What Does the Color Red Mean When You Wear It?

Contents:

• 1. The Meaning and Psychology of Red
• 2. Social Interpretations of the Color Red
• 3. What Does the Color Red Mean? In Short

Last updated: May. 2021

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The first thing you should get right whenever you put on an outfit is that it should fit you. That is the number one priority in fashion. The second most important priority you should be mindful of is the color of the pieces of your outfit.

Red is one of the rather bold colors that sends a lot of messages, but what does the color red mean when you wear it?

Red is one of the two most vibrant hues in nature and on the color wheel.

The color red is powerful and strong. What meanings does it have in clothing and fashion?

For years, the color red has been an attribute of fascination throughout many civilizations, and in different cultures. Now, in the modern era, it has been used countless times and in so many ways because of its unique qualities. Why? And which qualities, do you say?

Well, the three major areas where the color red is used abundantly are design, advertising, art, and (of course) fashion. Famous advertising examples include CocaCola campaigns and those of Virgin. In art, the color red is used to create attention, like in the famous painting The Triumph of Galatea.

What Does Red Clothing Symbolize?

The color red symbolizes love, emotion, and passion. But also rage, vigor, and control. It always depends on how dark, light, or saturated the red is that a person is wearing. Also, the cultural interpretations of red clothing can be very different.

Red in advertising and art is great. But, in this blog post, what we are more interested in is how red works in our minds and fashion. In other words, we want to know how red items of clothing make us appear and which psychological effects it can create.

What does the color red mean when you wear it? Which signals do you send other people when you wear red clothing and what do you think of others who dress using the color red?

The short answer would be: a lot of different – sometimes even controversial – things! Red can mean passion, but can also mean anger. It can symbolize luck, but also deceit. Depending on the value or chroma of red, it can have completely different meanings.

This answer isn’t very satisfactory, is it? Well, let’s get to the nitty-gritty and teach you all there is to know about the color red in fashion.

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The Meaning and Psychology of Red

So, it begs the question, what does red mean when you wear it? Two answers - energy and powerful emotion. Both in the positive and somewhat negative sense...

These Bordeaux Socks go well with any red outfit.

Now, I’m guessing you were expecting us to say something like red means love and passion. Well, you‘re right – and there’s nothing wrong with that answer. But, we can’t deny the fact that the color red can also mean things like anger, aggression, and war.

The thing is, depending on the situation and context, red can connote different ideas and meanings. And it doesn’t stop there. Different variations of red can imply different meanings, as well.

There are so many meanings that can be associated with just this one color. It’s mind-blowing. In fact, the color red has been described as a color of extremes.

So, as you can tell, we have a lot to handle on our plate when it comes to using red in our fashion pieces. Nonetheless, you – by all means – shouldn’t be discouraged about adding some red to your wardrobe. Additionally (and maybe more importantly), there’s no need to throw out the clothing you already have.

When it comes to colors in fashion, it’s all about understanding their psychological effects and how we can use that to our advantage.

Effects of Pure Reds

Pure red is a red that is in its natural and original state. Technically, in design and art environments, it is referred to as the red hue. The concept may be a bit difficult to wrap our minds around. But, let’s break it down with an analogy using ice cream:

Ice cream comes in many flavors. The three most popular ice cream flavors are vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. In this analogy, pure red is equivalent to a cup of pure strawberry ice cream (as many scoops as you like). There’s no vanilla or chocolate ice cream, and no whipped cream in the cup.

For color, this means there’s no black (chocolate), white (vanilla), gray (whipped cream), or any other color (banana, apple, sprinkles, cat food, etc.) added to it. It’s just the way it is: pure.

With that said, let’s now explore the effects of pure red on people’s minds.

Red is a vibrant and compelling color and very much associated with dominance and a higher probability of winning. In its natural state, it is said to be a dynamic stimulant and an activator of energy. What this means is that people, even animals, are more apt to react more quickly and strongly to anything red.

The red elements in this outfit seem to jump out at you.

Red stands out. Period. It is a warm color that gives off energy and makes anything “pop”. Red is one of the most eye-catching colors there is.

Just think of fruit: Why are so many kinds of (ripe) fruit red? Exactly! Because fruit is here to be eaten. You can’t eat, what you can’t see... This is also why unripe fruit is still green (to blend in among the leaves).

In the realm of romance, a study suggests that red attracts emotional and sexual interest. So wearing red can also offer men, and women, the opportunity to stand out more as a possible mate.

There are so many studies on this topic, that we can barely even scratch the surface. But if you’re interested, we suggest you click on the purple links.

