Choosing the Perfect Base Colour for Club Uniforms

Discover how to select the perfect base colour for your club uniform. Inspired by Camila Mejia Posada’s classic branding aesthetics. Read more.

Choosing the Perfect Base Colour for Club Uniforms
  by Camila Short

The base colour of your club uniform is more than a visual choice—it's the foundation of your brand's identity. Whether you're designing for a private society, a school team, or a corporate club, the colour you choose will shape how your audience feels and connects with your message.

At Secret Society Studio, colour is treated as a language—one that speaks history, exclusivity, and timelessness. Here's how you can choose a base shade that reflects your brand's true essence.

1. Understand the Psychology of Colour

Colours influence perception. Here's a quick reference guide for classic base tones:

Colour

Emotion / Message

Navy Blue

Authority, legacy, tradition

Forest Green

Quiet strength, nature, harmony

Cream/White

Purity, timelessness, sophistication

Burgundy

Prestige, richness, academia

Charcoal Grey

Discipline, versatility, formality

 

These are go-to shades for brands seeking a sporty and rich look. Think vintage prep schools, yacht clubs, or tennis associations.

2. Look at the Brands You Admire

Take cues from successful style-forward brands like:

  • Sporty & Rich (classic creams and navy)

  • Rowing Blazers (punchy colours used minimally)

  • Secret Society Studio (deep green, tonal monochromes, and minimal accents)

Your base colour should reflect your values, not just trends. At Secret Society Studio, Camila Mejia Posada often draws inspiration from 80s athletic clubs and the heritage palette of elite sports academies.

3. Match Colour with Fabric & Function

Colours behave differently depending on the fabric.

  • Cotton fleece absorbs deep hues like burgundy beautifully.

  • Poly blends show off navy and black with clarity and strength.

  • Canvas or twill works best with neutrals for caps and bags.

Consider where and how your uniform will be worn: Will it be exposed to the outdoors? Used in performance settings? Designed for travel?

4. Think in Collections, Not Just Pieces

Your base colour will likely anchor:

  • Hoodies

  • Crewnecks

  • Quarter zips

  • Caps

  • Bags

Choose a tone that’s repeatable across multiple garments without feeling tired.

If you're building a capsule collection, make sure this base colour pairs easily with a secondary or accent colour—something we’ll explore in the next blog post.

5. Test it with Your Audience

Create mock-ups or samples in your top 2–3 base shades. Ask:

  • Which one feels the most “us”?

  • Which one would people actually wear?

  • Which reflects our club’s mission?

Classic Club Colour Combos to Consider

Base Colour

Accent Options

Navy Blue

Cream, Red, Metallic Gold

Forest Green

Bone, Tan, Burnt Orange

Burgundy

White, Black, Champagne

Grey

Navy, Black, Maroon

Cream

Navy, Burgundy, Hunter Green

 

These colour combos are rooted in history and give off the aura of “this club has existed for 100 years.”

Final Thoughts

Your uniform’s colour tells a story—of legacy, unity, and personal taste. Take your time choosing a base that embodies everything your club represents.

At Secret Society Studio, colour selection is an art and a ritual—anchored in heritage, curated by the founders, and delivered with timeless execution.

Need Help Picking the Right Shade?

Explore our full colour-ready blanks and let our team help you craft your perfect club identity.
Visit our shop to see our favourite bases 

  by Camila Short

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