Colour Matching Tips: Which Suit Colours Go with Which Skin Tones & Hair Colours

When it comes to men's fashion, there are few items that make more of an impact than a well-tailored suit. But while tailoring, fabric and styling all matter, one crucial element often gets forgotten - colour. The right suit colour can elevate your look, complement your natural tone and project a pulled together look. The wrong one, however, can wash out your appearance or clash with your complexion. 

In this blog, we walk you through which suit colours work best for different skin tones and hair colours and how to find the perfect balance for your personal style. 

Understanding Your Skin Tone

Before you choose a suit, it's important to determine your skin's undertone. Skintone isn’t just about being light or dark, it's about whether your skin undertone is cool, warm or neutral. 

How to Determine Your Undertone:

• Cool undertone: Your skin has pink, red, or bluish hues. Veins appear blue or purple. Silver jewellery tends to suit you better.
  

• Warm undertone: Your skin leans toward yellow, peach, or golden hues. Veins appear greenish. Gold jewellery looks best on you.

• Neutral undertone: A balance of both. You can wear both silver and gold easily.
  
  

Once you’ve identified your undertone, the rest is easy! 

Best Suit Colours for Cool Skin Tones

Men with cool undertones are best suited to suits that have blue or grey bases. These shades complement your complexion rather than overpower it. 

Ideal Suit Colours:

• Charcoal Grey: A versatile classic that pairs well with cool toned skin.
  

• Navy Blue: Deep and versatile; it brings warmth to the face without clashing.
  

• Mid-Grey & Slate: Ideal for formal occasions such as business meetings, offering a balanced professional look.
  

• Burgundy or Deep Plum: A modern option, these colours are subtly rich and add personality while maintaining refinement.

Colours to Avoid:

Earthy tones like beige, mustard, or olive can make cool-toned skin look washed out or sallow. 

Best Hair Pairings:

• Dark or Black Hair: Sharp contrasts like navy or charcoal amplify your features.
  

• Ash Blonde or Cool Brown Hair: Mid-greys and blues keep the look harmonious.

Best Suit Colours for Warm Skin Tones

If you’re skin has olive or golden undertones, you’ll find your best pairings in earthy, rich hues that echo natural warmth.

Ideal Suit Colours:

• Tan or Camel: These tones are perfect for semi-formal occasions.
  

• Olive Green: Modern and elegant, this colour pairs beautifully with brown shoes and accessories.
  

• Brown or Chocolate: Unique and on trend, these colours complement golden, olive undertones effortlessly.
  

• Rust or Warm Blue: A classic choice, these tones pair well together as well as individually.
  
  

Colours to Avoid:

Cool blues and grey can drain your natural warmth.

Best Hair Pairings:

• Light Brown or Auburn Hair: Tan and olive tones enhance the natural warmth.
  

• Dark Brown Hair: Deep greens and browns balance the look perfectly.
  

• Blonde Hair: Go for lighter warm tones like sand or light grey.
  
  

Best Suit Colours for Neutral Skin Tones

If your skin has a neutral undertone, then you're in luck! Neutral undertones suit both cool and warm colours; the key is to balance saturation. 

Ideal Suit Colours:

• Medium Grey: This colour is super versatile and works across seasons.
  

• Classic Blue: Balanced and universally flattering.
  

• Soft Charcoal or Dusty Brown: Muted tones enhance your natural equilibrium.
  

• Patterned Suits: Subtle checks or herringbone patterns help break up monotony.
  
  

Best Hair Pairings:

Neutral skin tones pair beautifully with brown, blonde, or salt-and-pepper hair, allowing for experimentation with contrast and tone.

Coordinating Suit Colour with Hair Colour

While skin tone sets the base, hair colour fine-tunes your palette.

Seasonal Suit Colour Guide

Lighting and environment can affect how colours appear. The different seasons call for different colours; here's a breakdown by season.

• Spring/Summer: Light grey, beige, pastel blue, tan, linen fabrics.
  

• Autumn/Winter: Charcoal, navy, forest green, burgundy, heavier wools.

Accessory Matching Tips

The finishing touches to your look should complement your suit and complexion. 

• Cool Skin: Crisp white or sky blue shirts work best. Silver cufflinks with navy or burgundy ties will help pull the look together.
  

• Warm Skin: Cream shirts are best for warm skin tones. Gold accessories and earthy-toned ties will help finish the look off.
  

• Neutral Skin: Neutral skin tones have the flexibility to choose a variety of shirt and accessory colours. Soft pastels or classic white are the most versatile. 

Quick Visual Guide

• Cool Skin + Dark Hair → Navy or Charcoal Suits
  

• Warm Skin + Light Hair → Tan or Olive Suits
  

• Neutral Skin + Any Hair → Medium Grey or Blue Suits
  
  

If in doubt, the most versatile, flattering colour is navy. Timeless, adaptable and appropriate for nearly every occasion. 

Final Thoughts: Dress for Balance

Choosing the right suit colour isn’t about following rigid rules — it’s about achieving balance. When your skin tone, hair colour, and suit work in harmony, the result is effortless sophistication.

Whether you’re investing in your first tailored suit or expanding your wardrobe, use these colour-matching principles as a foundation. From the boardroom to weddings, you’ll always look put-together, confident, and stylish.

Discover the men’s three-piece suits with Marc Darcy

We hope you found this article helpful. Next time you’re reaching out for a three-piece suit – take the information above and wear your suit in total confidence, the Marc Darcy way.

At Marc Darcy, we take great pride in offering the finest men's clothing, from suits to accessories. Check out our selection of suits right now if you're in the market for one. For a wide variety of Evening Suits, Wedding Suits, and Suits That Stretch.

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