How To Wear Purple (Violet) in Menswear - Color Combination Tips

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1. Madder Silk Pocket Square in Purple with Green Diamond Motif and Red Paisley - gentl.mn/2MwtbsI
2. Cornflower Boutonniere - gentl.mn/2pSWhea
3. Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Dark Green and Purple - gentl.mn/2B43rOZ
*Note: the onscreen title at 2:19 should read, "Shades of Purple," and at 11:01 should read, "Purple Trousers, Jackets, & Suits"
In centuries past, the color purple was fairly difficult to produce for different kinds of garments and for that reason, the color was usually reserved for Kings and Emperors and other people of similar status. However, we don't have those same kinds of issues today so anyone is free to wear the color purple and because of that, we think you should do it more often.
With that said then, let's briefly cover the history of the color purple in menswear. As I just mentioned, it was worn only by aristocracy for a certain period of time, principally because the color purple was so hard to produce. For much of history, good purple dyes could only be extracted from one particular type of sea snail and because of this, it took up to a quarter-million snails just to produce one ounce of usable purple dye.
Only in the mid 19th century did industrial processes become more common that could make purple garments widely available to the masses. Since then, purple still hasn't been a widely worn color in many parts of the world but this is more due to a general lack of popularity than any actual exclusivity and of course, as with any color, there are multiple shades to consider.
How to best wear purple in your outfits:
Many of the guidelines for wearing purple more broadly pertain to any bright or contrasting hue in clothing which is to say if you're going to wear a piece that incorporates some bright color, you should tamp down the overall effect in your outfit by pairing it with other more muted garments for a harmonious look. In general, until you've really learned the ropes of combining brighter and bolder colors together in the same outfit, it's probably best that you confine purple or similar colors to just one or two accessories in your outfit and then have more neutral tones such as the staples of gray, navy, and brown to harmonize things and smooth out the overall look of the ensemble. Still, if you know how to combine your accessories and other garments tastefully, you can wear any different shade of purple more or less year-round. Also, be mindful of how the
shade of purple that you're wearin
Easiest ways to wear purple:
1. By incorporating it into your accessories.
The first accessory we'll discuss is a purple pocket square. If you'd like to ease yourself into wearing purple in your outfits, a pocket square is a small accessory and therefore, fits that bill well. With that said though, there's even a way that you could do this as a gradual process starting by wearing a pocket square that only incorporates some purple, let's say into it's pattern. From there, you could graduate on to wearing a pocket square that's almost entirely purple or at least, uses purple as its principal color with other colors also incorporated.
2. Wear it as one of your layers.
For example, as a shirt or as a sweater but as we discussed before, wearing a shirt in a bright neon shade of purple is just going to make you look like a twenty-something who's ready for the club. Instead, you might as well wear a purple in a brighter pastel hue and in fact, you could make it even more subtle by just incorporating the purple into a shirt's pattern.
So long as you know how to incorporate it tastefully and harmoniously by knowing what other colors are going to be in your outfit and how these things will harmonize with your skin tone and other factors, you can pull off purple.

[@gentlemansgazette]

What's your favorite way to wear purple? Let us know! *Also, a note for our eagle-eyed viewers: the onscreen title at 2:19 should read, "Shades of Purple," and at 11:01 should read, "Purple Trousers, Jackets, & Suits." ;) Thanks for watching! - Preston

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

Awesome video. I love the channel!

[@Leroset]

Gentleman's Gazette Woman here, but personally I love a purple shirt or sweater on a man, especially when worn with trousers and/or a suit jacket.

[@ulfricthorsson8347]

I incorporate purple into my style, through my accessories. My ties, pocket squares and the bandana I carry to wipe sweat off my face (SE Texas IS a tropical/sub-tropical climate zone)

[@campkira]

i do like purple but not those....

[@scott-xg1il]

"NO"

[@countalma9800]

Preston's outfit is very well put together. I also like his speech tempo and intonation in this video.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Glad you added the history in there. Purple became one of my favorite colors after studying the medieval Roman (Byzantine) Empire...fantastic as always, Preston!

