Choosing a shade of gray
Gray is the quiet workhorse of decorated apparel. Heather gray is the classic athletic-department look, charcoal is a softer alternative to black, and light gray is a summer favorite. The shades differ in both color and texture, so pick the shade, then the garment.
Charcoal Gray
#47484C
Dark Heather
#404145
Heather Gray
#B2B3B5
Light Gray
#C4C4C4
Charcoal gray is the dark, solid gray between black and mid gray. Suppliers sell it as Charcoal, Graphite, Iron Grey, Dark Grey, Steel Grey and Gunmetal. Charcoal reads as modern, sophisticated and steady: serious like black, but less severe.
Dark heather is a dark gray with a heathered, mottled texture: the same overall depth as charcoal, but softer and more casual. Suppliers sell it as Dark Heather, Charcoal Heather, Heather Charcoal and Black Heather. Dark heather reads as relaxed, sporty and comfortable rather than formal.
Heather gray is the classic mid-gray heathered fabric: Athletic Heather, Sport Grey, Heather Grey and Oxford. It's the gray of the traditional athletic-department tee. Heather gray reads as classic, athletic and approachable.
Light gray is the palest gray we list: Ash, Silver, Light Grey and Pearl. It's lighter and usually more solid than heather gray. Light gray reads as clean, light and easygoing.
What gray says on clothing
Gray reads as calm, neutral and understated. It lets a logo do the talking, goes with every other team color, and looks relaxed rather than formal, which is why it's the default for practice gear and casual merch.
Gray school colors
Gray is mostly a supporting color for schools, but Washington State lists gray as a primary color, Air Force wears Academy Silver, and Ohio State's gray is part of its signature scarlet-and-gray look.
Official color codes: Washington State University school colors, United States Air Force Academy school colors, Ohio State University school colors, University of Tennessee, Knoxville school colors, Texas Christian University school colors and Xavier University school colors.
More gray
Charcoal GrayDark HeatherHeather GrayLight Gray
