The color black is often thought of as sophisticated and sexy- think “little black dress.” It connotes an attractiveness and appeal that is universal and therefore, everyone wants to have at least one. Now there is a new study that highlights red as another must-have color for women. The University of Rochester has conducted studies over several years that examined how red enhances a man’s attractiveness to women, how red enhances a woman’s attractiveness to men- and now how women dislike other women who wear red because they see them as a greater threat due to their enhanced sexual attractiveness.
In 2008, the first study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, found that women perceive men in red as more attractive because it gives them an appearance of power. In a woman’s mind, this power manifests itself as having a higher status, making more money and being much closer to the top of the social status ladder. The study’s authors believe that both culture and biology contribute to this perception as societies back to ancient times used this color to convey prosperity and a higher status. Think “red carpet” in today’s culture. In the study, men did not attribute these qualities to other men in red- only women did.
A second study done in 2012 found that men showed a preference and increased attractiveness to women wearing red. In fact, when showed photographs bordered in red of different women, they were chosen over those that were bordered in other colors. When wearing red shirts or dresses, their attractiveness was even greater. The researchers came to the conclusion that red is the color of passion to men because women wearing it are perceived as less likely to rebuff a man’s sexual interest and/or advances. Red is also the color associated with heightened sexual pleasure, as in the blushing of the skin during sexual play or copulation. Research has also shown that non-primate males also prefer females who display reddening when close to ovulation. Fascinating stuff to be sure.
Now the latest study has looked at how women perceive other women in red. It’s not pretty ladies. When a woman encounters another women who is wearing red, she sees her as a rival and someone she definitely does not want near her partner/spouse. When presented with pictures of women in red, female study participants made derogatory comments suggesting that the women would cheat on her partner, probably has little or no money, and is someone she would keep away from her mate. Bottom line- they saw these women in red as less likely to turn down a sexual overture from a male- any male.
So the bottom line is if you are a women, you may want to think about where and when your wear red- what the event will be, who will be there and whether it will be a help or a hindrance to your acceptance, likeability networking- and overall presentation to the others in attendance. For those of you who don’t wear red because it’s just not your color- you may never have been considered that sexy- however, you probably have a lot more women friends.