[@nikoladrca5324]

I'm glad to hear it! I use purple wherever I can RGB on PC peripherals in purple, walls in my room in purple, purple watch and purple clothing items

[@shaaaairuuu]

Am I a man? No. Do I even wear Western clothing or men's clothing? Absolutely not. Yet, yet this channel manages to share tips that are so helpful for even me who comes from South Asia and wears South Asian clothes only. And Preston is my favorite. 😍😍 We have a rule here, that those with dark skin tones like mine shouldn't wear purple, because it makes our skin tone look even more dull and highlight the purplish hyperpigmented tones of the skin. But for me personally purple is a top favorite. I always get compliments when I wear purple, and my most favorite sari is my mom's purple and gold sari that I wear at every special event!

[@brenttesterman1198]

Very cool. I'm very fair-skinned, and purple is my favorite color! My two daughters are half Philipino and purple is their favorite color too. Peace

[@kenneth7826]

My sister then wear purple from time to time...peace

[@MegaSuperCritic]

Hmm, I’ve always been envious of those darker skinned for their ability to pull off purple and pink

[@kenneth7826]

@@MegaSuperCritic why???? I believe you can pull it off

[@brutustantheiii8477]

Nice to meet you, Edit: sincerely, we the sartorial Western men here

[@firdauskaswady2217]

If Preston had a green hair.. He'll make a gentleman version of the joker!

[@Andrew-it7fb]

Some gentleman just want to observe the world burning.

[@jkrause365]

Or the beginnings of a great Mardi Gras outfit. :-)

[@Ingrid0410]

Sandy Claws very mean comment

[@firdauskaswady2217]

@@Ingrid0410 If this is your idea of a "very mean" comment.. Obviously you haven't seen the whole salty community .. There are comments that are way worst than this.. This is like.. The pathetic "very mean" comment.. And I didn't even intended this to be hate comment..

[@channingcheese2]

He's got more of a riddler look to him. More sqaurish, less pointed

[@428ghost]

Wearing purple can also be entertaining for others if you are colour blind. I am, and often conflate deep purple (not the band) with navy blue, or light purple with grey. I used to wear a sweater with *what I thought* was patterns of navy blue and grey. A colleague commented on my being a brave man for wearing two tones of purple. After a brief census around the workplace I confirmed that I was indeed waring two tones of purple. That night I solemnly burned the sweater while listening to 'smoke on the water' because I knew that for a fact to be Deep Purple.

[@nureinherz]

great story :) Pity though, you burnt the sweater, it probably suited you quite well! I am a woman and like men wearing purple and other colours, they often look especially great in them

[@nureinherz]

P.S. I loved the Deep Purple "Smoke on the water" bit 😁! Great Band, great colour

[@ChatteNoireBlanche]

I wish there were a Lady's Gazette. Anyway, I think many things from this can be also applied to women.

[@bailey03]

@@roberth4395 she is indeed amazing just like Hugo. But I think for some people a bit to mutch.

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

@Isis Agreed!

[@watcherwlc53]

@Geovanni Battaglia good people only, keep out

[@saynotohookups]

@@bailey03 Who are you referring to?

[@lamedrawings]

Wow Preston looks really good in Purple Edit: When I think of Purple, I always think of Prince.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

How to wear anything out of the ordinary? With confidence, and that's it!

[@eustace8520]

Unless you look like a clown.

[@Stephen-er4bi]

True confidence in your choice will carry the day.

[@kenneth7826]

Well said

[@royalecrafts6252]

Try to wear ancient egyptian styled clothing

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

@@eustace8520 I mean, there are people who work as clowns in circusses and are very confident and talented entertainers...

[@richlrn64]

Preston, you’re doing a great job!

[@sergiogarcia478]

I can die happy now. Thank you guys! I've been asking for this video for years now.

