Do you really know? Why has purple become the colour of feminism?
Mar 8, 2026
A brisk look at why purple dominates International Women’s Day and modern feminist imagery. It traces the colour back to suffragette branding and practical dye choices. It covers inauguration symbolism from recent political figures and explores purple’s ties to lesbian feminism. It also flags the risk of purple washing when brands use the colour without real commitment.
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Suffragettes Cemented Purple As Feminist Colour
- Purple emerged as the dominant feminist colour during the early 20th century suffragette movement led by the WSPU.
- Emmeline Pethick Lawrence wrote purple signified royal blood, freedom and dignity and was also practical because purple dye was widely available and affordable.
Purple Inauguration Coats Signal Feminist Solidarity
- Modern political moments used purple as symbolic feminism, for example Kamala Harris wore a purple coat at her 2021 inauguration.
- The episode links Harris's coat to Hillary Clinton and Jill Biden also wearing purple at past inaugurations.
Purple Symbolically Rejects Gender Colour Norms
- Purple endures because it sits between blue and pink, challenging traditional gender colour assignments and appearing in inclusive symbols like the rainbow flag.
- The colour offers contrast to pastel femininity and visually signals an alternative to patriarchal norms.