Neutral or strong colour
Short answer: Neutral colours go with almost everything and last long, while strong colours give life and personality. Choose neutral for basics and strong for a few pieces you want to use as an accent.
What neutral colours can do
Black, white, grey, beige and navy go with almost anything, and you can combine them without thinking. That makes the wardrobe easy, and you wear more of your clothes. Neutral colours show sweat and marks less and can hide wear. They are also timeless and do not follow trends. For basics you wear daily they are a safe choice. See bamboo trousers for women, which can be combined with many tops.
What strong colours can do
Strong colours give energy and personality, and they can lift an otherwise simple outfit. They are fun to own, and many get a small lift from wearing them. For accents such as a top, a scarf or a bra that is only seen in glimpses, they are ideal. The drawback is that they can be harder to combine and can tire you if you wear them alone. Try them in small doses.
Skin tone and colours
Colours look different against different skin tones. Some can bring out your face, while others can make you look pale. Try the colour at a window in daylight and see how it looks close to your face. Neutral tones are rarely a problem. If you want to try strong colours, start with something that sits a little away from the face, such as trousers or underwear. See bamboo bra without underwire, where you can choose the colour by what is going underneath.
Underwear and clothes under clothes
Under clothes, neutral tones close to the skin colour are most practical, because they do not show through. Strong colours can be seen under thin, light fabric. See bamboo bodysuit, which is often chosen in neutral colours for wearing under clothes. For clothes that are only seen at home, you can choose stronger colours. It is a small luxury that costs no practical trouble.
Caring for colours
Strong colours can run in the first washes, so wash them separately and at a low temperature. Use a mild detergent for colours and avoid bleach. Turn the clothes inside out and dry them away from direct sun, which can fade them. Neutral colours are easier to wash together, and black can turn grey after many washes. New black clothes can bleed in damp, so rinse thoroughly.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose neutral colours for basics, clothes under clothes and pieces you want to use for many seasons. Choose strong colours for accents, leisure and clothes only seen in glimpses. If in doubt, build the wardrobe on neutral colours and add a single strong colour at a time. That gives both calm and life, without making it hard to combine. Do not buy a colour you do not plan to use.
Frequently asked questions
Which colours go with everything
Black, white, grey, beige and navy are the most versatile and easy to combine.
How do I find out whether a colour suits me
Hold it up to your face in daylight and see whether you look fresher or paler.
Do strong colours run
They can in the first washes. Wash them separately at a low temperature the first few times.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
