Heather isn't one specific color, but rather a muted, blended color effect achieved by combining different colored fibers.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
The "Heather" Effect: The term "heather" describes a particular look, not a single dye or pigment. It refers to yarn or fabric made from fibers of different colors that are spun or woven together. This creates a subtle, variegated appearance.
-
Common Heather Colors: While heather can be achieved with many color combinations, it's most frequently seen in shades of gray. "Heather gray," like you might find in a t-shirt, is a very common example.
-
How It's Made: Typically, to create a heather effect, different colored fibers (e.g., white, black, and gray) are blended before the yarn is spun. The spinning process mixes these fibers together, producing the characteristic heathered appearance.
-
Examples:
- A "heather blue" might have varying shades of blue mixed with some white or gray.
- A "heather green" would likely combine green with other similar tones, along with potentially some gray or brown.
-
Where You See It: Heather fabrics are often used in:
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Sweaters
- Home furnishings (e.g., blankets, throws)
In summary, "heather" refers to a visual effect achieved by blending fibers of different colors, most often resulting in a muted, speckled appearance, with heather gray being the most prevalent example. So, heather itself isn't a color, but the description of how different colors are combined to create a blended effect.
