First, we must ask ourselves why many, if not most, men avoid wearing pink-coloured garments?
Many men - mostly those with too much macho content - consider pink a feminine colour. And precisely because of this unfortunate stereotype, many refuse to wear this colour. One of the many reasons is that it gives them a certain degree of insecurity. They feel that the colour determines their sexual orientation or degree of masculinity.
Which, of course, is completely out of the blue. Are you a macho or a wimp? Let's go back in history for a moment.
Until the mid-20th century, pink was preferred for boys because of its brightness and blue for girls because of its association with the Virgin Mary.
Before the 1950s, the pink colour even exuded a certain 'masculine strength'. There were even 'khaki' trousers in the army that were nicknamed 'pinks' because of the pink glow they sometimes had. Nevertheless, today we have to conclude that there is still a strong female connotation attached to it, and this for both women and men.
And even longer ago the soldiers wore, at the Battle of Waterloored coats. This was done very deliberately, because a wounded or dead person's blood would not scare the 'mates'. Later this evolved into pink.
Secondly, we look at why and how men can wear pink.
The colour has a lot of potential for combining. It is flamboyant and adds a certain 'lightness' to your outfit. The colour pink is a sublime addition to, for example, brown, khaki, a monochrome outfit, and the darker versions of blue.
Pink is a colour that can be worn both formally and casually. Think for example of a black or grey suit that can be brightened up with a fresh shirt colour. Pink does this with ease! It is classic and gives a gentleman a certain elegance. Think of a man of the world strolling around Mayfair, possibly with a ciara in his hand, ready to take over the world. Just as easily, this scene can be set on the Chapms Elysées or on Fifth Avenue.
Third: How to wear a pink shirt, and how to combine?
As pink can be a rather bright, even cheeky colour, it is best combined with the darker tones. However, the colour is versatile: it goes well with both black and grey. Dark grey, I mean. For me, blue is the colour of choice.
Navy: Just plain with a dark blue suit. The colours complement each other perfectly. That said, with a blue blazer too! And with this, a pair of pink flannel trousers, or if you are more of a preppy type, a nice chino or khaki.
Combine with jeans and brown loafers. Or even white jeans in summer and black loafers? Also, never forget to match your belt with your shoes.
Seasonally, pink feels best in spring and summer! The sunlight really makes the colour stand out.
Tips & Facts:
- Try to avoid pink t-shirts or jumpers.
- Psychological research has shown that the colour pink has a calming effect on other people. It relaxes them.
- Dark or tanned skin goes better with the pastel varieties.
- The pink polo is eternally preppy. An Ivy-League look.
- If you still think it would be too feminine in its look, feel free to combine it with masculine accessories such as braces, a waistcoat, or even Better, a cardigan. Keep your accessories to a minimum though, as pink is a statement anyway. Less is more in this case!
- It shows that you are no longer a child who needs to wear boys' clothes. The colour does require a certain shape, or let's say level of self-confidence. And having said that, it does not define anyone's sexuality. It is best to consider this belief as underdeveloped.
- The colour also has the property of demanding female attention, which has also been scientifically proven. Many ladies feel that a man who wears pink is more self-confident, sensitive and in touch with his inner self and emotions. These qualities are generally highly appreciated by women.
- Wearing pink makes you stand out, and makes you more powerful A 2012 study commissioned by Cotton USAhas revealed some surprising facts, showing that men who wear pink earn, on average, $1,200 more on a yearly basis. These men also impress female colleagues more, and they perform with more self-confidence. If you get lost in a crowd, your friends or family can easily find you. After all, you are that sensitive man surrounded by ladies.
Raphaël van den Poel, former fashion consultant of Scapa, Reinhard Frans and Atelier NA tailored suits,
writes our weekly blog on gentleman matters. He writes for MYX Magazine, a Flemish luxury lifestyle platform.
He also has his own blog which you can read here: http://belgiandandy.blogspot.com