The exact color of K-State purple is Pantone Matching System (PMS) 527. This specific shade is characterized as a royal purple with a slightly bluer hue than previous iterations.
The Official Shade of K-State Purple
Kansas State University's official purple is precisely defined by its Pantone color code. The adoption of PMS 527 ensures consistency across all official branding and materials. Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a widely recognized, proprietary system used primarily in printing and manufacturing to maintain color consistency across different materials and productions.
| Color System | Code |
|---|---|
| Pantone (PMS) | 527 |
Characteristics of K-State's Signature Purple
The choice of PMS 527 was a deliberate one, implemented as part of the rollout for the KSU wordmark used on university stationery. This particular shade of purple is described as:
- A royal purple.
- Notably slightly bluer than the purple commonly in use before its adoption.
This specific hue helps maintain a distinct visual identity for the university.
The Significance of a Defined Color
Establishing a precise color like PMS 527 is crucial for brand recognition and consistency. It ensures that whether seen on athletic uniforms, official documents, or digital platforms, the K-State purple remains instantly recognizable and uniform, reinforcing the university's visual brand identity. For more historical context on K-State purple, you can explore resources like the history of K-State purple.
