving the knife-sharp winds of the Great Lakes, digging your way out of the snow in the Midwest, or trying not to drown in the off-season rains in the Pacific Northwest, jackets and coats are currently (or about to become) a part of your everyday life. If you are lucky, you already have a great leather jacket to wear, but there are some other great pieces you should pick up if you want to have a rounded collection of coats. 

Like in every menswear category, there are many different types, styles, and functions of men’s outerwear. For some guys, just getting dressed is a confusing enough proposition, and then it gets more complicated when you add another layer on the outside to finish off the look. Having said that, nothing ruins a suit or a carefully planned outfit like a North Face puffer jacket.

Read more
Ditch the blues and grays: This men’s fashion expert wants you to add more color to your wardrobe
Embrace a new color and revitalize your closet and your life
Max Israel of Y.Chroma

When men are young, we try out brighter colors portraying our youth. But as we age, the colors begin to dull, and we tend to drift toward safer neutrals like blue, gray, brown, and the always exciting black and white. Now, don't get us wrong, we love a great blue that is rich and striking or a dark outfit that gives us the evening black-tie look. But when your entire wardrobe looks dull and lifeless, it is time to liven it up with a color palette that draws attention, brings out your inner playfulness, and stands out from the crowd.

That can be challenging for a middle-aged man who has spent his entire life subduing his appearance with dark neutrals. But help is on the way; we got a chance to sit down with Max Israel, founder of Y.Chroma, a menswear brand out of Lisbon that is endeavoring to help men release their inner light with the kind of color that they've been missing out on their entire lives. Let him help you figure out the best way to liven up your closet and life.

Read more