[@gentlemansgazette]

You're quite welcome, Sergio! We're glad that the video lived up to your expectations. :) Thanks for watching! - Preston

[@Straightfromshibuya]

I have a brooks brothers purple cashmere sweater and honestly it is my favorite sweater. It’s beautiful and pairs with so many items in my wardrobe. So many times we think of brands as an icon of quality, that is true however a true lover of quality will look past the brand to identify each garment as not only lovely but crafted in a way that promotes style, comfort and longevity.

[@Kabootari9]

Great video. I see Preston, I click faster! I especially watch your videos Preston! I am a big fan. Love from a lady in Pakistan. ❤️

[@muneebnaveed7938]

fellow Pakistani

[@passionworksbodyshop9738]

I love these videos, now I just need a job that requires dressing nice.

[@spotsill]

Me too 😂😂😂

[@adlanhaziq]

If you live in an urban city, being a dandy isn’t so out of place these days

[@aesma-daeva]

Lovely video! The "How To Wear [Colour] in Menswear" series is something I always enjoy watching.

[@geckomoriadaimyoofwano7157]

Purple is my favorite color! Im kinda glad its an underrated gem of a color. I just bought a brown glen check sport coat with an eggplant purple overcheck. Thank you for the video, excellent and informative as always

[@GenX6887]

YAY PURPLE! MY FAVORITE COLOR! Yeah a purple suit does scream Joker. But I think a suit in darker shade of violet would look amazing!

[@GypsieSeeker]

I want to hug Preston.

[@BobTheHatKing]

You got a ❤️, so, close enough...

[@adequategamer5537]

*The joker has entered the chat*

[@themaskguy4237]

* Axel harlem has entered the chat *

[@m.g1797]

Great and very informative video as usual. Preston has been an awesome addition to the Gentleman’s Gazette and I’m always interested in his opinions and ideas when it comes to men’s clothing.

[@PlazDreamweaver]

I love how you opt for texture over pattern in this video's outfit. I believe the gentle loudness of texture speaks volumes greater than two-dimensional patterns.

[@wesselvanharrewijn3082]

i really like purple, so it isnt difficult for me to use it in my outfits.

[@KaLogain]

That sweater looks really nice! Good job!

[@johnduckworth474]

I shall certainly be wearing a bit of purple after seeing this helpful video. Very encouraging!

[@angelateca5513]

Style tips AND a history lesson? Wonderful! This is a great video, and, though I'm not a man, seems very useful!

[@sakakibaryo]

Love this video. Purple is my most favourite colour, I have a lot of clothing articles in purple, one of them is my shirt that you can see in my profile picture :)

[@smackroscoe]

I specifically looked up pairing a purple jacket & the KZbin gods have undoubtedly led me here. I have recently dyed a old faded denim jacket purple & came looking for guidance & inspiration while not looking like a tool. I now know what I must do. Thank you Gentlemen.

[@carvenstud]

I think Preston needs to do ALL the Gentleman's Gazette' videos from now on. Great Job Preston!

[@christiancardenas2543]

"You won't have to worry about suppressing any VIOLE(N)T tendencies" It took me to long to figure that out.😂

[@brenttesterman1198]

I checked out your GTH pants article and didn't realize I own three pairs of them. Fortunately, I unknowingly followed the style suggestions that you gave. I've received many compliments on them, with the occasional, "I could never pull that off but, you sure do"! Can't get this sort of sage advice anywhere else. Thank you kindly.

[@Ingrid0410]

Superb video Preston! Cool background too! Purple is a beautiful color!! My favorite color. Never would have thought of purple with brown but your suit and sweater look wonderful together💕

[@keenandarnell6599]

Purple is one of those awesome colors that can make other garments LOOK like they have purple and/or green in them, when in fact they might not (at least not directly, but rather as an undertone). For example, the purple vest Preston is wearing makes his jacket look like it is green and purple, whereas a brown or orange would not give it that look. I usually wear purple as neck wear and often get compliments when I do!

