Pink and Blue: Telling the Boys from the Girls in America

Pink and Blue: The Story of Gender and Clothing in America is a groundbreaking book that delves into the history of children's clothing and its impact on gender identity.

Jo B.

Paoletti, an associate professor of American studies at the University of Maryland, uncovers the surprising shifts in attitudes towards color as a mark of gender in American children's clothing over the last 125 years. Through her meticulous research, Paoletti reveals how advertising, catalogs, dolls, baby books, mommy blogs, and discussion forums have contributed to the gendering of pink and blue.

She also explores the decline of the white dress for both boys and girls, the introduction of rompers in the early 20th century, and the resurgence of unisex fashions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins, transformations, and consequences of gender distinctions in children's dress.

It challenges cultural panic over how children's clothing affects gender and sexual identity and provides fascinating insights into the symbolic appearances of children's clothing in context. Whether you are a parent looking to raise your child without gendered expectations or a student interested in the history of fashion, Pink and Blue is an essential read.

So, get ready to uncover the surprising story of how children's clothing has shaped our understanding of gender in America!