#385B5B Hex Color

A grounded and sophisticated dusty cyan

Hex color #385b5b graphic
This muted, dusty cyan creates a grounded atmosphere with its heavy saturation. The hex code #385b5b serves as a sophisticated base for UI backgrounds or branding, as it pairs effectively with crisp, off-white text. Because it leans into gray tones, learning how to make gray helps designers balance its dark, moody temperament without letting it feel too muddy.

Questions about #385b5b

What is #385b5b in RGB, HSL and CMYK?
In RGB, #385b5b is rgb(56, 91, 91), in HSL hsl(180, 24%, 29%) and in CMYK 38%, 0%, 0%, 64%.
What colors pair best with #385b5b in a design project?
#385b5b creates a balanced aesthetic when paired with crisp off-whites or soft creams to keep the interface legible. For a more sophisticated contrast, try layering it against charcoal or deep, neutral browns to enhance its natural, grounded quality.
Is #385b5b considered a warm or cool tone?
#385b5b is distinctly a cool-toned shade, driven by its heavy gray and blue-green undertones. It maintains a reserved, professional temperament that feels more serious than vibrant teals, making it an excellent choice for financial or wellness-focused branding.
Is #385b5b readable on white or black?
#385b5b has a 7.45:1 contrast ratio on white and 2.81:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.