[@KoolKyurem25]

Tasteful outfit and amusing references. Great video! Perhaps turquoise could be the next color of topic?

[@crystalheart9]

I do love the color of that purple sweater Preston is wearing.

[@stephensoenen3402]

To your question regarding wearing purple, I only have a couple of purple shirts; one being very similar to the one you were wearing in the video, which I find goes well with many other articles of clothing. The other is a dark purple solid which works really well with my tan linen vest and charcoal tweed highland jacket, which, while not a staple of Gentlemen's Gazette, is also worn with my black kilt; it's one of my favourite combinations. It's not a common colour here in Atlantic Canada.

[@drewroberts139]

Lol "violet tendencies"! Good one, Preston!

[@robertdee648]

Never considered purple, until now. Thanks for the great advice, and for the "What I am Wearing in Today's Video" conclusion. I take notes on these.

[@428ghost]

Perhaps I hadn't noticed the liquor tray in the background of previous videos. I do applaud a well lubricated workplace.

[@G1NZOU]

My favourite colour combination is green and purple, since they're complementary colours, green is my favourite colour so accenting with purple or shades of lavender I find tastefully contrasts with natural greens, and I can pair it with brown leathers while picking up the warm tones. Growing up visiting my parents home country of Wales every year, I always saw purple heather, so the colour combination is also nostalgic for one of my favourite places.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

I wear a purple waistcoat with a suit and always get compliments. That and my velvet burgundy waistcoat are actually two of my complimented pieces.

[@MatthewJBD]

I was gonna say, I wear a lot of purple. Wearing a purple polo right now, own a purple (red tone) suit etc etc... But like you said, it's normal here in the UK

[@killerderp8987]

my dude looking fly at 16:23! Purple is by far my favourite colour and I'm really trying to buy a nice outfit that incorporates the colour. Thank you for this guide sir!

[@jkrause365]

Coo! I have a tweed sport coat almost like the one Preston is wearing. Looking closely, it includes subtle threads of purple in the tweed. A purple sweater, or vest might look quite handsome with the jacket. Thanks for the tips.

[@franzjosephi.9985]

Your cardigans and outfits are very beautiful I’m 14 and I’m still learning.

[@khairkhana3]

Great presentation and content!

[@Hotspur62]

I love purple. The lining of my bespoke navy 3 piece is purple as are my Fedora (more of a dark cherry), a couple pairs of socks, pocket squares and ties. Thinking of commissioning a Neapolitan sport coat in a deep purple.

[@ukar69]

I’ve got a cashmere burgundy sweater which goes with quite a few other colors.

[@xTessek84x]

I wear a vintage royal purple suit. I am looking for an overcoat & a hat. I rock purple every chance I can. It is my favorite color.

[@MaxMercuryAnonymous]

I remember I had a red and blue stripe shirt where the stripes were so fine and close together that it would often get mistaken as purple unless you were looking very closely.

[@waltski4375]

I have been waiting for this episode on purple/plum/lilac for quite some time. Thank you!

[@rabignall]

I seriously do LOVE you last suit! Never have thought about shoe laces before.....

[@Leroset]

I’m a woman and I think that purple is a color that any man can pull off. It gives off a very refined, yet playful look. If I see a man wearing purple, it makes me think that he’s confident, put-together, but still approachable. With that being said, men should feel free to wear any color! I personally don’t subscribe to the belief that colors are “gendered,” as colors are a natural phenomena that different human cultures throughout history have given varying superficial meanings and connotations. If a man looks good in a color, he should wear it. Period.

[@Indykitty1]

Because it's my favorite and I love it. I would notice it ahe smile. Just be careful not to end up looking like the Joker.

[@seanpielli1161]

Rocking the Professor Plum look is my favourite- similarly to Preston in this video

[@commondevintoo]

I literally needed this video for yesterday, thanks for the upload anyways 😂

[@philippkoch4387]

Thank you, I was waiting for this one!

[@randysurratt9919]

Good video Preston 👍🏽. I learned a lot from this.

