All I Want to Wear Is Primary Blue

By,a senior writer at the Strategist covering appliances and men's style.He was formerly a deputy editor at Wirecutter.
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When a guy goes to his closet andselects a lumpy blue sweater(because he’s trying to tell the world that he takes himself too seriously to care about what he puts on his back), chances are it’ll be navy, indigo, or some other shade of neutral blue that blends into the backdrop. But lately, everywhere I look, I’m seeing attention-grabbing cobalts, lapises, and even ceruleans. These primary blues dominate any outfit they’re a part of, and that’s what I love about them. I first noticed this trend in January when news of Orlebar Brown’s new “Nova Blue”Bulldogslanded in my inbox. Then, after several seasons of mostly earth tones, I saw Stone Island’s Nylon Metal fabric return in “Bright Blue” as ajacket,hoodie, andpants. And the Armoury’s latestroyal-blue shirtingsuggests even formalwear is joining the trend — as does Paul Smith’s newBarbour capsule.

It wasn’t hard to find more electric blues beyond designer brands once I started looking.Everybody.World’s lapis shirtis similar toMerz B. Schwanen’s vintage blue tee. Thecobalt versionof our best-in-classcashmere sweaterfrom Naadam is an affordable alternative toSunspel’s lambswool version.Land’s EndandL.L.Beanhave versions of their durable, affordable collared shirts in this color, too. No matter your budget, there’s a primary blue for you, too.

Stone Island 1200038 Nylon Metal in Econyl Overshirt - Bright Blue
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$670

A technical, refined windbreaker made of a silky, iridescent nylon. If in doubt, size up.

Everybody.World Boxier Trash Tee
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$45

Made in L.A. from recycled fibers with a boxy, on-trend fit. Wear it alone or under a button-up.

Le Laboureur French Cotton Work Pant - French Blue
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$118

Made in France from 100 percent cotton with a comfortable elastic waistband.

Gap Factory Everyday Soft Crewneck T-Shirt - Royal Blue
Very Good Deal
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$21
$30now 30% off

Is it actually 70 percent off? Probably not, but the price is still nice.

Suede Sabah - Electric Blue
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$210

These slipperlike shoes are comfortable on first wear and only get better with time.

J.Crew ’83 Fleece Hoodie
Very Good Deal
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$90
$128now 30% off

They may not make ’em like they used to, but the reissues come close.

The Armoury Long Sleeve Spread Collar Polo - Royal Blue
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$300

An exceptionally airy long-sleeve polo with unique button cuffs. Perfect for summer.

Falke Airport Men Socks - Sapphire
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$32

These are the odor-resisting upgrade to Uniqlo's color cotton socks, without the pesky toe seam.

Arc'teryx Beta SV - Fluidity
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$800

A high-performance jacket for extreme weather or enjoying a rainy Easter Parade.

Stone Island 3100035 Nylon Metal Regular-fit sweatpants - Bright Blue
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$695

I've had the orange version of these pants for five years and they are so comfortable.

Naadam The Original Cashmere Sweater Men's - Cobalt
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$98

Cobalt cashmere at a navy lambswool price.

Orlebar Brown Bulldog - Nova Blue
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$375

Thinking about wearing these shorts this summer is what got me through the long winter.

Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Lightweight Windbreaker - New Sapphire
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$185

Lined with 100 percent cotton twill for better next-to-skin comfort.

Bather Solid Swim Trunk - Ocean
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$100

Like Patagonia Baggies, but better for swimming.

Alex Mill David Windbreaker In Crinkle Nylon - Electric Blue
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Alex Mill - Cunningham Blue
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Diadora N902
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$110

Remember these? They're still around and as good as ever.

L.L. Bean Men's Premium Double L® Polo - Cobalt
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$55

These things last forever. I buy them every time I see them in a thrift shop.

Paul Smith loves Barbour - 'Sugarlump Bedale' Jacket - Royal Blue
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$705

The world doesn't need more collaborations, but I need this jacket.

J.Press Made-in-Italy Mid-Calf Wool Socks - Navy & Blue Checkerboard
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$40

When does a "fun" sock get too fun? These are fine, if you ask me, but martini glasses are not.

Merz b. Schwanen 1996 Pique Cotton Polo Shirt - Washed Blue
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$116
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A solid polo from the German makers of Carmy's bicep-enhancing tee from "The Bear."

Sunspel Men's Lambswool Crewneck Jumper - Cobalt
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$350

Knit in Scotland, from Scottish-spun yarns.

Livid Russ Bright Cobalt Fine Silk Shirt
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$398

Many shirt designers use Lyocell to achieve a silkier drape. Why not get the real thing?

NikeCourt Advantage Dri-FIT Tennis Top - Hydrogen Blue
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$64
$75now 15% off

Carlos Alcaraz lost last weekend, but his blue kit shined against the terra-cotta court.

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