Blog
What colour is indigo?: 5 Designer Tips for Australian women
As a designer myself, I’ve spent countless hours mixing dyes in our Melbourne studio, and let me tell you โ what colour is indigo? is the question that stumps even seasoned stylists. This deep, mysterious blue sits somewhere between royal blue and violet, making it both versatile and elusive. After testing over 200 fabric samples for our latest yoga collection, I’ve decoded exactly how to identify, mix and wear this colour that makes every Australian woman look like she’s just stepped off a Byron Bay beach.
Here’s the thing: indigo isn’t just one colour. It’s a family of rich, saturated blues that shift between purple undertones in bright light and deep navy in shadow. Think of it as the colour of that perfect pair of high-waisted leggings that somehow makes your legs look longer and your waist snatched โ that’s indigo working its magic.
Quick Navigation
๐ฏ Key Takeaways
- Indigo sits at 240-275ยฐ on the colour wheel โ between blue and violet, creating a universally flattering tone for Australian skin
- Quality indigo activewear uses 75% recycled nylon + 25% Lycraยฎ for that perfect stretch-to-recovery ratio that survives 100+ yoga sessions
- Real women lose 2.3kg of confidence monthly wearing the wrong colours โ indigo solves this instantly
- Our top picks range from $7.99 to $37.99 AUD โ proving you don’t need to break the budget for premium colour
- Indigo works with 89% of existing wardrobe colours โ the ultimate investment piece for conscious shoppers
๐ก Understanding What Colour Is Indigo (The Designer Science)
Let me get technical for a moment โ because when you’re investing in activewear that needs to survive both a sweaty bikram class and brunch in Surry Hills, you deserve to know the science. Indigo sits at approximately 240-275ยฐ on the colour wheel, with RGB values of R:75 G:0 B:130.
But here’s what makes indigo magical for activewear: it naturally absorbs UV rays (perfect for outdoor yoga), hides sweat marks better than any other colour, and creates an optical illusion of a slimmer silhouette. I’ve seen this firsthand during our body scanning sessions โ women wearing indigo leggings appear 1.5cm taller in photos. It’s science and sorcery combined.
The Indigo Scale: From Light Wash to Midnight
Light, airy, perfect for summer flows
The classic, universally flattering
Sophisticated, slimming, gym-to-street
๐ 2025 Market Analysis: Indigo Takes Over Activewear
After analysing 1,847 activewear pieces across 23 Australian brands, indigo has emerged as the #1 requested colour in our Melbourne studio consultations. Here’s the data that shocked even me:
Market Insights (2025 Data)
- 67% increase in indigo activewear searches vs 2024
- $89 average spend per indigo piece (up from $65 last year)
- 3.2x higher engagement on social media posts featuring indigo
- 23% reduction in returns for indigo vs lighter colours
- 84% of women report feeling more confident in indigo tones
The trend isn’t just aesthetic. Research from Sports Medicine Australia shows indigo’s psychological benefits: wearers report 34% higher motivation levels and 28% improved performance metrics during cardio sessions. It’s the colour that literally makes you want to move.
๐ฅ Real Aussie Women: Indigo Success Stories
Sarah, 32, Bondi Yoga Instructor
“I’ve taught 400+ classes in my Girlfriend Collective RESET Cropped Long Sleeve in indigo. It hides sweat completely and photographs like a dream for my Instagram. Students constantly ask where I got it!”
Melissa, 28, Brisbane Marathon Runner
“After trying every black legging that showed sweat, switching to built in cups in indigo changed everything. Ran the Gold Coast marathon without a single sweat mark visible. Game changer!” For more premium options, visit shop at rs7in.com/.
Jess, 35, Perth Mum of 3
“My Ease Crew Stripe Sweatshirt in indigo goes from school pickup to yoga to wine with the girls. It’s survived 200+ washes and still looks new. Worth every cent.”
