Cadet Grey
HEX: #91A3B0 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#91A3B0
145, 163, 176
205°, 17% ,69%
17.61, 7.39, 0, 30.98
About Cadet Grey
Cadet Grey (#91A3B0) is a color with RGB(145, 163, 176) and HSL(205.16°, 17.61%, 69.02%). It is commonly associated with Calm moods. In design, it fits Muted, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Background, Border. Its complementary color is #B09E91, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #B091A3 and #A3B091. The name comes from Cadet Grey (English).
- HEX: #91A3B0
- RGB: 145, 163, 176
- HSL: 205.16°, 17.61%, 69.02%
- Mood: Calm
- Style: Muted, Cool
- Use case: Text, Background, Border
- Complementary color: #B09E91
- Triadic colors: #B091A3, #A3B091
- The name comes from Cadet Grey (English).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #91A3B0 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The color 'cadet grey' is intrinsically linked to military and naval academies, particularly in the United States. The United States Military Academy at West Point, for example, has a long history of using grey in its uniforms. The specific shade 'cadet grey' became a recognized color name due to its prevalence in these uniforms. It's a medium-light grey with a slight blue undertone, making it distinct from other greys like 'charcoal' or 'slate'. Over time, the term has expanded beyond just military contexts to describe the color itself in fashion, interior design, and other fields.
First Recorded Use
The term 'cadet grey' likely emerged in the 19th century as military academies and schools began to standardize their uniform colors. While a precise first recorded use is difficult to pinpoint without extensive historical textile and uniform records, the concept of a specific 'cadet' color would have become relevant as such institutions grew.
Cultural Associations
Cadet grey evokes a sense of discipline, formality, and tradition due to its strong association with military and academic institutions. It is often seen as a sophisticated and understated color. In fashion, it can be used to create classic and professional looks. In interior design, it offers a calming and versatile neutral that can be paired with a wide range of other colors. Its slight blueness can give it a cool, modern feel.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #91A3B0;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #91A3B0;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #91A3B0;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#91A3B0,
#BEAEA2
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#91A3B0,
#BEAEA2
);
}// SCSS variable
$cadet-grey: #91A3B0;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$cadet-grey-r: 145;
$cadet-grey-g: 163;
$cadet-grey-b: 176;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $cadet-grey;
color: rgba($cadet-grey-r, $cadet-grey-g, $cadet-grey-b, 0.8);
}