25 Shirt Colors to Pair With Maroon Pants That Actually Work

Maroon pants (or burgundy, depending on who you ask) are a bit of a wildcard. They aren’t the standard blue jeans or khaki chinos most guys live in, which is exactly why they look so cool—and exactly why they can be terrifying to style.

Insights from French Crown show that these pants are actually way easier to match than people think, but I get the hesitation. I remember buying a pair of maroon chinos on a total impulse. I felt great in the store, but the second I got home and looked at my closet, I realized I had no clue how to wear them without looking like a walking Christmas ornament.

Quick Resources:

• Find your most flattering color pairings with the free Color Analysis Quiz

• Explore the full planning and styling suite in All Wedding Tools

The good news? That panic is fixable. Finding the right shirt colors to pair with maroon pants is just about balancing contrast. Once you figure it out, these pants become just as versatile as your favorite denim.

Here is how to build a maroon pants outfit that actually looks intentional, not accidental.

The Cheat Sheet (TL;DR)

If you’re reading this five minutes before you have to leave the house, here is the quick version. These are the “safe zones” for your next maroon pants outfit.

• Check the Shade: If your pants are dark (oxblood), you can wear stark white. If they are bright red/maroon, go for muted tops so you don’t look too loud.

• Read the Room: T-shirts are fine for grabbing coffee; tuck in a button-down if you’re going to dinner.

• Contrast is Key: White or blue shirts make the outfit look crisp and sharp. Tan or cream shirts make it look earthy and relaxed.

• Watch the Weather: Don’t pair heavy wool pants with a thin, shiny dress shirt. Match the fabric weights.

• Warm vs. Cool: Maroon is a warm color. You can cool it down with blues/greys or lean into the warmth with tans/browns.

The Vibe	Contrast Level	Best Shirt Material
Professional / Office	High (White, Light Blue)	Broadcloth, Poplin, Oxford
Casual / Weekend	Low (Grey, Navy, Black)	Cotton Jersey, Flannel, Denim
Trendy / Artistic	Tonal (Camel, Taupe, Rust)	Corduroy, Suede, Silk

The Ground Rules

Before you grab the first clean shirt you see, take a second to look at the actual color of your pants. A deep, brownish burgundy needs a different shirt than a bright, punchy maroon.

You basically have two moves here: high contrast (to make the outfit pop) or tonal blending (to make it look smooth). Also, don’t ignore texture. Since maroon is a warm, rich color, you want to make sure the whole outfit feels balanced. If you’re curious about what colors naturally look good on you, check out our guide on autumn color analysis—it helps explain why those warm tones might (or might not) work for your skin tone.

When figuring out what color shirt goes with maroon pants, just use common sense regarding the fabric.

See which tones actually flatter you with the free Color Analysis Quiz

The “Sweater Rule”
If you’re wearing heavy wool trousers, a thin, silky dress shirt is going to look flimsy. Go for a thick Oxford or a flannel instead. On the flip side, if you’re wearing lightweight cotton chinos in July, skip the heavy fabrics and stick to linen or breathable tees.

The Classics (You Can’t Mess These Up)

If you don’t want to overthink it, stick to these five. They are the “gold standard” for a maroon pants outfit. Whether you want to look sharp or relaxed, these neutrals always work.

Confirm your best neutral shades using the free Color Analysis Quiz

1. Crisp White

This is the easiest win in the book. A clean white shirt brightens up the deep red of the pants immediately. It works for the office, a date, or pretty much anywhere you need to look like you have your life together.

2. Black

If you want to look sleek or a little edgy, go with black. A black turtleneck or button-down gives off a modern “city” vibe and has a nice slimming effect that grounds the loudness of the pants.

3. Heather Grey

Grey is the perfect middle ground. It cools down the warmth of the maroon without being as stark as white. A soft grey tee or flannel is perfect for a casual day out.

4. Charcoal

If you want something moodier, charcoal is great for fall and winter. It anchors the look and feels a bit more serious and sophisticated than lighter grey.

5. Navy Blue

This combo just works. It has a bit of a nautical or “prep school” feel to it. A navy blazer or button-down looks professional and smart. It’s actually a huge trend right now—we talk about it in our report on 2025 groom and groomsmen style trends, where navy and deep reds are showing up everywhere.

Earth Tones & Neutrals

These colors lean into the brown undertones of maroon. It creates a very organic, cohesive look—perfect for fall or just a more relaxed aesthetic.

Check if warm earth tones suit your skin tone with the free Color Analysis Quiz

Shirt Color	The Vibe	Shoe Pairing
Cream / Off-White	Vintage, Soft	Dark Brown Loafers
Camel / Tan	Cozy, Autumnal	Suede Desert Boots
Olive Green	Rugged, Outdoorsy	Boots or White Sneakers
Taupe	Modern, Clean	Grey Canvas Sneakers
Chocolate Brown	Bold, 70s Style	Black Chelsea Boots

6. Cream / Off-White

Cream is softer than bright white and gives off a cool, vintage feel. It looks great with chunky knits or linen and pairs perfectly with brown leather shoes.

7. Camel / Tan

This is the ultimate Thanksgiving look. Camel plays off the brown in the maroon, making it feel warm and cozy. If you like this color palette but want to switch things around, check out our guide on pants colors to wear with a maroon shirt.