[@dregonzo2012]

I truly think so much of this depends on your level of confidence and how natural the color looks on you. I am definitely of a somewhat darker skin tone, so I'm sure this helps, but I wear purple frequently and people rarely are surprised by it or make any comment on it at all. I've owned several purple sport coats, I own several purple ties, multiple purple shirts, sweaters, etc. The only comments I've ever gotten on the sport coats have been that they are surprising, not in their garishness, but in how casual and natural they look on me. If this is a color that you look good in, if this is a color that you can wear with confidence, then I don't think it's necessarily a bold choice. One can be dressed head-to-toe in purple and still remain rather unassuming.

[@bowtie87ss]

I like purple elements in socks for dressed up and purple stripes on button downs for casual.

[@rabignall]

Love the purple outfits! I just can't fit the hat into my wardrobe yet......

[@Vancouver.BC.1]

That is awesomely great, Preston. And Happy Thanksgiving to all the team!

[@nikoladrca5324]

Purple is my favorite color 🟪 My favorite watch is a purple one

[@johanjohansen7572]

That tweed coat is so nice!

[@carltrotter7622]

I would love to see a tour of the studio, perhaps included in a video on how each Gentleman's Gazette video is made. From its conception, preparation/research, filming, editing and the final video.

[@tonydeltablues]

'The Sky was all Purple, there were people running everywhere' I like purple

[@MaxWattage]

I would go on and on effusively about how good that pullover looks, but that would just be purple prose.

[@william719]

Great job Preston. Thanks for sharing.

[@PiranhaJaw22]

can you create a video explaining the different body types (endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic) and how particular dress attire is appropriate to each type? thank you!

[@dylanakent]

Prince - royalty, Dandy, showman - all of the above and "supressing VIOLET tendencies" 😅😅😅 Go Preston!! 👍👏👏👏🎩

[@yukithesnowman314]

My favorite color. Thanks for this video

[@csmcilwain]

Sportcoats, shirts, ties, pocketsquares and socks... i have purples in each category...actually it's my favourite colour, but you do need to pair them well. The purple suit is out of my realm though! 😂

[@roberth4395]

Preston looks great, but I disagree with his opinion. Just go full Joker. Jk. Preston's advice is valuable as usual.

[@johnbr59]

Preston is The Riddler

[@ageofdulltron2052]

No, no, if you’ve got BALLS you can always go full Joker.

[@roberth4395]

@@ageofdulltron2052 Could you imagine the face of your boss when he/she forces you to go formal and you show up as Joker while following the dress code? 🤣

[@nikhilsrl]

I have a purple tie with white stripes and wear it with a charcoal suit. I went to get a maroon tie, but ended up getting the purple one. It was love at first sight ;).

[@saynotohookups]

0:45 I learned that when I was going to Church several years ago. That purple was a colour that only royalty and the rich could afford.

[@Alexios_CV]

I loved the prince joke for some reason. When I get my first paycheck, I plan to get a custom suit: Purple tailcoat Black trousers White shirt Black bowtie Any suggestions for maybe even more daring approaches on spending my first paycheck? Maybe a vest of some sort?

[@AmosTheTalented]

My grandfather gave me his old burgundy jacket. I found it works best with lighter colored pants but black shirts. It can even be paired with a black tee shirt.

[@AndreMonz]

Please do a How to Wear Burgundy/Mahogany. Also you could do an episode on men's bags. I love your channel!

[@Jessie_Helms]

I wrote a great article on this a few months ago. Great video.

[@animal0mother]

7:50 Indeed, I've met some fellows before who jazzed up their Doc Martens with red laces. Very fashionable.

[@Reverend_Salem]

i love the color purple. id also love to get a purple silk velvet cape, with a jaquard brocade lining. granted, I'd have to do so after i win the lottery.

[@Demosthenes409]

Purple and grey is a winning combo

[@HughResnick]

A very interesting little book on the history of purple is Simon Garfield’s “Mauve: How One Man Invented a Color That Changed the World”.

