In The Pink

Ever since I began selling shirts in the 1980s, pale pink has been a very popular colour in the UK, but my American customers dressing for business on Wall Street were more wary and preferred white and blue. However, men have been enjoying dressing in pink since the mid-18th century; considered a masculine colour, blue for boys and pink for girls is a relatively recent idea.

Now pink is one of our most loved colours for all seasons, in cotton, linen and brushed cotton, an uplifting contrast to the dark suit colours, in the Summer marrying beautifully with white and natural linen colours and for casual Winter dressing with grey flannels or all shades of browns.

Customers often ask what will suit their colouring, or we might suggest options as part of the choice when looking at shirts. A pale pink, rather than strong or bright, is flattering on almost all colouring, dark, blonde, red or grey hair, and although almost every colour looks wonderful on those lucky enough to have olive skin, even the palest of skin tones can wear this gentle colour.

‘In the Pink’ means being in peak physical health and excellent spirits, and I also read that psychologically pink evokes feelings of care and compassion, as well as lowering the heart rate and reducing aggressive behaviour, so perhaps having a pink shirt in your armoury could serve many purposes!

From all of us at Emma Willis, from the shop to our Gloucester cutting, sewing and finishing rooms, thank you for your support, and we wish you a very rosy weekend.

Best wishes,