Wearing the color pink has long been associated with femininity and women’s fashion. However, in recent years, the stigma around guys wearing pink has faded. Pink is increasingly being seen as a versatile color that anyone can wear, regardless of gender. Still, the question remains: is it okay for guys to wear pink?
The History of Pink
Pink’s association with femininity arose in the early 20th century. Before that time, the color was actually more closely associated with boys. Blue was seen as a delicate, dainty color and more suitable for girls, while pink was bold and masculine. This changed around the 1940s, when retailers began promoting pink for girls and blue for boys. Since then, pink has been strongly marketed as a feminine color.
Here’s a quick history of pink becoming associated with girls:
| Time Period | Pink Associations |
|---|---|
| Pre-1920s | Gender neutral color worn by both boys and girls |
| 1920s-1940s | Beginnings of pink for girls, blue for boys |
| 1950s | Pink aggressively marketed towards girls |
| 1960s-present | Pink solidified as a “girly” color |
This relatively recent gendering of colors is important to understand when examining if pink is suitable for guys today.
Does Wearing Pink Make a Guy Less Masculine?
One of the biggest concerns guys have about wearing pink is that it may cause others to perceive them as less masculine. However, several studies have shown that this stigma is fading.
In a survey from 2019, researchers studied people’s perceptions of a man’s masculinity based on the color shirt he was wearing. They found that the man wearing a pink shirt was not rated as less masculine or desirable than when wearing other colors like blue or green.
Another study had participants look at photos of men wearing different colored shirts. Both men and women said a man’s masculinity was not significantly affected by wearing pink. His confidence and style sense were much stronger factors.
So while views are changing, long-standing associations with pink as strictly feminine still linger. But research indicates a guy’s choice to wear pink does not inherently undermine his masculinity in most people’s eyes.
When Did Guys Start Wearing Pink?
With the stigma around pink fading, more and more guys have felt comfortable incorporating it into their wardrobes. Though controversial at first, high profile athletes, actors, and musicians daring to wear pink in the late 1990s and early 2000s helped normalize it for men.
Here’s a timeline of some early adopters who made pink more acceptable for men:
| Year | Notable Men in Pink |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Don Johnson wears a pink shirt on Miami Vice |
| 1990s | Pro wrestlers wear pink attire |
| 2000 | Johnny Depp wears a pink suit to the VMAs |
| Early 2000s | David Beckham and P Diddy spotted in pink |
| 2010s | More athletes like Russell Westbrook embrace pink |
As influential male figures continued wearing pink, it paved the way for more mainstream acceptance.
Pink in Men’s Fashion
These days, pink has secured itself as a staple color for men in both high fashion and casual wear. More designers are incorporating shades of pink into their men’s collections.
Light pink button downs and polos have become wardrobe staples for many guys. And others are taking pink even further into bold suits, pants, and accessories. While opinions vary on just how much pink is tasteful, it’s hard to deny the color has crossed over into mainstream men’s fashion.
Some examples of pink in men’s fashion include:
- Pink oxford shirts
- Salmon colored chinos
- Light pink sweaters
- Pink socks
- Pink ties and pocket squares
- Pink suits
Wearing pink offers guys a chance to stand out with a fun, eye-catching color. And different shades can align with a variety of styles from streetwear to business attire. As pink loses its strictly feminine associations, more men have felt empowered to make it their color too.
When is Pink Most Acceptable for Guys?
So pink may no longer be taboo for men, but are there certain situations where it’s more acceptable? Here are some guidelines on where pink tends to work best for guys:
- Light pinks for dress shirts or polos
- Bold pinks for casual t-shirts, shorts, sneakers
- Pink accessories like belts, sunglasses, hats
- Pink suits or blazers for very fashion-forward events
- Avoid bright pink for conservative workplaces
In most casual social settings, pink is fair game for guys to experiment with. For workplaces, lighter pinks tend to raise less eyebrows. And pink suits likely won’t overtake navy and black anytime soon in corporate America.
Like any trend, pink may cycle in and out of fashion for men. But for now, it has staying power along with blue, white, black, and gray as a staple color.
Conclusion
Pink no longer has a strictly feminine association in fashion. As gender norms and stereotypes break down, both men and women have more freedom to wear whatever colors they choose. Though some stigma lingers, pink has emerged as an accepted color for guys across various clothing and styles.
Research shows pink does not inherently make men seem less masculine. Confidence is key to pulling off the color. With fashion icons embracing pink, and retailers marketing it to men, expect to keep seeing guys don this pretty hue from head to toe.