[@ONITru7h]

I really miss my plum suit I had. I tore the crotch out of it from wear a few months ago. I used to have a suit that was dark charcoal glen plaid with a purple windowpane. (Fairly subtle purple) and I loved putting my lavender dress shirt, dark plum tie and dark plum geometric socks with it. (Oh! And a charcoal and purple pocket square!) I did just order a new 3 piece maroon suit. I look forward to wearing it with lots of grays and blacks.

[@drezdogge]

I wear purple once a week at least. I even have some womens garments in my wardrobe that i loved so much I bought it and wear them

[@geckomoriadaimyoofwano7157]

What women garments do you use in purple??

[@drezdogge]

@@geckomoriadaimyoofwano7157 sweaters and scarves

[@drezdogge]

I have a purple argyle sweater that I saw across a thrift store and wear under a blazer. Its not super conspicuous with rhinestones but it's obviously cut for a lady. I have a few vests that are buttoned for a woman thatninwesr because I liked them

[@geckomoriadaimyoofwano7157]

@@drezdogge good to know, i might do the same if i see something i really like

[@patrickmccarron5059]

Royal Blue with Purple is the way to go.

[@c-avons-w-e8547]

Bust bought a buttoned down purple shirt (suited for neckties, not too casual) that is very bright. British style 👍

[@catatonicbug7522]

Wearing a deep purple dress shirt at the office today. Yes, it is casual Friday, but it goes very well with my dark brown slacks and a light tan, textured silk blazer. It's funny, I feel perfectly comfortable in a deep purple shirt, but I'd likely never wear a pair of slacks in the same color, regardless of the rest of the outfit.

[@yaakovhassoun8965]

I think it also depends on the shade of purple that determines how easy it is to wear, I was thinking of a dark purple suit, I think it will be incredible

[@lucasmatiasdelaguilamacdon7798]

Well, as a Peruvian I am quite surprised for the timing of this video. October is known here in Perú as "The purple month". This is because the religious traditional celebrations of the Sacred Lord of the Miracles, also known as the Purple Christ. Apart from its religious and historical background and cultural displays, people dress with purple garments, sometimes the entire length of the month. Purple shirts, ties, sweaters or handkerchiefs are always worn during the entirety of the month. Women on the other hand, traditionally wear a purple robe with a silver rope as a belt, this garment is very similar to that of nuns or monks. But lately it is quite more popular amongst younger women to wear fancy dresses hosting purple colors. I'm glad to know more about how to combine purple in a fancy and ellegant manner, specially for this month's celebrations.

[@drstrangelove4925]

The person I personally think that looks the best in purple is David tenant (or kilgrave) in Jessica jones I know it’s bold but personally think he looks great

[@vukstankovic9368]

Make a video for "patches on sleeves"on a blazer

[@Justsomething91]

I usually wear a dark purple velvet vest with my black and gray striped pants and a black, wool frock coat

[@A_Based_Greek_Dude]

William aftom: mmmmmm, Interesting

[@jayoungr]

11:54 I actually really like this outfit, especially for warmer weather. I don't think that purple is too bright.

[@jimhughon621]

Could you do a video on mod and dandy fashion of the 60s

[@jimhughon621]

And maybe Ivy League

[@jaojao1768]

@@jimhughon621 I think they made an Ivy League video already

[@jimhughon621]

Yep thanks

[@baldymcbaldy889]

Ahh...I still remember the first day of the police academy from 25 years ago in which someone showed up in a purple leather suit! It certainly leaves an impression!

[@edwardcatt2399]

*Gambol:* Think you can just fob us off with purple and walk away?? *Preston-Joker:* Indubitably.

[@KRW628]

I'll do a pastel to medium purple shirt (checks or stripes) with a solid purple knitted tie. Worn with khakis or gray chinos.

[@juicebox86]

What bottles of alcohol are on your minibar cart?

[@RichMitch]

Does maroon fall under purple? If not do you fancy doing a video on it