Color Preference

Many tests have shown that, in a very broad way, people in most parts of the world have similar color preferences. Blue is the most preferred and popular hue, followed by red, green, purple, yellow and orange. Overlaying this basic order of color 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 colors and aversions to others, but sometimes will not admit to them, since outside factors may be influential in determining both color 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 colors other than those of favorite football teams, because color awareness may be regarded by their peer-group as feminine.