What Is Burgundy? We Explain the Difference Between Burgundy and Bordeaux, Plus 6 Colors That Pair Well With It, Along With Styling Examples

“Burgundy” is a deep red hue often seen in fall and winter clothing and leather shoes.Although it’s easy to confuse it with wine red or Bordeaux because they look so similar, the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) define it as “a very dark reddish-purple.” In this article, we’ll outline the characteristics of burgundy, explain the origin of its name, and clarify how it differs from similar colors. We’ll then introduce six colors that pair well with burgundy in men’s outfits, along with styling examples.

What Is Burgundy?A deep color situated between red and purple, named after Burgundy wine

Burgundy is a color defined in the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) as a “very dark reddish-purple.”It has lower lightness and saturation than vivid red and is characterized by a deep hue that appears to blend red with purple and black. The name originates from the Bourgogne region in eastern France, known as one of the world’s leading wine-producing areas.“Burgundy” is the English name for Burgundy, and the color has become established as one that evokes the red wines produced there. In the Japan Color Research Institute’s colorimetric data on wine red, place names such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Chianti, and Médoc are listed as color names derived from wine.

What is the difference between Bordeaux and Wine Red?Bordeaux is a deep red; Wine Red is a vivid reddish-purple

Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Wine Red are all colors that evoke red wine, but under JIS standards, they are defined as distinct conventional color names.Bordeaux is a “very dark red.” Compared to Burgundy, which is described as a “very dark reddish-purple,” Bordeaux has a weaker purple tint and a hue that leans more toward red. While both are deep, dark tones, Bordeaux gives a stronger impression of red itself.

Wine red is “a deep reddish-purple.” Although it contains a purplish tint like Burgundy, it is characterized by a brighter, more vivid hue. Therefore, to grasp the general relationship between these three colors, it is easier to understand the differences by thinking of Bordeaux as leaning toward red, Burgundy as a dark reddish-purple, and wine red as a vivid reddish-purple.

However, product names used by fashion brands do not necessarily adhere to JIS color standards. In actual clothing and footwear, the terms “Burgundy,” “Bordeaux,” and “wine red” are sometimes applied to colors that are quite similar in hue.Now, let’s move on to the main topic: color combinations with burgundy. While red-based colors can sometimes come across as bold, burgundy has a subdued brightness and saturation, making it easy to pair with classic men’s fashion colors such as black, gray, and navy. Depending on the amount used and how it’s combined, it can create a wide range of looks—from refined and alluring to rugged and masculine.

Quick Reference Chart: Colors That Go Well with Burgundy

Because burgundy has depth on its own, pairing it with achromatic colors creates a neat, polished look, while combining it with basic chromatic colors makes it easy to create color schemes with depth. Let’s start by checking out six easy-to-incorporate combinations.

Color Schemes	Impression Created
Burgundy & Gray	Intellectual and refined
Burgundy & Navy	An elegant impression with depth and allure
Burgundy & Black	A modern and bold look
Burgundy & White/Off-White	A clean look that softens the heaviness
Burgundy & Beige/Camel	A warm and chic look
Burgundy & Olive/Khaki	An impression where ruggedness and allure coexist

Color That Pairs Well with Burgundy #1: 'Gray'Intellectual Gray Refines Burgundy’s Allure with Elegance

If you want to wear burgundy in a mature and elegant way, gray should be your first choice.The achromatic gray perfectly neutralizes the lustrous impression of reddish-purple, highlighting the color’s depth without making it look flashy. Charcoal gray creates a rich, dressy look, while light gray lends a light, urban vibe, making it a great match for smart, polished outfits centered around suits or slacks.It’s also a reliable combination when using burgundy knitwear, ties, or leather shoes as accents.

1 3

2 3

3 3

• 
• 
• 

Color #2 That Goes Well with Burgundy: 'Navy'Even when pairing deep colors, the look never appears drab. Creating a sophisticated allure with navy

While both navy and burgundy are dark, subdued colors, their different hues ensure that neither color overshadows the other.Navy’s distinctive intellectual and refined image is complemented by burgundy’s warmth and luster, creating a sophisticated allure that’s hard to achieve with basic colors alone.For example, pairing a navy jacket with a burgundy knit or wearing burgundy leather shoes with dark blue jeans—even adding just one element to your everyday staple outfit can make a big difference. It’s a color combination suited for adults that looks understated even though it incorporates color.

1 2

2 2

• 
• 

Color #3 That Pairs Well with Burgundy: “Black”Refining Burgundy’s Allure with Black for a Modern Look

If you want to give burgundy an urban and sharp look, pairing it with black is a great choice.Black tightens the overall silhouette of the outfit, allowing the reddish tones of burgundy to stand out vividly as an accent. Since both are dark tones, the contrast isn’t too stark, which is another advantage—it helps maintain a chic look.In addition to pairing a burgundy top with black outerwear or pants as a base, swapping out your all-black footwear for burgundy leather shoes is also an effective option. This combination works for a wide range of styles, from fashion-forward looks to simple, casual outfits.

1 1

• 

Color #4 That Goes Well with Burgundy: 'White and Off-White'Pairing with White Instantly Lifts the Deep Burgundy

Burgundy, with its deep tones, can easily take on a heavy, fall-and-winter feel, but pairing it with white completely transforms that impression.The difference in brightness makes the burgundy hue stand out clearly, adding a sense of cleanliness and lightness to the entire outfit. For a sharp contrast, go with pure white; for a softer, more blended look, off-white or ecru are your best bets.By layering a burgundy cardigan over a white shirt or pairing it with off-white pants to create a sense of openness, you can pull off a light and airy look even while using a dark color.

1 1

• 

5 Colors That Go Well with Burgundy: ‘Beige and Camel’”Blend Warm Colors to Bring Out Soft Elegance and Sophistication

Warm, neutral colors like beige and camel are effective when you want to soften the intensity of burgundy.Burgundy, with its reddish undertones, and beige tones with yellowish undertones have similar color temperatures, so they blend together naturally.Since the contrast is softer than when paired with black or gray, this combination creates a classic, relaxed vibe—another appealing aspect. It also pairs well with traditional or country-inspired outfits, such as a burgundy knit sweater with a camel coat or burgundy loafers with beige chinos.

1 1

• 

Color #6 That Pairs Well with Burgundy: ‘Olive/Khaki’A Touch of Burgundy’s Luster to Rugged Olive

If you want to take it a step beyond standard color combinations, pairing burgundy with olive or khaki can be an interesting choice.The ruggedness of olive—which evokes a military aesthetic—combined with the reddish-purple sheen unique to burgundy creates a color scheme with depth, where the two colors complement each other’s distinct charms. If you choose shades with subdued saturation for both colors, they won’t clash, making the look easy to incorporate into a sophisticated, adult wardrobe.Whether you pair an olive field jacket with a burgundy knit or match khaki pants with burgundy leather shoes, these combinations are perfect for creating styles that exude the depth characteristic of fall and winter.

1 2

2 2

• 
•