Colours have long been associated with gender roles and stereotypes. Certain colours are seen as more “masculine” while others are perceived as more “feminine”. But what exactly makes a colour manly? In this article, we’ll examine the history behind colour and gender, look at research on colour preferences, and explore what’s considered a masculine colour in today’s society.
The History of Colour and Gender
The link between colour and gender stems back centuries. In medieval and Renaissance Europe, blue was associated with the Virgin Mary and considered a feminine shade. Red and pink were seen as more masculine colors. One reason was that brighter, bolder colours were associated with power and strength, traits considered manly.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, pink became more associated with femininity and delicacy. Blue moved to the masculine side as it represented steadfastness and dignity. By the 1940s, retailers were actively marketing pink to baby girls and blue to baby boys.
Recent decades have seen some move away from strict colour/gender divisions. However, many still see certain hues as inherently feminine or masculine.
Studies on Gender and Colour Preferences
Scientific studies reveal some general differences between men’s and women’s colour preferences. However, there are also large areas of overlap.
In one study, researchers asked over 4,000 participants to rate how much they liked various colours. Statistically significant differences emerged:
| Women’s Favourite Colours | Men’s Favourite Colours |
|---|---|
| Purple | Blue |
| Blue | Green |
| Green | Black |
| Red | Grey |
| Orange | White |
Women preferred reddish-purple hues while men gravitated towards blue and green. However, there was substantial overlap as both genders tended to like blue, green and red.
In a different study, men and women were shown a variety of colors and asked to rate each from 1 (dislike) to 7 (like). Here were the average scores for the five colors most preferred by men:
| Color | Men’s Rating | Women’s Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Dark blue | 5.95 | 5.76 |
| Blue | 5.90 | 5.41 |
| Green | 4.63 | 5.12 |
| Purple | 4.85 | 5.66 |
| Orange | 4.95 | 5.37 |
Once again, blue and green scored highly while purples and reds were preferred by women. While the genders did differ, both rated dark blues and greens as likeable.
Modern Views on Masculine Colours
So what colours are widely seen as manly today? Here are some of the top contenders:
Blue
Blue tops most lists of masculine colours. Darker blues especially project confidence and strength. Bright blues can also communicate dependability and wisdom.
Green
Like blue, green is a cool, calming colour. Forest greens and olive drabs signify resilience and focus. Brighter greens convey vitality and vision.
Black
Black contrasts with more feminine pastels. Its boldness signifies masculine elegance and empowerment. However, black also has solemn, serious overtones.
Grey
Grey lacks the brightness of more feminine hues. Charcoal and gunmetal greys convey maturity and composure. Lighter greys like silver still maintain masculinity.
Brown
Earthy browns connect to staples like timber, leather and coffee. Richer browns suggest durability and ruggedness. Tan and beige are masculine in more subtle ways.
White
Crisp whites have an air of authority and dependability. Off-whites like cream still maintain a masculine vibe. The neutrality of white balances brighter accent colours.
Using Colour to Project Masculinity
Masculine colour schemes aren’t just for clothes. They can shape the feel of environments, branding, designs and more. Here are some tips on using manly hues effectively:
- Anchor with neutral browns, whites or greys. Use darker blues and greens as accents.
- Blend black with charcoal greys and navy blues for bold elegance.
- Add pops of brighter green, blue or red to enliven serious schemes.
- Use lighter tans, steels and sky blues in professional settings.
- Avoid strictly monochromatic schemes. Add contrast through tone and shade.
- Soften intimidating black suits and ties with off-white shirts.
- Make bold statements with dark green or navy paint jobs on items like vehicles.
Conclusion
Today’s men have more freedom than ever to embrace diverse colours. However, certain hues still project conventional masculinity more than others. While personal preference matters, traditional blues, greens, greys and blacks send a distinctly manly vibe. Gentler browns, tans and whites also have masculine appeal. Colour can be a subtle way to telegraph vibrancy, confidence and timeless style.