Colour Preferences

Many tests have shown that, in a very broad way, people in most parts of the world have similar colour preferences. Blue is the most preferred and popular hue, followed in order by red, green, purple, yellow and orange. Overlaying this basic order of colour preference, however, are the responses of individuals, which of course vary widely and may also be very powerful. Children are likely to have strong preferences for some colours and aversions to others, but sometimes will not admit to them, since outside factors may be influential in determining both colour preferences and the way that they are expressed or suppressed. Current fashions in clothes and accessories, gender-stereotyping and peer-group pressure may all play a significant part. Boys, in particular, may be reluctant to admit to any strong preferences for colours other than those of favourite football teams, because colour awareness may be regarded by their peer-group as feminine.