Navy versus black when you want dark clothing

Short answer: Navy is softer against the face and fades less visibly. Black is sharper and easier to match, but turns grey before navy does.

How they work against the face

Black is the hardest contrast there is and casts a sharp shadow upwards. Navy is slightly warmer and softer and therefore suits many people better, especially with pale skin or grey hair.

Fading

Black needs the most dye and therefore shows the loss earliest. Navy fades too, but the shift to a lighter blue is less conspicuous than the shift from black to grey. See bamboo clothing for men.

Matching in the wardrobe

Black matches everything without thought. Navy matches almost everything but clashes with very dark brown and with black in the same outfit. Choose one as your base and stay with it. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo underwear for men.

Frequently asked questions

Can black and navy be worn together

It can be done, but in daylight it often reads as a mistake. Choose one.

Which is easier to keep looking good

Navy, because fading is less visible and lint shows less clearly.

Which suits work better

Both. Navy reads slightly less formal and slightly warmer.