Pink for Girls

Girls dressed in the pink color may be thought to be a natural but not always. Going to the 1700s and early 1800s, the masculine color was pink in order to grow into a more manly individual later in life, while girls should be dressed in a more feminine alternative like blue. Then go to 1900 and a little earlier for your great-great grandmothers and gr-gr aunts. It was common for babies to be dressed in white gowns or neutral shades, boys and girls (mostly because that was easier to clean). By the 1920s, there began a change. Many people began dressing girls in pink, thinking that was a delicate and soft color just like girls. Boys were dressed in blue colors related to a more decided and strong color for males – the reverse of 150 years earlier.

After World War 2 and the beginning of the 1950s, pink for girls and blue for boys was the only way. Not just young girls but even by then adult ladies wore pink. It was thought to have started with the new US President’s wife, Mamie Eisenhower wearing a pink inauguration ball gown in 1953. Everyone loved the idea of women wearing shades of pink especially if it was acceptable for the First Lady. Even the phrase “First Lady” pink was coined and launched a nationwide infatuation with pink clothing and housewares. Think of the pink kitchens and bathrooms popular in the 1950s.

By the 1970s and 1980s, gender-neutral clothing became popular. By the late 1980s that changed again, and for babies, pink diapers for girls and blue for boys. The baby’s room was also done up based on pink for girls and blue for boys.

In the 21^st century, it is common for men to use pink as an asset – for a tie or a shirt.

Oh how the pink and blue has changed back and forth over the years.

Photo: Mamie Eisenhower wearing a pink inauguration ball gown in 1953.

Related FamilyTree.com Blogs:

Hat Month

Your Great Grandfather Wore Pink

Ladies Styles 1920-1960s