Khaki #C3B091

Khaki began as a military color. British troops in India adopted dust-colored uniforms in the nineteenth century because they blended into dry terrain better than red coats, and armies around the world followed. That history makes khaki read as practical, disciplined and hard-wearing.

Civilian life softened it. Khaki chinos and trousers became a casual staple, and today the color is more likely to suggest weekend clothing, safaris and outdoor work than combat. Many school and work uniforms around the world still use it.

As a neutral, khaki is relaxed and unpretentious. It blends in, which helps when it is a background and works against it when a design needs to be noticed. Paired with stronger colors, though, it becomes a dependable base that makes them look sharper.

Khaki fits outdoor, travel, workwear and menswear brands. It is light enough that dark text, like charcoal, navy or black, reads well on it; white text is usually too faint. It makes a warm alternative to gray for cards, panels and section backgrounds. Avoid using it for every surface, since a page made only of khaki tones can look dusty.

In interiors, khaki works in linen upholstery, canvas and natural-fiber rugs. In fashion it pairs with navy, white, denim and olive for a casual, put-together look.