Have you ever worn a shirt color that made you feel less confident? Maybe it was a bright orange polo from last Christmas, or a purple blazer that made you look more like a comic book villain than a gentleman.
We get it. Society often tells men to stick to safe neutrals—black, navy, gray, and beige—forever. The unspoken rule has long been that men should avoid “cheerful” hues or risk looking less masculine. But times have changed. Modern men are breaking these boundaries, and today, the right use of color can make you look sharper, more stylish, and more confident.
Fashion is all about self-expression. Just as women use colors to reflect mood or occasion, men can also embrace bolder hues to stand out and make a statement. The key is knowing how to wear them correctly.
If you’re ready to move beyond dull basics, here are five of the trickiest menswear colors and how to wear them like a pro.
1. Pink
Still think pink is just for women? Historically, pink was once considered a masculine color, especially in the 18th century when fine gentlemen wore it with pride. Today, it’s making a comeback, and when styled properly, it can instantly elevate your look.
How to wear it: Pair pink shirts with navy trousers for the office, or go casual with a dusty pink polo and beige chinos. For a bolder take, a rose-toned jacket can work for evening events if balanced with darker shades.
Recommended pairings: Brown, beige, olive, navy, and even deeper reds or mauves.
Skin tone tip: Fair skin looks best in darker pinks; if you wear pastel, balance it with contrast like a navy blazer. Darker complexions can confidently pull off most pink tones.
2. Orange
Orange sits right between subtle and striking—it’s more daring than brown but less overpowering than red. In recent years, burnt and rust tones of orange have become stylish year-round.
How to wear it: Try an orange crewneck sweater under a navy blazer, or swap your neutral sneakers for a pair in rust-orange for a casual pop of color. Accessories like ties and pocket squares in orange can also inject energy into a suit.
Recommended pairings: Navy, teal, gray, and black. Similar hues like red and yellow also work.
Skin tone tip: Fair skin pairs best with rust or burnt orange. Darker skin tones can wear coral or vivid shades with ease—just ground them with neutrals.
3. Purple
Purple has long symbolized royalty and prestige, so don’t let anyone tell you it’s too “out there.” The trick is moderation: think accents, not full ensembles.
How to wear it: Try a lavender dress shirt under a charcoal blazer, or a deep plum tie against a crisp white shirt. Pocket squares, knitwear, and socks in muted purples are subtle but stylish ways to wear this regal color.
Recommended pairings: Navy, gray, beige, and white. Purple also looks great when paired with custom-made suits in darker shades.
Skin tone tip: Lighter purples (like lavender) flatter darker suits and medium skin tones, while deeper purples enhance fair skin.
4. Yellow
Yellow radiates positivity, but it can overwhelm if you’re not careful. Whether pastel or bold, this color works best when balanced with neutrals.
How to wear it: A mustard cardigan over a white tee, or a canary-yellow polo with navy shorts, can make a strong style statement. For formalwear, keep yellow subtle—think ties or pocket squares.
Recommended pairings: Pale gray, navy, beige, charcoal, and white. Casual staples like t-shirts, sweaters, and streetwear pieces work especially well.
Skin tone tip: Fair skin is best complemented by mustard or gold tones. Darker skin tones can pull off the entire spectrum, from soft banana yellow to vivid canary.
5. Green
Yes, olive and army green are classics—but don’t stop there. Shades like mint, sage, emerald, and jade can instantly refresh your wardrobe.
How to wear it: Try a sage-green overshirt with a white tee and dark jeans, or an emerald tie with a crisp white shirt for a pop of color at formal events. Mint and tea green shades also bring a modern twist to spring outfits.
Recommended pairings: White, gray, and blue. Darker greens pair well with earthy tones like brown and mustard.
Skin tone tip: Pale complexions work better with deeper greens. Medium skin should avoid shades too close to olive. Darker complexions can wear nearly any shade with confidence.
Dare to Stand Out
The key to pulling off these bold colors isn’t just picking the right shade—it’s ensuring the fit is perfect. Poorly fitted clothing, no matter the color, can make even the most stylish choice look sloppy. That’s why tailoring matters.
If you’re experimenting with brighter hues for the first time, consider incorporating them into custom-made suits or tailored pieces. Not only will they fit your body perfectly, but they’ll also balance out the boldness of the color with sharp, masculine lines. When your clothes are cut for you, even pink, purple, or yellow will look intentional, modern, and powerful.
At the end of the day, fashion is about confidence. So go ahead, ditch the dull and embrace color. The right shade, styled well, might just become your signature.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Chokman, a go-to destination for tailored suits in Sydney—offering stylish, custom-fitted pieces for both men and women. She loves sharing fashion insights, styling advice, and tips to help people look sharp and feel their best in a great suit.