Purple has long been seen as a royal color, associated with luxury, power, and ambition. But when it comes to whether purple is more of a “boy” or “girl” color, the answer isn’t so straightforward. While purple is certainly popular among young girls and women, it has masculine connotations as well. Ultimately, assigning gender to colors is an overgeneralization – purple can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their gender.
The History of Purple as a “Girly” Color
Purple has been a popular color choice for girls and women for decades. This association likely started in the 1920s and 1930s, when purple became a trendy color in women’s fashion. Designers like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli featured lavender and violet shades in many of their designs. The soft, feminine hue contrasted with the bold art deco styles that were popular at the time.
As mass production made colored clothing more accessible, purples, pinks, and pastels became staples of little girls’ wardrobes. Toy manufacturers caught on, creating dolls and other toys for girls in these colors. Media and marketing reinforced the connection between young girls and the color purple. Cartoon characters like Minnie Mouse and Little Lulu were always clad in purple or pink dresses. Commercials targeted directly to girls often used purple products.
This association strengthened over the decades, to the point where purple became a quintessential girl’s color. Walk down any toy or clothing aisle today and you’re sure to see an abundance of purple items marketed toward girls and women. It’s considered a safe, traditional choice for everything from bedrooms to baby showers.
Purple as a Masculine Color
However, purple has traditionally masculine associations as well. In ancient Rome, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive – only the Emperor was allowed to wear the color. Because of this imperial connection, purple has long represented power, ambition, and nobility.
Darker shades of purple are still used today to convey strength and authority. Just consider the purple used in the branding of companies like Yahoo, Hallmark, and Welch’s. It’s also frequently seen in logos for government positions and legal professions.
When it comes to children’s toys and clothing, darker purples are now commonly used to market items toward boys. Very few baby boys will go home from the hospital in pastel purple – instead, they often wear richer purple hues that telegraph masculine energy. Darker purples have a gender-neutral vibe that makes them appealing for boys and men.
Purple Preferences Among Children
While marketers may designate lighter purples as “for girls” and darker purples as “for boys,” children themselves often buck these gendered associations. Many young kids have a simple affinity for bright, vivid colors, regardless of traditional gender roles.
Studies asking children about their color preferences have found that purple is popular for both boys and girls. For example, a study published in the journal Sex Roles asked 127 young children to rate how much they liked different colors. 63 girls and 64 boys between ages 5-8 were included. Researchers found:
- Purple was the second most liked color by both boys and girls. Blue was first for both genders.
- There were no major gender differences in preferences for vivid colors like purple, pink, and blue. Both girls and boys rated these colors highly.
- Pastel or muted shades like peach and lavender were more popular with girls than boys.
So while both genders tend to enjoy vibrant purples, girls skew toward lighter, softer shades. But overall, purple appeals across gender lines at a young age.
Gender-Bending Purple Style Icons
If you need further proof that purple transcends rigid gender roles, just look at some of the cultural icons who have rocked the royal hue.
Prince was one of the most legendary proponents of purple. With his flamboyant persona and preference for ruffled, jewel-toned looks, Prince threw traditional masculinity to the wind. He demonstrated that colors don’t have an inherent gender – they take on the characteristics of the wearer. On Prince, purple was a bold, sexy, and rebellious color.
Today, genderfluid stars like Lil Nas X often incorporate purple into their self-expression. The rapper’s futuristic cowboy aesthetic features purple fringed jackets and other flashy looks. For Lil Nas X, the color seems to signify freedom – freedom to define gender on his own terms.
Of course, women who aren’t traditionally feminine have also made purple their signature. Consider RuPaul and his drag queen empire – purple wigs, gowns, and lipsticks are staples. Scientists like Mae Jemison, artists like Yayoi Kusama, athletes like Venus Williams – all have donned purple as a symbol of their power and individuality.
Is Purple Nursery Decor Gendered?
Given purple’s historical mixed messaging in terms of gender, it’s understandable that some parents get stumped when it comes to choosing nursery colors. Is purple too feminine for a baby boy? Too masculine for a baby girl? Should purple nursery items be avoided altogether to prevent pigeon-holing a child’s interests so early?
The short answer is that purple is a wonderful choice for any baby, regardless of gender. If you love the look and feel of purple, there’s no reason to steer clear of it. The trick is choosing the right purple tones and decor elements that appeal to your personal style.
For a softer, more traditionally feminine purple nursery:
- Stick to pastel purples and lilacs. These will contrast nicely with other baby-friendly colors like mint, peach, and gray.
- Flowers and butterflies are classic feminine motifs that pair well with lighter purples.
- Polka dots and gingham prints also complement a light purple palette.
- Choose chunky crocheted blankets and soft ruffled trims to reinforce the delicate feel.
If you’d prefer a bolder, edgier purple nursery:
- Deep purple walls make a daring statement. Mix in some vibrant magenta and silver accents.
- Abstract prints and graphics have an artsy, modern vibe next to rich purples.
- Classic touches like checkerboard floors and pendant lights add interest.
- Avoid frills and pastels. Keep bedding and furniture sleek and contemporary.
Whether you go light or dark with the purple, look for gender-neutral touches like stars, constellations, wood elements, or animal prints to finish off the room. These will keep things from skewing too feminine or masculine.
Most importantly, choose the purple hues, patterns and textures that appeal most to you and your partner. This is your baby’s space. The goal isn’t to impose gender stereotypes, but to create a soothing room you’ll all enjoy.
Conclusion
So, is purple inherently a “boy” color or a “girl” color? The evidence shows it can readily go either way.context. While certain shades have been marketed heavily toward one gender, purple has universal appeal. As society’s understanding of gender expands, even the notion of gendered colors feels outdated. Colors are for anyone who loves them. Babies and children especially tend to like vivid purples instinctively, before any gender bias forms.
In the end, purple contains multitudes. Lavenders and lilacs represent gentleness. Violets and plums feel daring. The color chameleon takes on any personality – traditional or modern, soft or edgy, feminine or masculine. Its rich history lends itself beautifully to nursery spaces. So embrace whichever shades of purple speak to you, and don’t worry about adhering to outdated traditions. Purple belongs to all.
| Gender | Positive Associations with Purple | Negative Associations with Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Girls | – Femininity, delicacy, beauty | – Weakness, overly “girly” |
| Boys | – Strength, courage, individuality | – Femininity, purple not “tough” enough |
