FanPost

The Power of Red Color in Sports

Tech-unis_medium_medium

via assets.sbnation.com

No matter what sport you play, choosing the right uniform can determine whether you appear to be a professional with a purpose or an absurd amateur. While function and form both are important, color can be an extremely potent way to draw any observer's attention to your skills. It would be easy to sport a common, cool color like gray, or blue, or green. Basic black matches everything, and it's true that Yellow yells "Look at me!" However, red really represents power and passion.

Granted, from culture to culture the color can have slightly differing connotations. In Russia, it can be a symbol of revolution. In China, the color is worn by brides but can also be used as a symbol for good luck. It is considered to be a ‘dominant' color in Greece. Furthermore, the color is commonly interpreted to be energetic, daring, independent, exciting, strong, dynamic, and even sexy!

You may be wondering, all of that sounds pretty good, but what does this have to do with sports? Well, it's bold and it sends a clear message about the personality of your team to on-lookers. It is loud and proud. It says that you are about to show the audience something entertaining and exciting! Additionally, it is stimulating to the physical senses. It's exhilarating and motivating; it can inspire its wearer to take bold actions. Just glimpsing at it as you pack it in your bag before traveling to a big event can leave you feeling energized and confident. While it is unsportsmanlike to take extensive measures to intimate your opponent, wearing a red sports uniform can denote that you are assertive- a force to be reckoned with!

Unfortunately, there are some contexts in which red can be interpreted negatively. For example, to some people it has the connotation of being over-bearing, rebellious, violent, or angry. To counterbalance this, you can balance the color out with black, which can make your team look quite professional, or white, which has a more innocent, crisp, and clean appearance.

In addition, you can be mindful of the shade of red that you choose to wear. The following variations all send slightly different messages:

  • Scarlet is probably the brightest version of the hue. It has a bit of orange mixed into it, and it is a little more fun-loving than more pure versions of red. It shows enthusiasm and a love of life, without appearing to be too terribly defiant or rebellious.
  • Maroon is a much darker, bluer red. It is actually perfect for sports uniforms, as it has a connotation of being controlled and thoughtful- exactly the way that any good sportsman is about his (or her!) game.
  • Burgundy is a richer, more purple-based version of the color, and a little less energetic than other shades. However, it does symbolize determination, ambition, and dignified action.
  • Crimson, is a toned down version of true red, with a little bit of blue in the mix. It shows a determination to succeed, but with an almost equal determination not to upset anyone else along the way. If you want to incorporate red into your uniform without seeming too over the top, crimson may be for you!

Whatever hue you choose, the power of red in sports is undeniable. It energizes its wearer and boosts their self-esteem, which is perfect for your team's morale when facing a difficult opponent. It draws the attention of fellow teammates and onlookers, while instilling just the right amount of intimidation in member of the opposite team. Pick passion and power for your uniforms- pick the color red.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Viva The Matadors' writers or editors.