What Color Shirt to Wear with Khaki Pants?

Khaki pants are one of the most versatile staples in a man’s wardrobe.

They offer a neutral base that can be dressed up or down, and they pair effortlessly with a wide range of shirt colors and styles.

But with all that flexibility comes a common dilemma: what color shirt should you wear with khaki pants to look put-together and stylish without trying too hard?

Why Khaki Pants Are a Wardrobe Essential for Men

Khaki pants sit in that beautiful sweet spot between casual and formal.

Their earthy tone acts as a neutral base, meaning they work well with a wide range of colors and styles.

You can pair khakis with a polo shirt for a relaxed day out, or throw on a crisp dress shirt and blazer for a semi-formal look.

This flexibility is what makes them such an essential piece in a man’s wardrobe.

White Shirts

There’s something timeless about a white shirt paired with khaki pants. It creates a crisp, fresh look that works in nearly any setting.

Whether it’s a white Oxford button-down for the office or a plain white tee for the weekend, this combo never fails. 

The lightness of white and the warmth of khaki complement each other, keeping things bright without feeling washed out.

Grey Shirts

A grey shirt adds a muted, slightly moody tone that pairs well with the earthy warmth of khaki. Light grey creates a soft contrast, while charcoal offers more depth.

This pairing works particularly well in cooler months, offering a clean and slightly urban vibe.

A grey t-shirt with khakis and sneakers is effortlessly cool, while a darker grey dress shirt with khakis and loafers elevates the look.

Black Shirts

Black may not be the most intuitive choice for khakis, but when done right, it makes a bold statement. The stark contrast between black and khaki pants can be eye-catching.

A black polo or slim-fit button-down can bring out a modern edge, especially if paired with sleek black shoes or boots. Just make sure the fit is sharp; otherwise, the dark-light contrast can feel too harsh or imbalanced.

Olive Green Shirts

Olive green shirts pair beautifully with khaki pants. The green undertones draw out the natural vibe of khakis, making this combination perfect for fall or any outdoor-inspired look.

A slim-fit olive green shirt can bring ruggedness to your outfit, especially when worn with boots or desert shoes.

Brown and Tan Shirts

Brown and tan shirts offer a tonal look when worn with khakis. Choose a brown shirt that’s either noticeably darker or lighter than your pants to avoid blending too much.

This creates subtle visual interest without appearing too matchy. If you're opting for a tan shirt, look for one with texture—like a waffle knit or linen—to avoid a flat look.

Light Blue Shirts

A light blue shirt offers a soft, breezy contrast to khakis. It’s perfect for spring and summer, especially when made from light materials like cotton or linen.

This pairing feels airy and approachable. Add white sneakers, and you’ve got an outfit that’s both polished and relaxed.

Navy Blue Shirts

Navy blue shirts introduce a deeper tone that contrasts beautifully with khaki. This pairing is ideal for business casual settings or evening occasions.

A navy dress shirt tucked into khakis, with brown dress shoes, gives off a strong and respectable impression without being too stiff.

Burgundy and Maroon

Burgundy or maroon shirts with khaki pants offer richness and depth. These colors are ideal for cooler months or evening events. They add just enough color to break away from neutrals without becoming flashy. Pair with brown leather accessories to complete the refined vibe.

Coral and Red

Coral and light red shirts can energize khaki pants during the warmer seasons. This combination feels cheerful and fresh, especially when worn casually. Just make sure the reds you choose aren’t too saturated, as overly bright reds can overpower khaki’s subtle tone.

Striped Shirts

A striped shirt—especially one in blue, grey, or white tones—adds dimension while keeping your outfit sharp. Vertical stripes elongate the frame, which can be flattering when tucked into slim-fit khakis.

Plaid Shirts

Plaid shirts in shades of green, navy, or burgundy work great with khaki pants. The combination is relaxed and ideal for fall, especially when layered over a plain tee or worn under a denim jacket.

Conclusion

Khaki pants are a true wardrobe essential, offering endless possibilities for color coordination.

Whether you lean toward classic whites and blues, bold blacks and navies, or rich burgundies and olives, the key is understanding contrast, occasion, and your personal style.

With the right shirt color, your khaki pants can take you from weekday meetings to weekend adventures without missing a beat.