Is there a difference between the colour Ivory and ecru (ivory vs ecru)?
Ivory is a creamy white colour named after the elephant tusk. Ecru is a beige colour or greyish colour that appears like unbleached linen. These two colours exist in the fashion world, often used to make dresses of different kinds.
Both colours are also used in home décor designing the interior to appear more classic. Although the ivory and ecru colours may seem similar, there are a few differences between the two colours.
We will be discussing the differences between ivory and ecru in this guide.
What Is Ivory?
Ivory is a creamy white colour, the colour of ivory or any item resembling ivory. The colour is named after the elephant tusk and it’s believed to be associated with purity and innocence.
Ivory is a colour you would see at weddings because of what it represents. It’s a colour often worn as a wedding dress to complement the occasion. Also, ivory is associated with elegance, beauty, and grace.
Being a colour associated with beauty, elegance, and purity, ivory has been one of the colours adopted in the fashion world. Clothing brands use this colour to make trendy and classic dresses.
While ivory is the colour of some of the finest dresses made by fashion companies, it’s also a colour for home décor. Designing the interior with ivory creates a warm and classy space.
Ivory takes its name from the ivory, the material that forms the teeth and tusks of elephants and walruses. According to reliable sources online, the term “ivory” was derived from the ancient Egyptian word “ab” or “abu”.
The ancient Egyptian word “ab” or “abu” translates to elephant.
Ivory is a more acceptable colour in traditional settings. It’s a colour that signifies purity and innocence.
The image below shows a luxury sofa made with ivory colour fabric.
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What Is Ecru?
The English dictionary defines “ecru” as a beige colour. However, other English dictionary defines ecru as the colour of unbleached linen. It’s a colour that is also described as being somewhere between beige and brown.
Ecru is a neutral colour often used in home décor- Just like ivory, ecru is also a preferred colour used in the fashion industry.
It’s a rare colour, so don’t expect to see many dresses and accessories in it. However, if you are to find an ecru dress, it offers much more, comparable to what you would expect from any other colour.
Ecru originated from the French word écru, a word that describes the colour of unbleached linen. The French word écru translated to “raw, unbleached”.
Ecru fabrics are often made from cotton and linen and they stand out for their slightly rough texture.
Ivory vs Ecru: Difference between Ivory and Ecru
Ivory and ecru are two colours that often cause confusion. These two colours appear similar and their difference are hardly noticed.
While ivory is a shade of white with a slightly yellow undertone, ecru is more of a neutral colour with a slight hint of yellow and brown. Ivory is a bit brighter and more vibrant compared to ecru.
Ecru is a rare colour, so don’t expect to see many dresses and accessories in ecru.
In the 1930s, ecru was described as being similar to beige. By the 1950s, ecru and beige began to be recognized as two different colours. There is a thin line of colour that differentiates ivory and ecru.
Most people are often confused and find it difficult to identify the difference between ivory and ecru. The difference between these two colours is that ivory is the lighter of the two colours, while ecru is more yellow.
Ivory tends to be more of a creamy colour, whereas ecru has more of a matte finish- a difference in colour most people can hardly identify.
If you are choosing between ivory and ecru, it’s important to carefully consider the colour you want to use. If you are looking for a colour to add brightness to your project, ivory is your best option.
However, if you are in need of something more neutral, it would be better to choose ecru for the project.
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Ivory vs Ecru: More Key Differences between Ivory and Ecru
Ivory is a creamy white colour, the colour of ivory or any item resembling ivory.
Ecru is a neutral colour often used in home décor to bring the best out the interior. Just like ivory, ecru is also a preferred colour used in the fashion industry.
While ivory is a shade of white with a slightly yellow undertone, ecru is more of a neutral colour with a slight hint of yellow and brown. Ivory is a bit brighter and more vibrant compared to ecru.
Ivory creates a sense of calmness and elegance when used in interior design. It’s a brighter colour that when used complements the interior and offers a more earthly natural vibe.
Origin
Ivory is a creamy white colour named after the elephant tusk.
Ivory takes its name from the ivory, the material that forms the teeth and tusks of elephants and walruses. According to reliable sources online, the term “ivory” was derived from the ancient Egyptian word “ab” or “abu”.
The ancient Egyptian word “ab” or “abu” translates to elephant.
In contrast, ecru originated from the French word écru, a word that describes the colour of unbleached linen. The French word “écru” translated to “raw, unbleached”.
Colour
Ivory vs ecru are two colours that appear similar. However, there is a difference in colour with the ivory being a shade often described as slightly yellowish white similar to the colour of an elephant’s tusk.
Ecru is a more of a neutral colour with a slight hint of yellow and brown. These two hues represent neutral colours with ivory leaning towards pure white.
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In Fashion
Being a colour associated with beauty, elegance, and purity, ivory has been one of the colours adopted in the fashion world. Clothing brands use this colour to make trendy and classic dresses.
Ecru is also a preferred colour used in the fashion industry.
It’s a rare colour, so don’t expect to see many dresses and accessories in it. However, if you are to find an ecru dress, it offers much more, comparable to what you would expect from any other colour.
Ivory vs Ecru: Comparison Chart
| Ivory | Ecru | |
| Origin | Named after the material that forms the teeth and tusks of elephants and walruses | French word for raw and unbleached |
| Hue | Slightly yellowish white | Beige or greyish-yellow |
| Fashion preference | A bridal gown symbolizes purity | Casual wear, giving a natural look. |
| Contextual preference | Traditional, classic settings | Contemporary, eco-friendly styles |
| Interior design use | Creates calmness and elegance | Offers a natural vibe |
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Conclusion
Ivory is a colour you would see at weddings because of what it represents. It’s a colour often worn as a wedding dress to complement the occasion. Also, ivory is associated with elegance, beauty, and grace.
Ecru is a neutral colour often used in home décor. It’s a rare colour, so don’t expect to see many dresses and accessories in it. However, if you are to find an ecru dress, it offers much more, comparable to what you would expect from any other colour.
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References
- Wikipedia: Ecru