Maroon vs Burgundy: What's the Difference and What Colors Go with Each?

Maroon and burgundy are two colors that people mix up constantly — and it’s understandable, because they’re genuinely similar. Both are deep shades of red, but they have different characters, different undertones, and they work best with slightly different color combinations. This guide explains exactly what sets them apart and how to style each one.

What Color Is Burgundy?

Burgundy is a deep red with purple or wine undertones. The name comes from the wine-producing Burgundy region in France — specifically the color of the red wine produced there. It’s darker and cooler than a standard red, with a depth that makes it feel rich and a little more formal.

In clothing, burgundy has traditionally been associated with autumn and winter palettes, but it works year-round. In tropical climates, the depth of the color adds visual weight without adding warmth.

What Does Maroon Look Like?

Maroon is a deep red with brown or earthy undertones. Compared to burgundy, it reads warmer and more grounded. There’s no purple in maroon — it sits closer to brick red that has been darkened significantly.

The easy way to remember the difference: burgundy looks like red wine, maroon looks like dried blood or old brick. Both are beautiful, but they have different energy.

Maroon vs Burgundy: The Main Difference

The main difference is undertone.

• Burgundy has purple or wine undertones, so it feels cooler, richer, and slightly more refined.
• Maroon has brown or earthy undertones, so it feels warmer, more grounded, and more casual.

If you usually wear cleaner neutrals like grey, black, and navy, burgundy often fits more naturally. If you prefer earthy shades like khaki, beige, and brown, maroon usually feels easier to style.

What Goes with Burgundy?

Because burgundy has purple undertones and leans cool, it pairs best with neutral colors and shades that don’t compete with it for attention.

Best Pairings for Burgundy

• Cream or off-white — the single best pairing for burgundy. Plain white can be too sharp a contrast, but cream provides just enough warmth to make burgundy look rich and intentional.
• Grey — any shade of grey works with burgundy. Light grey, medium grey, and dark grey are all reliable choices.
• Black — strong, modern contrast. Black pants with a burgundy tee is a combination you don’t need to overthink.
• Navy — a bold but controlled dark-on-dark combination. Make sure there’s enough variation in shade or texture so the outfit doesn’t look flat.
• Dark brown or tan — an earthy pairing that’s underrated. Burgundy and brown work together better than most people expect.

Colors to Avoid with Burgundy

• Bright red — too close on the color wheel and likely to clash.
• Orange — creates an unbalanced, competing look.

What Colors Go with Maroon?

Maroon is warmer than burgundy, so it pairs best with colors that also have warm undertones.

Best Pairings for Maroon

• Cream or beige — same as burgundy, cream is one of the strongest pairings. The warmth of both colors complements each other naturally.
• Light brown or khaki — an earthy combination that looks effortless. Maroon with khaki pants is one of those outfits that always works.
• Medium grey — provides enough contrast without overwhelming the maroon.
• White — clean, sharp contrast. Maroon and white is a classic and assertive combination.
• Black — always reliable, but since maroon is already dark, it helps when another part of the outfit adds visual interest.

Everyday Outfit Ideas with Burgundy and Maroon

For a simple casual look, a plain burgundy tee with grey or cream pants and white sneakers is clean, balanced, and easy to pull off. If you’re looking for versatile everyday options, browse plain T-shirts and tank tops or explore the full collection.

For something slightly more dressed up, pair a burgundy tee with navy or black tailored pants. If you prefer a roomier silhouette, a more relaxed fit can give the outfit a more contemporary feel, while a regular fit keeps it clean and classic.

For a bolder approach, try tone-on-tone — a maroon tee with a burgundy hoodie, for example. When done with clear shade variation, this reads as sophisticated rather than mismatched. You can explore layers in hoodies and sweatshirts or shop softer everyday options from ReFlex Fleece.

If you want a more grounded outfit direction, maroon pairs naturally with joggers, shorts, and casual bottoms in beige, khaki, grey, or black. Relevant options can be found in bottoms, sweatpants, and shorts.

Burgundy and Maroon in Different Fabrics

Color can also look slightly different depending on fabric. On heavyweight cotton, burgundy and maroon often appear deeper and more substantial. On softer or blended fabrics, they can look lighter or more muted depending on how the material reflects light.

If fabric matters to your choice, it’s worth browsing heavyweight cotton and shop by fabric to compare how similar shades can feel different in everyday wear.

Which Is Easier to Style: Burgundy or Maroon?

Neither is difficult to wear, but they suit different wardrobes.

• Burgundy is easier if your wardrobe already leans toward black, charcoal, navy, and cool neutrals.
• Maroon is easier if you naturally wear beige, brown, khaki, olive, and other earthy shades.

If you want colors that mix well with almost everything, you may also like this guide on plain T-shirt colors that are easiest to mix and match.

Final Thoughts

Burgundy and maroon are similar but distinct. Burgundy is cooler with wine undertones, while maroon is warmer with earthy, brick-like undertones. Both pair especially well with neutrals such as cream, grey, black, and navy. Both are best kept away from bright reds and oranges.

If you’re looking for plain tees in burgundy or maroon that hold their color wash after wash, explore American Apparel T-shirts, Gildan T-shirts, or Comfort Colors T-shirts. You can also browse more styling content on the Clavis blog.