olivedrab

Olive drab is a dark yellow-green color that resembles the shade used for olives and for many military fabrics. It is part of the broader drab family of muted colors, characterized by a dull, earthy appearance that blends with woodland and desert environments. The hue sits between olive green and khaki, often described as having a yellowish cast.

The term olive drab combines olive, reflecting the natural source of the color, with drab, a descriptor for dull, unobtrusive tones. In digital color systems, OliveDrab is a named color in HTML/CSS and is defined by a hex value of #6B8E23. Variants and related names appear in different color libraries, sometimes as lighter or darker forms such as OliveDrab1, OliveDrab2, and OliveDrab3 in extended palettes.

Historically, olive drab has been closely associated with military usage, most notably by the United States Army for uniforms and equipment from the early to mid-20th century, including World War II. The color was chosen for its camouflage properties and practicality in various terrains. Beyond military wear, olive drab appears in fashion, interior design, and branding to evoke a rugged, outdoorsy or vintage aesthetic.

In color systems and design contexts, olive drab is distinguished from other greens by its muted, earthy quality and a tendency toward yellowish undertones rather than pure green. It remains a widely recognized reference color for military-inspired palettes and outdoor-themed design. See also olive, olive green, and camouflage colors.