Choosing a favorite color is a common question asked of both children and adults. While there are no definitive right or wrong answers, research has shown some interesting trends when it comes to gender differences in color preferences. Specifically, studies have found that women and girls tend to favor different colors than men and boys. In this article, we will explore the evidence behind females’ favorite colors and why certain shades seem to appeal more to women and girls.
Pink
One of the most stereotypical “girl” colors, pink is often assumed to be a favorite among females. But does the data back this up? According to multiple surveys and studies, the answer is yes. Pink does seem to be the most popular color choice for women and girls.
In a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Deluxe, participants were asked to pick their top three favorite colors. For female respondents, the number one choice was pink, with over 75% of women listing it as one of their favorites. Blue and purple rounded out the top three for women.
Additional research by Joe Hallock, published in the Data Visualization Catalogue, supports these findings. Hallock compiled data from multiple studies spanning various decades. He found that pink was overwhelmingly the first choice for girls under the age of 8. The preference for pink appears to peak between ages 5-8, with lighter shades being favored among younger girls and more vivid pinks becoming popular as girls get older.
Scientists have proposed some theories as to why pink seems to appeal so strongly to many girls and women. Some believe it has origins in our early human history, since the color pink is linked to reddish hues found in skin and lips. Others think it may be societal, with toys, baby clothes and other products for girls often coming in shades of pink. This reinforces the color as feminine from an early age. While the exact reasons are unclear, the data clearly shows a consistent skew towards pink among female respondents of all ages.
Purple
Behind pink, purple is another color that is highly preferred among women. In the Harris Poll referenced above, purple came in second place for most popular color among female respondents. Additional surveys of children’s preferences found that for girls, purple tends to overtake pink in the preteen and teenage demographics.
While pinks tend to be favored by younger girls, the preference shifts towards the deeper, more mystical hues of purple through early adulthood. Experts propose this aligns with psychological shifts that occur during adolescence and early womanhood. Purple is sometimes seen as a color associated with creativity, individuality and femininity, which may resonate with the values of teenage and college-aged women. Its popularity appears to remain high throughout adulthood as well.
This attraction to purple seems to cross cultural boundaries too. For example, historical analysis shows the color was highly valued among Phoenician, Roman and medieval European societies. Purple dyes were expensive and difficult to produce, so their use was often reserved for royalty and the upper classes. The color took on an elite status. And in ancient Japan, the vibrant purple of the Muraski plant remains a popular color choice for kimonos and other traditional clothing to this day.
No matter when or where, purple shades have long captured the imagination and preference of females across many eras and regions of the world.
Blue
Though it lags behind pink and purple, blue is another color that consistently gets high marks from female respondents. In the Deluxe survey, blue was the second favorite color among women overall. Studies focused on children also found blue to be one of the top three most preferred colors for girls.
Compared to bold pinks or rich purples, many women seem to gravitate towards lighter or softer shades of blue. Soft blues are thought to elicit feelings of tranquility, openness and calmness. Researchers note that stereotypically “feminine” traits like nurturing, compassion and tenderness align with qualities associated with lighter blues. So this gentle tone may be part of its appeal to many females.
Interestingly, even for women who choose blue as a favorite color, pink and purple still tend to rank highly as well. According to an analysis by Forbes, the most popular color pairings among women are blue and purple, pink and blue, and pink and purple. While women branch out into other hues like blue, the draw towards pinks and purples remains a strong constant.
Neutral Colors
In addition to pinks, purples and blues, many females also gravitate towards neutral hues like white, grey, beige and black. These colors tend to have broad appeal across gender lines. But some research shows women specifically listing them among favorites more than men.
One survey of school children in Israel found white to be the first choice for girls overall. Another study from the 1930s concluded white was the top preference among female respondents, while men were drawn to more bold colors. White is considered a classic neutral that fits with various styles and needs. It may appeal to women and girls who prioritize versatility and minimalism in their wardrobe or decor.
Shades of grey and black are also commonly chosen by women as go-to neutrals. Like white, they act as blank canvases that pair well with accent colors. This may explain their popularity among females who enjoy mixing and matching bold hues in fashion. Neutral greys and blacks allow other vibrant colors to take the spotlight.
Beiges can also provide gender-neutral versatility. But some analysis suggests women may feel more inclined towards these soft, earthy neutrals than men. Natural textures like wool and linen tend to come in beige tones, which some view as aligning with feminine sensibilities. The cozy, subtle effect of beige may resonate with women seeking comfort and warmth.
Green and Red
Compared to other colors, green and red tend to rank a bit lower on the list of favorites for most women and girls. But certain shades of each remain popular choices within the female demographic.
For green, women gravitate towards lighter, more muted shades like sage. Bright kelly greens are less commonly chosen. Red is another interesting case – vivid reds actually tend to be disliked among women according to some surveys. But softer shades of red and pink-reds were found favorable. It is possible women steer away from the bold intensity of primary reds, preferring to soften the tone instead.
While not top picks, greens and reds that are muted, dusty or softened can appeal to many female aesthetics and color preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, studies show girls and women do tend to lean towards certain colors as personal favorites. Pink, purple, blue and neutral tones all rate highly among females across age ranges. This likely involves both social and biological factors that sway women towards hues considered traditionally feminine, soft, versatile or mystical. While personal preferences vary enormously, the data indicates some clear overall color trends among females.
So the next time someone asks you a girl or woman’s favorite color, pink, purple or blue would be a safe guess! But remember that favorite colors can also shift throughout a woman’s life depending on age, culture and individual identity. Every girl and woman has unique color preferences that reflect their personal self-expression.
References
| Source | Key Findings |
| Harris Poll survey for Deluxe | – Pink, blue and purple were the top 3 favorite colors among women |
| Analysis by Joe Hallock | – Pink peaks in popularity for girls between ages 5-8 – Teen/preteen girls begin favoring purples over pink |
| Forbes analysis | – Most common favorite color pairings among women are blue/purple, pink/blue and pink/purple |
| School survey in Israel | – White was the #1 color chosen by girls |
| 1930s study | – White was the top color preference for female respondents |