8. Olive Green

Olive is a great way to wear green without looking like an elf. It’s rugged, masculine, and earthy. Think military jackets or utility shirts.

9. Taupe

Taupe is that color that sits right between grey and brown. It’s understated and sophisticated, letting the pants be the star of the show without clashing.

10. Chocolate Brown

This is a bold move, but it pays off. A monochrome-adjacent look with chocolate brown leans into that 70s revival style that is super popular right now.

The Blues (Cool Tones)

Blue is the safest way to add color. It cools down the redness of the pants and stops the outfit from looking too “hot.”

See if cool blues balance your coloring with the free Color Analysis Quiz

11. Light Blue / Chambray

This is your standard business casual uniform. A light blue dress shirt or denim shirt looks professional and crisp against the dark red.

12. Denim (Medium Wash)

A denim shirt or jacket adds instant texture and a bit of Americana style. It breaks up the smoothness of chinos and makes the look feel a bit tougher.

13. Slate Blue

Slate has grey undertones, which makes it look very modern. It’s less “preppy” than standard blue and looks great for a smart-casual vibe.

The “Smart Casual” Hack
If a t-shirt feels too lazy but a dress shirt feels too stiff, grab a slate blue polo. The grey tones mute the maroon, making the outfit look mature and intentional. Finish it with clean white sneakers.

14. Midnight Blue

For evening events, midnight blue looks expensive. A velvet blazer or a dark blue shirt creates a low-contrast, luxurious vibe.

15. Teal / Petrol

Teal is a bold choice, but it works because it contrasts so well with the red. It feels creative and artistic—great for a statement sweater.

Pastels & Soft Hues

Lighter colors are best for spring, summer, or weddings. They soften the look and make it feel a bit more playful.

Test softer colors confidently using the free Color Analysis Quiz

16. Pale Pink

Real men wear pink, right? Pink is in the same color family as maroon, so it naturally matches. A pale pink Oxford looks classic and confident.

17. Lavender

Lavender has blue undertones, so it cools the outfit down. It’s an unexpected choice that looks surprisingly sharp for a spring event.

18. Mint Green

Mint offers a nice pop of contrast. It’s perfect for a garden party or a summer wedding.

19. Butter Yellow

Soft yellow is a bit retro and sunny. Just make sure it’s a soft “butter” yellow, not a bright neon yellow, or you’ll look like a fast-food logo.

20. Soft Grey-Green (Sage)

Sage is a relaxed, earthy alternative to olive. It’s great for a laid-back weekend look. If you’re wearing this to a wedding, double-check the dress code first—our article on wedding guest dresses and outfits covers the rules so you don’t accidentally break them.

Patterns & Textures

Solids are safe, but patterns are fun. Here is how to wear them without getting a headache.

21. Navy Gingham

Navy gingham is a classic. The white keeps it bright, and the navy grounds it. It’s a staple for a reason.

22. Black and White Striped

Stripes give off a cool, artistic vibe. A striped tee is an easy way to add some flair without trying too hard.

23. Micro-Floral

This is a great wedding guest option. A white shirt with tiny flowers works well—just keep the print small. If you want more floral inspo, check out our suggestions for shirt colors to pair with burgundy pants, as the rules are pretty much the same.

The Wedding Guest Strategy
Wearing maroon pants to a wedding is bold. To soften it up, wear a micro-floral shirt in blue or grey. It adds texture without screaming for attention, so you look festive but not flashy.

24. Tartan / Plaid

Plaid and maroon pants are a match made in heaven for the holidays. If the plaid has a stripe of maroon in it, even better—it ties the whole look together.

25. Vertical Striped (White/Blue)

Vertical stripes are slimming and look a bit more formal. A seersucker or dress shirt in this pattern feels very traditional and sharp.

Handling Wedding Stress with Bridesmaid for Hire

If you’re Googling maroon pants outfits, there’s a decent chance you’re trying to style a groom or groomsmen for a wedding. And if you’re stressing about pants, you’re probably stressing about a dozen other things, too.

That’s where Bridesmaid for Hire comes in. Jen Glantz and her team are basically the professional support system you didn’t know you could hire. From managing weird family drama to handling all the boring logistics, they take the weight off your shoulders.

We handle the stress so you can actually enjoy the party (and look good in your maroon pants while doing it).

The Stressor	How We Fix It
The Outfits	We manage the attire and make sure everyone rents or buys on time.
Family Drama	We act as a neutral buffer so you don’t have to fight with your aunt.
Day-of Chaos	We handle the schedule and vendors so you can just relax.
Decision Fatigue	We give you vetted options and advice to speed things up.

Take one decision off your plate with the free Color Analysis Quiz

Final Thoughts

Wearing maroon pants is a choice, but it’s a good one. The trick is just owning it. Whether you go with a crisp white shirt or a moody charcoal sweater, if you wear it with confidence, it’s going to work.

And hey, for any other stress keeping you up at night—whether it is wedding planning or just life logistics—professional help is out there. You now know what color shirt goes with maroon pants, so you can cross that off your list. With these shirt colors to pair with maroon pants, you’re ready for whatever the event throws at you.