The colors we choose to wear can reveal a lot about how we’re feeling or how we want others to perceive us.
According to color psychology, our age, gender, culture, and mood are all reasons we might choose to wear a black blazer to a funeral or gift yellow clothing for a baby shower. But, what about sexual orientation?
There’s still little known about how a person’s sexual orientation can affect color preference—if at all.
However, according to data released by Differio.com, the USA’s leading online gay menswear store, gay men have a preference for certain colors.
After analyzing sales records and product inventory, Differio compiled a list of the colors most popular among its gay customer base.
From vivid-colored Pride outfits to trending shades of men’s streetwear, these are the top five clothing colors that gay men purchase most, ranked by popularity…
Red
If you’re familiar with color theory, you might not be surprised that red ranks as the most popular gay clothing color.
Differio found that men were most likely to buy red gay underwear, t-shirts, and slim-fit trousers.
Psychology professor Noam Shpancer, Ph.D, explained in Psychology Today that, “the color itself may have become over evolutionary time a proxy signal for reproductive potential.”
Adding that sexual excitement among humans is, “often associated with red in the body’s erogenous zones,” such as blushing or climaxing.
Besides symbolizing sexual energy and power, it also fittingly represents life on the Pride flag. Ultimately, it might just be human nature to feel drawn towards red.
Black
While black may seem drab to some, it is often associated with sexiness, intelligence and confidence. According to a color survey reported by the Independent, black ranked the highest when participants were asked what the best color was to wear on a first date, to job interviews and at weddings.
It’s fair to say opting for black is the tamer option compared to a rainbow utility kiltor Pride graphic tee.
Some of the top-selling black clothing items included jacket blazers, leather jackets, ripped jeans, and underwear.
Metallics
Metallic may be considered more of a sheen than a color, but it seems metallic clothing is a hit among gay men — especially silver and gold.
According to Differio, metallics are most popular when it comes to gay underwear and swimwear, such boxer shorts, briefs and swim shorts.
Adding a pop of silver or gold to your wardrobe, “allows you to inject charisma into a look when your rotation of more subdued basics becomes relentlessly practical,” according to The Wall Street Journal’s fashion editor, Renata Mosci.
Purple
Although Pantone deemed Ultra Violet as the color of the year, purple has been a top selling shade for gay men for a long time, according to Differio.
Differio reported that trousers are its best-selling purple clothing — even outselling green and pink trousers.
Purple may not be the most versatile sartorial shade, but it definitely adds a feeling of brightness and spirit to any wardrobe.
There’s actually a form of mood-boosting fashion called “dopamine dressing” where people are drawn to clothing colors that make them feel happier.
Aside from its significance on the Pride flag, perhaps this is another reason why gay men feel drawn to purple clothing for its uplifting attitude.
Blue
From blue skinny jeans to dark denim shirts, blue is also a popular clothing color for gay customers.
When it comes to blue, customers are most likely to opt for jeans — no wonder it’s so popular. Who doesn’t wear jeans?
A sociology survey released by the University of Maryland revealed that blue ranked as the most popular color among both men and women.
The theory behind this is that blue is perceived as calming, trustworthy, and open-minded, which is why it’s commonly worn during political elections and used in marketing slogans.