How Pink Became A Girl’s Color

Today, we observe numerous movements advocating for gender-neutral colors, empowering children to choose the colors they prefer, rather than sticking to the traditional pink for girls. However, many people are not aware that associating pink with girls is a relatively recent trend.

If we turn back to the 19th century, boys and girls were dressed in the same colors, usually white, and both often wore dresses and skirts. For centuries, children wore delicate white dresses until they reached six years of age. This practice started as a practical measure — babies were dressed in white dresses and diapers as white cotton could be bleached.

Pink and blue and other pastel hues emerged as colors for babies in the mid-19th century. However, these two colors were not recognized as gender identifiers until just before World War I, and it took time for popular culture to adjust. For instance, a June 1918 article from Earnshaw's Infants' Department trade publication stated, "The generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls. The rationale is that pink, being a more pronounced and robust color, is more suitable for boys, while blue, being more delicate and dainty, is prettier for girls."

The established color norms we see today didn't come into existence until the 1940s, driven by American preferences as interpreted by manufacturers and retailers. Prenatal testing played a significant role in this shift, as prospective parents could now shop before the baby's arrival for "girl" or "boy" items. And in just few decades, pink for girls became the norm.

Craving more? Check out the source behind this Brain Snack!