I edited my post a bit but the sentiment is the same, just a bit more clear on the stat boosts.

And I also agree with hues which solves the issues with the "gear should look like what it is made for" crowd. If a player sees a Hempen Doublet Vest (Blue) and a Velveteen Doublet Vest (Blue), the player should see that a lighter blue or faded blue is not the same as a vibrant blue and can spot the difference in the material type. Hues give players the choice of color at any level gear but also the feeling of progression as you go from lighter to more vibrant colors as the gear gets stronger.