twotone

Twotone, often written as two-tone or two-tone color, refers to a design, object, or image that uses two distinct colors or tones. The term applies across disciplines, from visual design to manufacturing, and can describe color schemes, finishes, or stylistic choices that emphasize contrast between two hues.

In design and printing, two-tone or duotone processes reproduce images using two inks or colors rather than full grayscale. Historically common in newspapers and posters, two-tone printing offered cost savings and specific aesthetic effects. Today, digital workflows commonly employ duotone image treatments to create emphasis and mood by pairing two contrasting colors.

In fashion and automotive contexts, two-tone refers to palettes or finishes that combine two colors in a deliberate arrangement. Two-tone outfits, accessories, or footwear use blocks or contrasts of color, while two-tone paint schemes on vehicles feature a clear separation between upper and lower sections or between body and trim, a style popular in certain eras for its visual impact.

In music, the term is closely associated with the 2 Tone ska movement that emerged in late 1970s Britain. Named after Two Tone Records, the movement fused ska, punk, and new wave, and it became known for its multicultural associations and distinctive black-and-white checkered fashion. The term also appears in broader music branding to denote a two-tone aesthetic or lineage.

Overall, twotone denotes a deliberate use of two colors or tones to achieve contrast, emphasis, or a specific cultural or historical look.