What Color is Ube
Ube is a distinctively powdery purple that sits comfortably between lavender and violet. Named after the famous purple yam from the Philippines, this shade exudes a creamy, matte texture often associated with sweet treats. It balances the calm of blue with the mystery of purple, creating a whimsical visual experience.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue-Violet
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #B3C379
- Brightness: 133/255
- Saturation: 38%
Colors That Pair Well With Ube
Complementary
Pair with Olivine for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Crete for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Ube History
The history of this shade is rooted in the cultivation of the Dioscorea alata, or purple yam, indigenous to Southeast Asia. Unlike the regal Tyrian purple extracted from sea snails, this hue comes from organic anthocyanins found within the tuber's flesh. For centuries, it served as a visual staple in Filipino culinary tradition before entering the global color lexicon.
In the context of art and pigments, this specific desaturated violet resembles the cobalt violet used by Impressionists, though less intense. It bypassed the exclusivity of royal purples to become a symbol of modern globalization and viral food trends. Its rise marks a shift where culture and cuisine drive color popularity rather than textile manufacturing.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Ube lacks the intimidating heavy weight of deep imperial purples, offering a more approachable energy. It stimulates the imagination and suggests a sense of playfulness often linked to fantasy or confectionery. This shade invites the viewer to relax rather than stand at attention.
In cultural contexts, particularly within Filipino communities, this color evokes deep nostalgia and festive warmth. It signals sweetness and hospitality, effectively bypassing the traditional warning signs often associated with purple foods in nature. It represents a bridge between tradition and modern innovation.
In Nature
The most direct manifestation of this shade is found in the flesh of the purple yam tuber. Beyond the root vegetable, this specific soft violet appears in the petals of jacaranda trees and hanging wisteria blooms. It also occurs in mineral formations such as lepidolite, which shares the same dusty, calming violet hue found in the earth.
How To Use Ube
In modern design, Ube works exceptionally well for branding that aims to appear trendy and youthful without being abrasive. It pairs beautifully with soft yellows and creamy whites, making it ideal for packaging designs that require a soft, tactile sensation. It effectively disrupts the standard blue-dominated corporate landscape.
Designers must exercise caution regarding legibility when using this hex code as a background. Because it is a mid-tone, pure white text may fail WCAG standards; dark gray or charcoal is a safer choice for contrast. Use it as an accent element to draw the eye without overwhelming the visual hierarchy.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Manila Sweetness
A delicious palette inspired by traditional Ube desserts and coconut.
Jacaranda Breeze
A refreshing spring palette combining cool purples with soft greens.
Synthetic Future
A high-contrast, modern palette for tech interfaces.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #8878C3;
color: rgb(136, 120, 195);
background-color: #8878C3;
border: 3px solid #8878C3;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #8878C366;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #8878C3 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Ube
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Ube?
Explore color palettes containing Ube and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Blue-Violet colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Ube
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Ube?
What colors go with Ube?
Is Ube accessible for text?
How do I use Ube in CSS?
You can use Ube in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.ube {
background-color: #8878C3;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.