Use The Science Behind Color To Create Custom Apparel Your Org Will Love
Picture this: you're scrolling through Instagram and you come across a post from your fave clothing brand. The colors just POP and you can't help but double-tap. That's the power of color pairings in apparel, my friends. Now, you're thinking, "How can I make sure I'm not committing a fashion no-no?" If we're spilling the tea, color is your outfit's secret ingredient. It can totally make or break it.
It's not just about matching, it's about the feel, the mood, and the message (like a "no parking" sign). But, how do we know which hues to mix and which to ditch? No sweat, it's all about that color theory + psychology!
The OG fashion gurus and creatives have been using this theory for ages, but it's not just for them anymore. You can totally join the club and use it to your advantage, whether you're putting together a sick outfit or designing custom merch for your people.
One way to design great apparel is by playing with complementary colors. These colors are like peanut butter and jelly, opposite but perfect together. Think red and green, or blue and orange.
Not only will it make your clothes pop, but it'll also make it cohesive. Plus, if you're repping your sorority or fraternity colors, using complementary colors can make them even more drip!
So let's understand the term 'color theory' better.
The Basics: Color Swatching
In essence, there are two color squads: the A-team and the B-team.
The primary colors red, blue, and yellow make up the A-team, let's tag them as the bosses. Then, between them, are the secondary colors a.k.a the B-team, the underdogs, represented by orange, green, and purple (or lilac, if you want to show off).
You'll get additional colors, like red-orange, yellow-green, and other amazing tints if you mix the A-team with the B-team. Put 'em all together in a circle and voila, you've got yourself a color scheme.
But wait, there's more! If you want to take your color game to the next level, you've got to understand hue, saturation, and value. These fancy terms will help you understand all those little paint chips you see at the hardware store.
Hue is just a fancy word for shade, while saturation refers to how intense the color is - whether it's more subtle or in your face. Highly saturated colors are bright and bold, while desaturated colors are more toned down. And finally, the value gives us all the different shades in between.
Mix and match: Color Schemes
The first thing that pops into your head when you're designing custom apparel for your sorority or fraternity? Color, of course. Our brains are wired to absorb 80% of information through our eyes, and colors are like catnip for them.
A well-coordinated color palette can make a big difference in how your custom apparel is perceived. But it's not about creating a pretty design, it's about creating one that makes sense.
Here are some color schemes to consider:
Monochromatic: It's all about using different shades of the same color or even just the same color to create a chic and cohesive look.
Complementary: This one is all about contrast. Think of opposite hues that somehow work together, like pink and lime green. Yes, we mean the ones that make your whole persona pop. Here's Alpha Phi absolutely killing it in their complementary custom outfits.
Triple Threat: This scheme uses three colors that are evenly spaced out on the color wheel to create a harmonious scheme that's easy on the eyes. Here are two Dphie sisters looking absolutely adorable in their triple-threat St. Patrick's day merch.
Remember, colors have serious symbolic power. (You know where every color has its very own meaning?) The success of your custom apparel relies in part on the colors you choose and how people react to them. So choose wisely, but make them fun.
Now that you've dialed in the colors of your products, it's time to elevate your design's color scheme to new heights.
So, without further ado…
Scroll For Mind-blowing Custom Apparel Designs 🤯
Want to stay on top of 2023 color + fashion trends? Here are 5 colors that are making the rounds this spring!
How Else Can You Level Up The Merch Game?
Here's a pro tip: simplicity is key when it comes to color schemes. Avoid going overboard with too many colors, and instead, go for colors that play off each other nicely. Just watch out for clashing colors like red and blue or red and orange - those combos can be a bit jarring on the eyes.
And don't forget about legibility when it comes to text! Choosing colors that contrast well with the background is crucial if you want your message to come across loud and clear. Nobody wants to strain their eyes trying to make out what your merch says.
So, whether you're revamping your Greek gear or adding to your already-stellar collection, keep these tips in mind for a killer end result that's both stylish and readable.
And, if you’re on the hunt for some cool custom apparel to make your Greek org’s presence even more unmissable, we’ve got your back. Get started with some sick designs here.