Effects of Light Reds

A light red color is a red that is mixed with any amount of white to give that pale red look. Usually, it is referred to as a tint of red, or (maybe better known) as the color pink.

Pink, and every other light red color, is associated with love, kindness, compassion, and openness. And because pink also has the qualities of white, it can be associated with purity and innocence.

These combinations of qualities are the reason pink is generally accepted as a feminine color. However, that doesn’t mean men can’t wear pink or any light red color. There are lots of benefits that come with wearing pink as a result of its qualities:

1. You’ll be seen as a more open person.

2. It will be a lot easier for people to approach you.

3. You’ll be regarded as an intelligent and thoughtful person - but this is determined by how you wear pink.

But, you also shouldn’t deny the fact that pink may make you look like a weaker person. This is true, whether you’re male or female. So remember, putting on colors should be in moderation. Wearing light red (pink) can easily be overdone. Think of Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter...

A more effective way to wear pink is to use it as an accent piece.

As a general “unofficial rule,” light reds are mostly suited for informal and casual occasions. So you’re usually not going to be wearing these colors to the next board meeting. Unless, of course, you’re like us and love mixing things up (check the image below)...

It’s easy to be bold: Try mixing things up with a tad of pink. | Socks: Pine-Able

Effects of Dark Reds

On the other side of the red hue value spectrum are dark reds. Dark reds, also known as shades of red, are the result of mixing black and red in various proportions. Popular examples of reds in this category are maroon, and blood.

Sidenote: The also popular color burgundy is, contrary to popular belief, not a dark red. It is actually a dark red-purple since it has a tinge of blue (or purple) added to it.

Dark reds represent more of the stronger qualities of red, in general. Just to list a few, the qualities include ambition, control, vigor, rage, and passion. Additional traits as a result of the presence of black are seriousness, leadership, and confidence.

Wearing dark red elements in your clothing can make you stand out as responsible and reliable – but also bold and daring (controversy alert!). It’s also a perfect option for you if you don’t want to come off as too flashy but still command attention.

Dark reds work well as both a canvas (suits, pants, jackets, etc.) and an accent (ties, socks, etc.).

Dark red gives any outfit the allure of… let’s call it passion. Wearing so much burgundy makes the ultimate statement.

Dark reds – especially saturated ones – symbolize... well: SEX. So, beware when wearing too much. Especially in combination with pure black. Unless you’re going for exactly that look, make sure you choose outfits that don’t purely use dark red and black. For more information, we suggest you read up on this study by the University of Liverpool and the Charles University in Prague.

Effects of Red Tones

Toned reds in art are produced by mixing gray with the red hue. However, in fashion, we refer to them as unsaturated or neutral reds (with an element of gray).

Visually, they are not as vibrant as the other types of red. So, it’s safe to say they have the psychological effects of neither shade nor tint.

Examples of red tones include Brick and Blush.

Red tones go well as canvas pieces since they look a bit muted. Some of the characteristics they are associated with are reserved, practical, stable, and indifferent – so, basically the attributes of grays.

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Social Interpretations of the Color Red

Culturally, red represents various – and often very contrasting – things all round the world.

• For Africans, it symbolizes war, mourning, and death. A pretty common-sense idea is not to wear much red if you are planning on going there.

• In Asia, red symbolizes many different things as well. Indians see red as a symbol of marriage, fertility, love, and power. The Chinese use red as a representation of luck and celebration. That’s why, in contrast to the West, the rise in their stock markets is indicated in red and not green.

• In Europe and North America, red is the color of excitement, love, and danger.

• For Latin Americans, red symbolizes religion.

• And for the Middle Easterners, it is considered as dangerous and evil.

As you most surely can see, the color red has so many different and opposing meanings that it’s hard to simply state all of them in just one paragraph. It’s important to note that wearing the color red can sometimes, depending on the context, even offend others!

Make sure you dress appropriately according to the occasion and location – especially if you choose to wear red. Always remember:

With great power comes great responsibility. - Uncle Ben (Spiderman)

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What Does the Color Red Mean? In Short

In summary, red is not an easy color. Even if it’s on the lighter side (like pink) it still has no clear meaning. And on the darker side, although it may seem a bit dulled down, it still packs a punch that’ll make you be noticed.

By now, you have probably had a light-bulb moment of why red is useful in advertising, art, and in our case, fashion. It is useful for creating attention, attraction, and awareness. You can never go wrong with red, no matter the shade, tone, or tint.

So, in “super short”, red is the color that signifies energy. With the tidbits of information from this article, you are surely on your way to being a master of using red in your attire. Explore, experiment, and have fun (and share this article).