Maroon is a dark reddish-brown shade of red, often described as a deep, muted red with brown undertones. The term covers a range of closely related tones used in fashion, interior design, printing and digital media. As a color name it evokes richness and restraint rather than bright or vivid red.
Characteristics
Maroon sits toward the darker end of the red spectrum. In many digital palettes it is represented by the hex code #800000 and the equivalent RGB values (128, 0, 0), though variations exist that shift slightly toward purple or brown. Maroon typically appears less saturated than pure red and absorbs more light, giving it a heavier, more formal appearance.
History and name
The English name derives from the French word marron, meaning chestnut. The color name was first recorded in English usage in 1789. Over the centuries maroon has been applied to fabrics, military dress, and decorative arts where a restrained, dignified red was preferred.
Uses and examples
- Fashion and textiles: coats, knitwear and formal attire often use maroon for a timeless look.
- Branding and identity: organizations choose maroon to suggest tradition, warmth and seriousness.
- Sports and heraldry: teams and institutions frequently adopt maroon as an identifying color.
Distinctions and notable facts
Maroon is related to but distinct from burgundy, claret and oxblood. Burgundy tends to include more purple tones, claret suggests a wine-like tint, and oxblood is typically darker with a browner cast. For a technical reference see common color guides and digital swatches by searching the term color.
Because maroon spans a family of shades, designers often specify a precise sample or hex value when consistency is required in print and on screen. The color's subdued intensity makes it useful where depth and formality are desired without the high energy of brighter reds.