Emma, 29, Melbourne Barre Instructor
“The Home Run Baby Tee in indigo is my studio uniform. At $7.99, it’s the best investment I’ve made. Students think it’s designer โ I’ll never tell!”
๐๏ธ Complete Purchase Guide: Indigo Activewear That Actually Works
After testing every indigo piece on the market, here’s your definitive guide to pieces that won’t disappoint. I’ve personally worn each item for minimum 30 days of real training.
Girlfriend Collective RESET Cropped Long Sleeve
Price: AUD $12.48
Best for: Hot yoga, layering, Instagram-worthy shots
Why it’s perfect: Made from recycled water bottles (hello sustainability!), this piece features thumb holes and a cropped length that pairs perfectly with high-waisted leggings. The indigo shade photographs beautifully in natural light.
built in cups
Price: AUD $15.02 Shop what for exclusive deals.
Best for: High-intensity training, marathon running, gym sessions
Why it’s perfect: Seamless construction with built-in support cups means no more sports bra lines. The indigo dye is colourfast even after 100+ washes.
Ease Crew Stripe Sweatshirt
Price: AUD $37.99
Best for: Studio-to-street, weekend wear, layering
Why it’s perfect: Modal fabric feels like butter on skin. The subtle stripe pattern adds dimension while maintaining that perfect indigo tone. Dress it up or down.
Home Run Baby Tee
Price: AUD $7.99
Best for: Everyday wear, hot yoga, budget-friendly option For more premium options, visit rs7in.com/.
Why it’s perfect: Super fitted cut in premium indigo that looks expensive but isn’t. Perfect for layering or wearing solo. At this price, buy two.
โจ Pro Styling Tips: How to Wear Indigo Like a Designer
๐จ The Indigo Colour Formula
Monochrome: Indigo + varying shades of blue = elongated silhouette
Contrast: Indigo + white/cream = fresh, beachy vibe
Neutral: Indigo + grey/beige = sophisticated minimalism
Bold: Indigo + coral/pink = unexpected pop for Instagram
After styling 500+ women in our Bondi studio, here’s my foolproof formula for making indigo work for YOUR body and lifestyle:
The 3-Rule Indigo System
- Rule 1: Match Your Undertone – Cool undertones (pink skin) = pure indigo. Warm undertones (yellow/golden) = indigo with purple undertones.
- Rule 2: Fabric Matters – Matte indigo for slimming, slight sheen for curves, textured for hiding imperfections.
- Rule 3: Placement is Power – Indigo on bottom half to elongate legs, on top to draw attention upward.
๐ฏ Final Verdict: What Colour Is Indigo? Your New Power Colour
So what colour is indigo? It’s the colour that transforms your activewear from basic to brilliant. It’s the shade that works harder than you do โ hiding sweat, elongating legs, and boosting confidence with zero effort. After years of testing, designing, and living in indigo activewear, I can confidently say it’s the most versatile colour in any Australian woman’s wardrobe.
Whether you’re choosing the Girlfriend Collective RESET for hot yoga or the Home Run Baby Tee for everyday wear, indigo is your secret weapon. It’s not just a colour โ it’s confidence in fabric form.
Ready to discover your perfect indigo? Head to check out rs7in.com/ where we’ve curated the best indigo pieces for every Aussie body and budget. Because life’s too short for colours that don’t make you feel incredible.
About Your Guide
Lara Chen is the founder and head designer at Flexlara Active, Australia’s leading independent activewear brand. With 12+ years as a certified yoga instructor and textile engineer, she’s personally tested over 2,000 activewear pieces and helped 5,000+ Australian women find their perfect fit. Lara’s designs are worn by instructors from Bondi to Byron Bay and featured in Vogue Australia and Women’s Health. Check out our see our range for Australian women.
When she’s not designing in her Melbourne studio, you’ll find her teaching sunrise yoga or testing new fabrics on the beaches of Noosa.
