When men are encouraged to “dress for success,” they are often encouraged to choose a tie with some red in it. Red is considered to be a power color in the world of menswear. Women, too, often choose red lipstick when they want to get noticed by the opposite sex.
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Another interesting “color fact” is that red is used on more country’s flags than any other single color. In terms of national pride, the color’s meaning can take on an even more intense meaning – war, blood, strength, power, and determination. There’s a lot of symbolism packed into flags and family crests and it's no wonder that the color red is often used in these designs. Red is the color of fire and blood, two elemental entities that are essential to the survival of the human race.
Red means War?
Choosing the color red as a team color or in other activities that involve competition may be a signal of higher levels of testosterone. Research has shown that men who choose to “be red” versus blue had higher levels of this hormone. While wearing red does not enhance performance, facing an opponent who “is red” can be psychologically disadvantageous as we connote strength, power, and aggression with the color itself and those who display it. One study showed that when a poker play bet with red chips, opponents were more likely to fold.
Red means Danger?
The power of the color red to emotionally or psychologically affect humans is intense enough to be empirically measured. Viewing the color red can enhance the human metabolism as well as increase respiration rates. When humans are confronted with “life or death” hazards, our bodies automatically go into survival mode. The heart rate and blood pressure go up and seeing red causes both of these to happen. Adrenaline production surges and we prepare to spring into action. We start breathing faster when we see red. Every system is “set on go” so that we can respond appropriately according to the presented threat.
Red means Sex?
While men are encouraged to choose red to show dominance and authority, women are encouraged to wear red for what would seem to be an entirely different reason – for love and romance. However, if you think about it, throughout history, women’s “power” lay in their ability to attract a strong and dominant mate. Considered “the weaker sex,” women were expected to find a strong and successful mate who could take care of her and their family.
Women in modern times seldom admit to wanting to be “taken care of,” as culturally women no longer willingly subjugate themselves to another’s wishes. However, attracting a strong and robust partner is still apparently hardwired into our genes. Researchers have found that male monkeys will display red to indicate their dominance to other males. They have also found that females are attracted to the display of red and that they, too, use red skin as a display of fertility. And male primates notice!
For humans, red is the color of Valentine’s Day, romance, roses, and passion. It’s expected that red is the color of racy lingerie and that “red light districts” indicate sexual gratification is available for the buying. Red is sex and excitement and risk and power, all wrapped up with a red velvet bow!
How innate is the preference for the color red for women? Well, empirical studies have been completed and it turns out that when women are going to be meeting up with an unknown, but known to be attractive, male, they will be more likely to wear the color red than when they are under the assumption that the male is less than handsome. Do they “know” they are choosing red? Maybe not, as the color choice is unconscious, apparently. Further studies have shown that women are more likely to prefer red over blue on internet personals sites when they are looking for casual relationships and encounters over long-term lasting love.
Women in Red?
Is there a payoff for sending up the color red? For women, if you want to capture the attention of a potential partner, wearing red is an excellent way to accomplish this. In fact, in one study, women carrying red laptop computers were all rated more attractive than those carrying silver, black, or blue. A red scarf, a red dress, or red lips are going to be just as effective in the non-experimental, real world in which we live.
Men in Red?
If you are a man eager to send off a signal of competence and power, then red is the way to go for you. Men who choose red are sending out the message that they are winners and not to be underestimated by their opponents. Men traditionally find power through strength, attitude, and aggression and red is the color that emphasizes these traits. Women are more likely to see red as indicating aggression, whereas men attribute both aggression and dominance to the color when worn by other males. However, when seen through an evolutionary lens, women would optimally choose mates who had the courage and willingness to aggress against enemies.
Two Tales of One Color
So, when it comes down to it, wearing red does have hidden powers. Regardless of gender, red clothing gets you noticed and increases the likelihood that you will be thought attractive by potential partners. Men come across as strong and virile and women are viewed as healthy and attractive. Depending on where you’re going and who you’re going meet, choose your attire with care – you wouldn’t want to invite the wrong kind of attention if you could help it.
from Psychology Today - Relationships http://ift.tt/1WuJ1VL
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