Cambridge Blue (colour)

Cambridge Blue is a pale tone of blue. It is the official colour of the University of Cambridge, dating back to the mid-19th century.

The precise shade of Cambridge Blue is not rigidly defined. It is generally understood to be a light, slightly greenish blue, similar to a pale cyan. Due to the lack of a formal specification, variations in the shade are common, and different manufacturers may produce slightly different hues under the same name.

The colour is most prominently associated with the University's sporting teams, known as the "Blues." These teams wear Cambridge Blue uniforms in their respective competitions. The Boat Race, an annual rowing race between Cambridge and Oxford Universities, is a particularly visible display of Cambridge Blue.

The origin of the colour's adoption is debated, but popular theories suggest it was inspired by the colour of a specific gown worn by members of Trinity College, Cambridge, or that it was chosen because it was readily available from local dyers.

Beyond its sporting associations, Cambridge Blue is also used in the University's branding and marketing materials. It is often employed in logos, websites, and publications to visually represent the University.

The colour has also entered into wider usage, being used in fashion, interior design, and other contexts. However, its association with the University of Cambridge remains its most significant and defining characteristic.