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Tie Dye Color Guide

John C.

By 

John C.

Published 

July 26, 2023

Jun 23, 2024

Tie Dye Color Guide

Best Tie Dye Color Combinations

Tie-dye is back, baby! Okay, it never really went away. Yet, this trend that free-spirited hippies of the ‘60s popularized has now hopped back into the limelight as a hot fashion trend spotted on the runway and in street fashion. The beauty of tie-dye, beyond its lively burst of color, is that it’s accessible to everyone – from toddlers to teens to haute couture mavens – and that anyone can make their own tie-dye apparel for a one-of-a-kind look. 

If you’re thinking of getting in on the trend, we’ll walk you through some tips for choosing tie-dye colors to create combos that work together beautifully for a style that’s uniquely yours. 

Tie Dye Color Schemes 

Choosing the right color combinations is essential to producing a piece of tie-dyed clothing that you’ll want to wear over and over again. There are a few tried-and-true color theories and design principles that can help guide you when choosing good tie-dye colors that work well together.

Warm Tie Dye Color Combos


Looking for tie-dye color ideas that feel cheerful and uplifting? Look to warm colors that give the feel of a hot summer day. Some of the best tie-dye colors for a warm-hued combo include red, orange, and yellow. 

If you want to go bold with your warm tie-dye color scheme, consider bright shades of fire-engine red, blazing orange, and daffodil yellow to create a color pattern inspired by a field of brilliant flowers. You can also take your warm tie-dye look in a more muted, earthy direction, opting for a darker brick red, rusty orange, and mustard yellow. 

Warm Tie-Dye

Cool Tie Dye Color Ideas 

No, we don’t mean “Hey! That tie-dye shirt looks cool!” (Although, if you choose this color palette, you’ll certainly get compliments.) Rather, we’re referring to cool-toned color combinations for tie-dye apparel. In terms of color “temperature,” cool-toned colors like green and blue can be a great choice for an eye-catching tie-dyed tee. 

For a more relaxed and soothing tie-dye color palette, consider going with leaf green and sky blue. If you want to add a third cool-toned color to create more visual interest, you can also add a pastel lavender or lilac shade to keep the chill vibes flowing throughout your tie-dyed tee. 

Cool Tie-Dye

Neutral Color Combinations for Tie Dye

When you think of tie-dye, usually, the first thing that springs to mine are bright pops of colors. However, neutral colors – like black, white, cream, beige, and gray – can also create a jaw-dropping effect when used to create tie-dyed apparel. Better yet, neutral tie-dye color combos can go with just about anything. 

Consider a plain black-and-white for a bold neutral tye-dye color scheme that has a graphic flair. Or, for a more muted take on a neutral tye-dye color palette, incorporate soft gray, cream, and tan hues. You can also add a pale dusty brown-toned pink into the equation for a tye-dye color scheme that’s still neutral, but offers a subtle wash of color.

Psychedelic Tie Dye Colors 

A psychedelic color scheme incorporates warm and cool colors together, giving a rainbow-like effect. For a look that takes you back to the ‘60s, using vivid, neon colors can give you trippy color combinations straight out of a dream. 

When trying to decide on tie-dye colors that go together to create an exciting psychedelic color combo, consider using the full spectrum of the rainbow – mixing both warm and cool colors. For a more pared-back approach that only uses two or three colors, look to opposite hues on the color wheel:

  • Blue and orange: This color combo is always a winner! Blue and orange sit opposite each other on the color wheel, which universally works well together regardless of how dark or light you go. Bright orange can pop against either a deep, royal blue or with a brilliant, jewel-toned teal. 
  • Purple and yellow: Regal purple serves as a darker contrast to cheerful sunshine yellow, giving you a psychedelic take on darkness and light. Staying within the same color families, you can also look to a cool-toned pastel lilac shade against a warmer, more intense mustard yellow for an undeniably cool psychedelic color combo. 
  • Red and green: Warm red and cool green can work well together in a variety of shades. While poppy red and pine green may feel a little too Christmas-y a color combo, shifting to lighter variations can give you more of the psychedelic feel you’re looking for. Think (bright) pink and lime green for a look that’s more Tiny Tim tiptoeing through the ‘60s-inspired tulips and less Tiny Tim on Bob Cratchett’s shoulders. 

Psychedelic Tie-Dye

Tie Dye Color Combinations From CSO 

Tie-dye is a fun and easy way to create something one-of-a-kind. However, if you’re not a DIY enthusiast, Clothing Shop Online carries a wide range of tie-dyed apparel from trusted brands in colors and designs to suit any style profile. 

We have a huge selection of tie-dyed t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more. Whether you’re looking for specific color combinations that vibe with your aesthetic or want to explore your options, we’ve got you covered with plenty of options to choose from!

Light Red and Pink 

For an eye-catching color combination that sticks to different tones in the same color family, the Dyenomite 200CY Cyclone Pinwheel Tie-Dyed T-shirt in “Fuchsia” fits the bill. Made from 100% pre-shrunk cotton, it won’t lose its shape. Breathable, natural fibers help keep you cool, whether you’re enjoying a summer festival or going for a run. 

Black, Blue, and White 

Mixing cool and neutral tones can produce a striking look. Enter the Dyenomite 200MS Multi-Color Spiral Tie-Dyed T-Shirt in “Deep Sea.” The shirt swirls black, deep navy blue, turquoise, and white in a classic spiral pattern that mimics the depths of the ocean. Not only does this shirt look cool, but it’ll help you stay cool thanks to breezy 100% pre-shrunk cotton. 

Orange and Pink

For an unexpected warm color combo that feels bright and fun, look to the Dyenomite 200TY Typhoon Tie-Dyed T-Shirt in “Fiji.” This 100% pre-shrunk cotton shirt will retain its shape and look great with a favorite pair of jeans or shorts, ready to lend a pop of color to your wardrobe, no matter where you choose to wear it!

Green, Orange, Pink, and Blue

Whether temperatures turn cooler, but you still want to turn up the psychedelic heat, the Colortone 2000 Tie-Dyed Long-Sleeve gives you a rainbow of colors that play off of each other for a traditional tie-dye look. 

Purple Swirl 

While tie-dye traditionally conjures images of bright splashes of color, opting for a more subdued monochromatic effect can give you a more modern look. The Dyenomite 240MS Multi-Color Spiral Tie-Dyed Long-Sleeve tee in “Sweetheart” delivers varying shades of purple – such as lilac and pink-tinted pastel purple – that’s right on-trend!

Unleash Your Tie Dye Style with CSO 

Tie-dye is timeless. It adds a welcome pop of color that works with any ensemble, and unpredictable patterns make every piece one-of-a-kind. If you’re looking to add some more tie-dye to your wardrobe, Clothing Shop Online has you covered. Choose from tees, tanks, long-sleeves and more in countless tie-dye color combinations sure to brighten your day – and your wardrobe.

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