The main difference between Denim and Cobalt is brightness and saturation: both are blue shades, but Denim is lighter and Cobalt is more saturated. Denim and Cobalt are often confused but have distinct differences in hue, saturation, and tone. Denim (#1560BD) and Cobalt (#0047AB) each suit different design contexts — understanding their differences helps you choose the right color for your project.
Four real design scenarios, with the recommended pick based on hue, saturation, and WCAG contrast.
Cobalt is more saturated (100% HSL vs 80%) so it reads as bolder and more memorable at logo scale, while Denim can feel washed out when printed small.
Cobalt hits a 8.44:1 WCAG contrast against white — safer for text-heavy interfaces — where Denim only reaches 6.10:1 and risks failing AA at small body sizes.
Denim is a cool-leaning tone that flatters spring/summer collections and warmer skin undertones, while Cobalt leans cooler and is better suited to autumn/winter layering.
Denim is the more muted of the two (80% saturation) and sits more calmly on large wall surfaces, while Cobalt's higher chroma can overwhelm a room when used beyond accent pieces.
Denim (#1560BD) is a medium, vivid blue with a cool undertone — it feels balanced, versatile and bright, energetic, eye-catching.
Cobalt (#0047AB) is a dark, vivid blue with a cool undertone — it feels rich, serious, substantial and bright, energetic, eye-catching.
Text legibility depends on the contrast ratio between foreground and background. WCAG 2.1 AA requires at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text; AAA requires 7:1. Use these numbers to choose accessible combinations for your design.