top of page

Pink: The Surprising History of a Color

That Wasn't Always Sweet

18th-century painting of a nobleman in a pink suit, reflecting pink’s history as a symbol of power and prestige before its modern reinvention.

Pink: Pretty, Powerful, and Full of Surprises
Think pink means soft and feminine? Think again. This color has a bold backstory tied to kings, soldiers, rebels, and rule breakers.


Once a Power Color
In the 18th century, pink signaled status and strength. European noblemen wore pink suits, and soldiers sported pink uniforms. It was bold, masculine, and anything but dainty.


Victorian Makeover
By the 19th century, pink softened. Victorians embraced it as a romantic, pastel hue symbolizing innocence and elegance. Pink lemonade and frilly decor became popular.


From Boys to Barbie
Before the 1940s, pink was for boys and blue for girls. Retailers flipped the script, and Barbie sealed pink’s place as the color of girlhood in 1959.


Pink as Rebellion
From Elsa Schiaparelli’s “shocking pink” to punk, pop, and LGBTQ+ pride, pink became fierce, loud, rebellious, and unapologetic.


Pink Today
Now, pink defies categories. Millennial

ADVERTISEMENTS

Squishmallows Original 5 Inch Archie Pink Axolotl

Squishmallows Original 5 Inch Archie Pink Axolotl

With White Fuzzy Belly

Set of 6 Small Pink Flamingos

Set of 6 Small Pink Flamingos

Yard Ornament Stakes by JOYIN

facts.png
FACTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
Homes That Outsmarted the Tax Collector
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Homes That Outsmarted the Tax Collector

Why Most Orange Cats Are Boys
SCIENCE & NATURE

Why Most Orange Cats Are Boys

Cleopatra’s Breath Might Be in Your Lungs Right Now
SCIENCE & NATURE

Cleopatra’s Breath Might Be in Your Lungs Right Now

From Awkward Moment to Medical Marvel
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

From Awkward Moment to Medical Marvel

Did Avocado Toast Really Ruin Millennials’ Housing Dreams?
FOOD & DRINK

Did Avocado Toast Really Ruin Millennials’ Housing Dreams?

Understanding Why Luxury Costs So Much
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Understanding Why Luxury Costs So Much

ADVERTISEMENT

14K Gold Plated Chunky Chain Necklace

14K Gold Plated Chunky Chain Necklace

Bold Oval Barbell Links PaperClip Chain by PAVOI

A.D. Allen & Danmi 18K Gold Plated

A.D. Allen & Danmi 18K Gold Plated

Love Bangle Bracelet Set

popular.png
POPULAR NOW
Image of futuristic tech cube
SCIENCE & NATURE

The Spark That Launched San Francisco's Tech Scene

Photograph of people waiting outside of Warner's movie theater
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Why We Call It the Box Office

Painting of A Young Woman  at her Toilet with a Maid from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Why Do Men’s and Women’s Shirts Button Opposite Ways?

Photograph of brain scan
SCIENCE & NATURE

AI is Learning to Translate Brain Signals Into Language

Painting of Paul Revere by J.S. Copley
PEOPLE

Paul Revere Was a Dentist and Never Shouted That Famous Warning

Photo of Disneyland with Fireworks
CURIOUS FACTS

Disneyland's Secret Night Shift: Feral Cats on Patrol

ADVERTISEMENT

bottom of page