Denim is six different colours

Compare the washes

From left to right: dark indigo, mid blue, light wash, black denim, grey denim, ecru or cream.

Dark indigo

Contrast

Deep enough to give strong contrast against white and pale tops. It sits close to navy and black.

Formality: Smart casualDesign convention

The dressiest wash, particularly without fading or distressing. It can work with a blazer.

Season

All year. In heat its depth and weight can feel heavier than the colour alone suggests.

Shoes

Brown leather, white trainers and black boots all work. It is the most tolerant wash.

Sits well with

White, cream, pale blue, camel, burgundy and olive. Almost any top will sit on it.

Take care with

A navy top very close to it in depth, which reads as a near-miss unless the texture is clearly different.

Mid blue

Contrast

Middle of the lightness range, so it separates from both very dark and very light tops.

Formality: CasualDesign convention

The everyday wash. It suits casual settings best, and a jacket makes it look like a casual outfit with a jacket.

Season

All year, and particularly at home in spring and summer light.

Shoes

White or cream trainers and tan or mid-brown leather. Black shoes can look heavy against it.

Sits well with

White, grey marl, navy, red, mustard and rust. Warm colours gain from sitting against its cool blue.

Take care with

A top at the same lightness in a muted colour, which merges with the jeans at a distance.

Light wash

Contrast

Pale and low in contrast against light tops, so it needs a deeper colour above or a deliberate tonal look.

Formality: Very casualDesign convention

The most relaxed wash, and it stays relaxed whatever you put with it.

Season

At its best in warm weather and strong light. It looks cooler and flatter under grey skies.

Shoes

White trainers, sandals and light tan leather. Dark formal shoes pull against it.

Sits well with

Navy, deep red, forest green, white and stripes. Deep tops give it something to sit against.

Take care with

An all-pale outfit without any contrast, unless a washed look is the aim.

Black denim

Contrast

Reads as black at a distance, but usually fades towards charcoal, so it rarely matches true black.

Formality: Smart casualDesign convention

Can pass for dark trousers in low light, so it stretches further than blue denim in the evening.

Season

All year. It absorbs more sun than pale denim, so it feels warmer on hot days.

Shoes

Black boots, black or white trainers. Mid-brown can look separate from it.

Sits well with

White, grey, burgundy, camel and strong colours, all of which it makes look brighter.

Take care with

A true black top with faded black jeans in daylight, where the difference is clearly visible.

Grey denim

Contrast

A mid grey with texture, softer than black denim and with less hue than blue.

Formality: CasualDesign convention

Quieter than blue denim, so it fits smart casual more easily than mid-blue does.

Season

All year, and useful in autumn and winter.

Shoes

Black or white trainers, black boots and suede in grey or brown.

Sits well with

Navy, burgundy, white and soft pastels. It acts like grey flannel but more casual.

Take care with

A mid-grey top at the same lightness, which reads as a flat block unless the outfit needs that.

Ecru or cream

Contrast

Very light and warm. It gives a strong contrast against deep tops and a soft one against beige.

Formality: CasualDesign convention

Looks intentional and slightly smarter than light-wash blue.

Season

Most natural in spring and summer, and works in winter with deep knitwear.

Shoes

Tan leather, cream or white trainers, and suede. Black can look harsh against it.

Sits well with

Navy, olive, brown, rust and deep green. Earth colours are the natural partners.

Take care with

White tops, which make ecru look yellow, and it will show dirt quickly.

Related guides

• What goes with blue jeans
• Shoe colours
• Neutrals in clothing