Gender and Color Association: A Thing of the Past

The days of pink and blue baby showers signifying a child’s gender may never come to an end. But as babies become toddlers who then become school-aged children, parents are beginning to stray from the traditional color associations and break stereotypes when it comes to dressing their kids.

 “Pink for girls, blue for boys” is actually a relatively new concept. Before the early 1900s, colors were not generally assigned by gender. Then, around the 1920s, a trend began in which boys were dressed in pink and girls in blue. In 1918, a trade magazine dedicated to children said that boys should be dressed in pink because pink was a stronger color, while blue was daintier and therefore more appropriate for girls. Then in the 1940s, that began to change, with society deciding that blue was a more bold hue and therefore should be reserved for the boys. Therefore, while the pink/blue color divide might feel to modern parents as if it has been historically well-engrained in our society, the truth is quite the opposite.

 The trend towards gender neutrality is also not new – in fact, it has been gaining strength for decades, ever since the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s. Both blue and pink are attractive colors, of course, but parents (and children) have decided that only choosing clothes of one color is unduly restrictive. Today, there are plenty of instances of boys wearing pink, girls wearing blue, and children of both genders wearing every color in between. You can find wonderful and unique blue outfits for girls and pink outfits for boys that any child would love. While you should always give your child the freedom to choose some of his or her own clothing, choosing from a wide array of colors will give your child the opportunity to try them out while still looking great.

 Gender neutrality is not limited to color: it also extends to shapes, styles, and themes. Today, you can find little girls in boots and bomber jackets and little boys in pink tees and skinny jeans. When you expand the clothing horizons for your child, you can access a number of different clothing types from across the market. Designers are blazing the trails of this trend, giving parents and children unisex clothing that looks great on both genders. Here are some of our favorite examples from respected designers, all of whom make durable clothing that children of both genders are sure to love:

               

This Ava & Lu Day at Sea dress comes in a gorgeous light blue color sure to flatter children of all ages. While it is a dress, the generous fit and comfortable material make it perfect for pairing with boots or playing in the dirt. If you have a daughter who enjoys dressing up but does not like ruffles and bows, this breezy, comfortable dress is sure to be a hit.

                               

 Gender neutrality is about more than just swapping pink and blue for girls and boys. It is also about finding clothing which looks great on all children, and which does not make your little one feel restricted to one “type” of clothing. Bobo Choses is a great designer of unisex children’s clothing, with unisex options that children will love. This Bobo Choses B.C. Team Sweatshirt looks great on girls or boys, and the simple design makes it easy to coordinate with anything from blue jeans to billowing skirts.

 

                            

 Another reason to love Bobo Choses is that their clothing is simply adorable. This Mr. Badminton T-shirt, for example, is sweet and simple. Shown here in the baby size, this pattern is actually available on both t-shirts and sweatshirts for children of all ages (and genders, of course). Their clothing is whimsical and gender-neutral, making this designer a wise choice if you are looking to add a little neutrality to your child’s wardrobe.

 

 

                   

 Another fun brand for gender-neutral clothing is NUNUNU. They offer fun clothing in simple, primary colors with unexpected designs. This NUNUNU White Splash Spot Kafta can be worn as a dress or a long shirt, depending on how “feminine” your little one feels like dressing that day. This “splash” pattern is featured in a number of NUNUNU’s clothing items, and you are sure to find something that you will love for your child. The shapes are flattering without being too “girly” or masculine, and you are unlikely to see unique designs like these anywhere else.

 

 

 

 

                  

 

NUNUNU’s gender-neutral approach is not limited to their casual clothing – they also make girls’ swimwear which offers something different from your traditional baby bikinis or pink ruffles. This Black Hand Print Swimsuit comes in a design which is popular across a number of their products, and will give your child a one-of-a-kind look that she, or he, is sure to love.

                               

When it comes to simple tee-shirts, no one does them better than Tiny Cottons. This designer is dedicated to creating fun, comfortable clothing for boys or girls, and their simple styles make great foundational pieces. This Tiny Cottons Scissors Short Sleeve Tee features a sweet allover pattern and is flattering for everyone from toddlers to pre-teens.

Gender neutrality is about more than just swapping pink and blue for girls and boys. It is also about finding clothing which looks great on all children, and which does not make your little one feel restricted to one “type” of clothing. Bobo Choses is a great designer of unisex children’s clothing, with unisex options that children will love. This Bobo Choses B.C. Team Sweatshirt looks great on girls or boys, and the simple design makes it easy to coordinate with anything from blue jeans to billowing skirts.

 

                            

Another reason to love Bobo Choses is that their clothing is simply adorable. This Mr. Badminton T-shirt, for example, is sweet and simple. Shown here in the baby size, this pattern is actually available on both t-shirts and sweatshirts for children of all ages (and genders, of course). Their clothing is whimsical and gender-neutral, making this designer a wise choice if you are looking to add a little neutrality to your child’s wardrobe.                                  

Some of the cutest Tiny Cottons items are from their infant line, such as this Bow Ties Bodysuit, which has a sweet pink hue but is covered with blue bow ties, making it the ultimate expression of gender neutrality. If you’re ready to switch up the blue and pink gender norms from day one, Tiny Cottons’ line for babies is a great place to start.

With designers such as Bobo Choses, NUNUNU, and Tiny Cottons, your clothing selections for your child will never be limited to simple blues and pinks. Finding gender neutral clothing is fun and gives your child’s wardrobe a unique, unexpected look. Trust Ladida to bring you clothing from the top children’s designers from around the world, as well as some of the most attractive and well-made clothing