Hermès Bleu Encre vs. Bleu Nuit: What's the difference?

Choosing between Hermès Bleu Encre and Bleu Nuit is a matter of nuance, as both are deep, sophisticated blues representing the pinnacle of French luxury. Bleu Encre ("Ink Blue") is a dark, intense true navy that projects authority and formality, while Bleu Nuit ("Night Blue") is slightly softer, featuring subtle gray undertones for a more muted and versatile elegance.

This guide will directly compare these two iconic shades to help you decide which blue best complements your style.

About Hermès Bleu Encre

Bleu Encre is a classic, authoritative blue that lives up to its name, "Ink Blue." It is a deep, rich navy without noticeable undertones, making it the more formal and traditional of the two. This shade is often chosen for its commanding presence and timeless appeal, working beautifully on structured bags and formal accessories where a strong, classic color is desired.

• What it is: A deep, saturated ink blue or true navy color with high intensity and depth.
• Key Characteristics: Pure navy tone with no visible gray, green, or purple undertones. It appears inky and dark in most lighting conditions.
• Price Impact: Color does not affect the price of a Hermès item, a bag in Bleu Encre will cost the same as one in Bleu Nuit, all other factors being equal.
• Pros: A timeless and classic navy shade. Extremely versatile for professional and formal settings. Pairs well with a wide range of hardware colors, especially gold (GHW). Projects sophistication and elegance.
• Cons: Can sometimes appear almost black in low lighting. Its formality can make it feel less suited for very casual outfits compared to softer blues.

This color is perfect for those seeking a true navy that is classic, powerful, and serves as a foundational piece in a luxury collection.

Shop Hermès blues: hermes.com/us/en

About Hermès Bleu Nuit

Bleu Nuit captures the softer feeling of a "Night Blue" sky. It is a more muted, gentle navy with distinct gray undertones that become visible in direct light. This complexity gives it a slightly more modern and versatile character, allowing it to transition seamlessly from the office to a casual weekend, and pairs beautifully with both gold and palladium hardware.

• What it is: A soft, slightly lighter navy with noticeable gray undertones.
• Key Characteristics: Less saturated than Bleu Encre, with a softer visual appeal. The gray undertones give it a unique, dusty quality.
• Price Impact: The price is determined by the item, leather, and hardware, not by the color itself.
• Pros: Incredible versatility for both casual and formal wear. The gray undertones add complexity and a modern touch. Pairs well with almost any wardrobe color. Less likely to be mistaken for black. Works beautifully with palladium (PHW) for a cool-toned look.
• Cons: May not satisfy those looking for a traditional, "true navy" color. The muted tone may be too subtle for someone wanting a bolder blue statement piece.

An ideal choice for those who want a nuanced, versatile navy that feels more contemporary and subdued than a traditional ink blue.

Shop Hermès blues: hermes.com/us/en

Bleu Encre vs. Bleu Nuit Comparison

Tone & Intensity

The most significant difference lies in their tone and saturation. Bleu Encre is a pure, highly saturated navy blue. Its intensity gives it a sharp, crisp appearance, much like fountain pen ink. Think of it as the quintessential dark blue that can almost pass for black in dim lighting due to its depth. This lack of other tones makes it a straightforward and powerful neutral.

In contrast, Bleu Nuit is intentionally less intense. The presence of gray undertones softens the blue, giving it a smokier, more complex character. In bright sunlight, these dusty undertones are clearly visible, differentiating it immediately from a true navy. It reads as a slightly more gentle, calmer blue.

Formality & Versatility

While both colors are extremely versatile, they excel in slightly different contexts. Bleu Encre's deep, commanding tone lends itself perfectly to formal occasions and professional settings. It is an excellent choice for a structured work bag like a Birkin or Kelly, where it conveys authority and timeless elegance. Its classic nature makes it a safe and perpetually stylish choice.

Bleu Nuit offers a broader range of versatility, particularly for those with a smart-casual wardrobe. The softer, gray-toned blue feels slightly less strict than Bleu Encre, making it an effortless companion to jeans and a sweater, as well as a business suit. It is arguably the more modern and adaptable of the two shades for a diverse lifestyle.

Styling & Pairings

Both Hermès blues are excellent neutrals that pair with nearly any color. Bleu Encre’s deep richness creates a stunning contrast with bright colors like orange and fuchsia, and it looks beautiful paired with classic neutrals like white, beige, and gray. It is particularly striking with gold hardware, which warms up the blue and enhances its luxurious feel.

Bleu Nuit’s subtle complexity makes it a fantastic partner for a cool-toned wardrobe. Its gray undertones harmonize beautifully with silver, palladium hardware, cool grays, and pastels. However, it also creates a sophisticated, low-contrast look when paired with other dark neutrals or deep jewel tones like emerald and burgundy.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on the aesthetic you want to achieve with this investment piece.

Choose Bleu Encre if:

• You are looking for a true, classic navy blue with no other visible tones.
• Your style is traditional, formal, or professional.
• You want a powerful, foundational neutral that makes a strong statement.
• You prefer the rich contrast of a deep blue with gold hardware.
• The idea of a bag that can look nearly black in some lights appeals to you.

Choose Bleu Nuit if:

• You appreciate subtle, complex colors with interesting undertones.
• Your wardrobe spans casual, business, and formal settings.
• You want a versatile blue that feels slightly more modern and relaxed.
• You are a fan of cool-toned hardware like palladium and want a blue that complements it perfectly.
• You prefer a blue that is always distinguishable from black, even in low light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Hermès Bleu Encre and Bleu Nuit?

The main difference is the undertone. Bleu Encre is a pure, deep navy with no visible undertones, making it a classic "ink blue." Bleu Nuit is a slightly softer navy with noticeable gray undertones, giving it a more muted, dusky appearance.

Which Hermès blue is a true navy?

Bleu Encre is considered the truer navy blue. Its color is highly saturated and lacks the gray base that characterizes Bleu Nuit, aligning it with the traditional idea of a deep navy ink.

Does the type of leather change how Bleu Encre and Bleu Nuit look?

Absolutely. On grained leathers like Togo or Clemence, both colors will appear slightly softer as the texture diffuses light. On smooth leathers like Box Calf, Epsom, or Swift, the colors will look more saturated and intense with a higher sheen.

Do these colors look black in certain lighting?

Bleu Encre, due to its depth and purity, is much more likely to be mistaken for black in dim lighting. Bleu Nuit's gray undertones usually help it retain its "blueness" even in low-light conditions.

Which color is more versatile?

While both are staples, Bleu Nuit is often cited as being more versatile for a modern wardrobe because its softness allows it to transition effortlessly from very casual to formal. Bleu Encre is a powerhouse for professional and classic styles but can sometimes feel a bit severe for very casual wear.

Which is a better choice for a first Hermès bag?

Both are excellent choices. If you want a timeless classic that will serve a professional wardrobe for decades, Bleu Encre is a fantastic option. If you need a color that can do everything - from Saturday brunch to Monday morning meetings - Bleu Nuit might be the more flexible investment.

Are both colors still in production?

Yes, both Bleu Encre and Bleu Nuit are considered staple colors in the Hermès palette and are regularly produced across various leathers and products. However, availability always depends on seasonal offerings and specific boutique stock.

How can you tell the colors apart in online photos?

It can be very difficult. Look for comparisons in natural daylight. In studio lighting, they can look nearly identical. Try to find photos showing the item from different angles, the gray undertones of Bleu Nuit are often most visible when light hits the leather's surface directly.