How to Wear Teal: The Guy’s Guide to Sporting More Color

How to Wear Teal: The Guy’s Guide to Sporting More Color

Time to wear the Windows 95 background color
how to wear teal

By Megan Collins | Last Updated: Jul 17 2022 | 4 min read

Prime your closet for more color with this series of guides for bold shades. SG HQ is breaking down how to wear stylish hues (like how to wear teal!) with easy color combinations and outfit ideas for guys.


Catch up on how to wear bright blueamberlavenderarmy greensalmonslateorangegoldtealkhakiburgundyredcobalt bluemint greenpale orangeyellow and navy.


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What color is teal?

Teal is a combination of deep blue and green. It’s richer than aqua, and farther into the green family than turquoise.

Remember that Windows 95 default blue-green desktop background? That, friends, was teal (and in case you don’t remember, it was gorgeous).

For another reference, the Miami Dolphins uniform is bright teal…but don’t hold that against the hue.

Oh, and apologies to any Dolphins fans out there.

The history of teal

In case you’re curious… Supposedly named after the Common Teal duck, a species that has a sweeping arc of the shade over its eyes (majestic, right?), teal was also a go-to color for suits in the 1800s before darker blues made their mark.

These days, we wouldn’t encourage you to go for a head to toe teal look—unless, of course, you’re Teddy Bridgewater—but instead to work this color into your wardrobe one clothing item or accessory at a time.

Below, what colors to wear with teal:

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Who looks best in teal

Teal is actually one of four shades acknowledged to be universally flattering, along with red, eggplant, and blush.

So who looks best in teal? You do! And you do! And you do!

How to wear teal

Teal works great by way of basics like shorts and tees, and in more dressed-up items like work shirts, patterned pocket squares, and ties.

Teal is a rich color but falls on the more muted end of the color spectrum. That means pairing it with pops of bright hues will play up the color for a more “Notice me!” factor.

If you’re looking to take things up a notch with a slightly bolder pairing, consider coral.

Coral is teal’s complementary color on the color wheel, so you can work that in (sparingly, we suggest) with a printed sock or patterned accessories.

Wear teal at the office
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SG Says: Pair a pale lemon dress shirt with a well-fitted grey suit and top it off with a teal pocket square for a pulled together look that’s anything but boring basics.

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Wear teal on the weekend
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SG Says: Try a teal tee with army green chinos and a bright blue belt in spring.

Accessorize with teal

SG Says: Two words…mirrored sunglasses.

This reflective trend is one we’re completely on board with, and besides adding a little ocean-esque feel to your face whenever you slip them on, a teal lens tint will help set you apart from all the other shades wearers of the world.

Teal color outfit inspiration

Now, check out some real world style examples!

Via Kennth_Sylvester
Via Esquire

Shop #SGapproved teal

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Ready to add more color to your closet?

Ready for a style game plan that’ll save you time, energy, and your sanity? Learn more about our 1:1 virtual styling sessions here.

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Psst, follow Style Girlfriend on Pinterest to see more outfit ideas and wardrobe must-haves.

I started Style Girlfriend to help guys look, feel, and act their best.