Do football teams in red win more? What 55 years of research suggests

Colours have always played a role in how people express themselves, from fashion choices to sports uniforms. In recent years, scientists have explored whether the colours we wear can influence emotions, confidence and behaviour. The growing popularity of dopamine dressing has renewed interest in the connection between clothing and mood, while research into football kits has examined whether certain colours may affect performance. But does wearing a particular colour really make a difference, or is the impact mainly psychological?

This idea has gained attention through the rise of “dopamine dressing”, a TikTok trend that encourages people to choose outfits based on the emotions they need to create. Often termed as “part fashion, part mindfulness”, the trend is established around the belief that wearing brighter and more expressive clothes instead of dull shades can help enhance mood.

The concept is linked to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain’s reward system and is involved in forming emotions. However, dopamine is only one part of the complex process behind feelings, with serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins also contributing to mood. Scientists have not yet proven that wearing colourful clothes directly increases dopamine levels. However, research does feature that clothing choices can impact the way individuals behave and feel.


One area where this connection has been explored is football, mainly the influence of red kits.

What research says about red football kits

Red has been linked with ideas of attractiveness, confidence and physical ability. In one study, people featured photographs of individuals wearing red or black T-shirts and regarded them as more attractive than those wearing other colours.

Researchers have also analyzed whether red clothing could impact sporting performance. A review of football matches covering 55 years found that teams wearing red kits consistently performed better in home games when it is compared to the teams wearing other kit colours.

While this research suggests a possible relationship between red and performance, it does not mean that wearing red automatically leads to victory. Football results depend on several factors, but the findings suggest that colour might have a psychological influence. The influence of clothing has been studied through the concept of “enclothed cognition”, which analyzed how the clothes individuals wear and the meanings linked to them can impact behaviour.

Why colour psychology is difficult to study

The relationship between colour and emotion is complicated because people’s reactions are impacted by culture and personal experiences. Researchers also cannot be certain that all perceived colours are the same way. The viral debate about “the dress” in 2015 illustrated how differently people can interpret the same colours.

Do red kits really help football teams win?

Research into colour and clothing indicates that what people wear can influence perception, emotions and behaviour. A red football kit may be connected with improved performance in specific situations, while colourful clothing may help some people feel more positive.

However, colours are not a guaranteed formula for success. The impact of clothing appears to come from the connection between colour, psychology and personal meaning rather than a simple biological reaction. Whether it is a football team choosing a red kit or someone selecting an outfit to match their mood, the colours people wear may play a small but interesting role in how they feel and perform.


Source: BBC Science Focus Magazine

FAQs:

Q1. What is dopamine dressing?

Dopamine dressing is a trend where people choose clothes based on how they want to feel. It focuses on using colours and outfits as a way of expressing mood.

Q2. Does wearing colourful clothes increase dopamine levels?

Scientists have not confirmed that colourful clothing directly increases dopamine levels. There is currently no study measuring dopamine changes after people wear bright clothes.