The Power of the Color Red

Researchers at the University of Rochester have been looking at how the color red affects the way that people perceive others for a number of years now. One previous study looked at how men perceive women differently when they dressed in red versus other colors. In that study, participants were shown photos of women that were identical, with the exception of their clothing color. The men in that study saw the women that were wearing red in the photos as appearing more sexually interested and available than the women who were wearing other colors.

Researchers wanted to find out if women shared the same perceptions as the men did, so they did the same study with a group of women, asking them how they saw these women in the different photos. As with the previous study, the women surveyed also saw those in the photos that were wearing red as being more sexually interested than those women who were wearing other colors. Researchers also found that the participants in the study were more likely to see the women that wore red as being more sexually promiscuous and less likely to be able to commit to a monogamous relationship. When asked if they would be likely to introduce these women to their husband or boyfriend, they were less likely to do so with the women wearing red as well.

Adam Pazda, a graduate student in psychology and lead author of the paper, said that like previous studies, the takeaway is that it's important to be aware of the impact that color can have on perception. While it may not mean that women should put away that red dress and never wear it again, it could be helpful to understand the complex relationship of color and perception as they navigate the social world.

[roubad]

In Chinese culture, red is a symbol of loyalty, fidelity and love.

[fireeffect]

My girlfriend never wore red clothes in 5 years relationships and she was very attractive at that time.

[jelaboothe]

RED is VIBRANT. STRONG, POWERFUL, in u FACE.. LOOK AT ME.. I wanna b noticed.

[indrajitnag]

Can I insert a part of this clip on my vlog on psychology of colors...? Giving you due credit?

[redfox]

Oh... I was looking for outfit variants that include red pullover. Just because I like the way red color refreshes my face and so on.. strange prejudgement

[DavidSaintloth]

One thing that I wonder is if this effect is cross cultural....given the importance of the color red in nature as an indicator of vitality or ripeness in many fruits and vegetables it is likely a social meme that is common across cultures. The metaphor between availability for sex and ripe fruit being an easy association to make given the abstraction of consumption employed in regards to each...one sexual consumption the other gustatory.

[evelina]

Red is my favourite colour and i basically only wear red shirts and dresses oof

[TomahAwkDJ]

Is there research about the origin of such reactions toward the color red ? What I mean is it biological or cultural ?

[kattgirl]

Lol I searched this because I was watching a kdrama and they said it so wanted to know if it was true.

[jokerm]

Black widow spiders use red to lore male spider to the demise.

[sethsliderssupreme]

Desperate women are going to wear red after watching this video.