Throughout the ages, the clothing of children has been subject to constant evolution. One particular phrase that has become synonymous with gendered clothing is the oft-repeated adage 'pink is for girls and blue is for boys,' capitalized upon by corporations to sell their products based on gendered stereotypes. However, it wasn't always this way. In fact, not too long ago, the exact opposite was true, with pink being associated with boys, and blue with girls. The question arises then, how did we arrive at the current state of affairs?
How Did Pink and Blue Come to Symbolize Baby Gender?
Throughout most of history, children's clothing was typically unisex, often consisting of frocks and gowns. As boys grew older, their clothes changed to include shirts and breeches, while girls' clothing simply grew in length until their gowns brushed the floor at a certain age.
In the 20th century, the colours pink and blue became gendered, with pink being associated with boys and blue with girls. However, this wasn't always the case. Originally, pink was considered a strong and solid colour, making it appropriate for boys, while blue was seen as delicate and therefore suitable for girls. Additionally, blue was often linked to the Virgin Mary, which helped popularize it in girls' fashion.
As the second wave of feminism took hold, the clear divide between boys and girls' clothing began to fade, resulting in more equitable options for all. Feminists pointed out the sexist nature of gendered colours and argued that such narratives could limit children's understanding of themselves before they were even old enough to comprehend what was being told to them.
In the late twentieth century, the discovery of prenatal testing changed the way parents approach gender reveal parties and baby showers. With the ability to know an unborn child's gender, pink became associated with girls and blue with boys. This shift may have occurred because pink is similar to red, a romantic colour often associated with femininity. Additionally, corporations recognized the marketing potential of gendered colours and thus began to market pink as a colour for girls and blue as a colour for boys. That's how pink became the traditional colour for girls and blue for boys.
The Curious Evolution of Baby Colors
But today, gendered colours are giving way to neutrals in children's clothing and nursery themes. This trend was popularized when Kylie Jenner released a video in March 2022 showcasing the birth of her son, Aire Webster, prompting the internet to be quick to spot the colourlessness of the video. Stormi, Kylie Jenner's firstborn, gave her fans a glimpse of the monochromatic and beige-themed nursery, which was picked up by mom influencers who began sporting a similar 'beige mom' aesthetic—a mother who sticks to the beige theme and ensures that their kids' clothes fit this theme too. Even celebrations and gatherings for the impending arrival are draped in neutral hues.
As children's clothing evolves with the times, it mirrors our societal values. Often based on societal prejudices and stereotypes, it is a testimony to how we influence our children right from the moment they step foot on earth. It is our responsibility to be cautious about how we treat our children and the types of values we impose on them. Because trends are temporary, but a child is forever.
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