In Ancient Greece, the color scarlet was worn by prostitutes in lipstick as a differentiator between sex workers and “upper-class” women. Scarlet color bore ties to prostitution for centuries after that. However, scarlet color has become a much more positive symbol of sensuality in the last 80 years. Today, cosmetics (especially lipsticks) feature the color scarlet as an empowering shade that can enhance beauty on wearers of all complexions.

Scarlet color as a symbol of revolution.

The 19th and 20th centuries also saw the adoption of scarlet color by major revolutions. In 1848, the French Revolution waved the color scarlet as a symbol of sacrifice. The color scarlet also became a symbol of socialism and communism in the flags of the Soviet Union and Communist China in the 1900s.

The color scarlet versus cinnabar and carmine.

Until synthetic dyes took over in the 19th and 20th centuries, the materials used to make scarlet color dye were also used to make similar — but different — shades. The kermes insect used in the finest scarlet color dyes was also used to make carmine, a hue distinctly darker than the color scarlet. Another common material was cinnabar, traditionally used to make the color vermilion, which was lighter. The trick in processing scarlet color pigment was in the ratio of source materials used.

Combine scarlet with other colors.

The color scarlet can be paired with neutrals like beige or ecru for a sophisticated palette. For an earthier look, combine scarlet color with sage green or chocolate. To be more daring and enhance the boldness of the color, set scarlet next to yellow or orange hues.

Information about scarlet color.

The scarlet HEX code picker is #FF2400. This is the classic red with a discernible influence from orange.

The color scarlet can be achieved in a RGB space with 255 red, 36 green, and 0 blue. Scarlet color can be achieved in a CMYK color space with 0% cyan, 86% magenta, 100% yellow, and 0% black.

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What is the meaning of the color scarlet?

Scarlet color sits between red and orange on the color wheel, but much closer to red. This bright hue has inspired centuries of passion — for better and worse. The color scarlet is associated with courage, joy, and devotion on one hand, and sacrifice or objectification on the other.

Scarlet color brightens and warms everything it touches. This red with hints of orange exudes energy — but what kind depends on how it’s used.

The history of scarlet color.

Scarlet color from Ancient Persia to Rome.

The color scarlet was originally a symbol of power. Scarlet color dyes were first documented in the 8th century B.C. The color scarlet was exported from Persia to Rome, where it was second in status only to the royal purple in the robes of Emperors. Roman officers wore scarlet color cloaks called paludamenta. People of high rank were called coccinati, “the people of red.”

New meanings for scarlet color after the Middle Ages.

The color scarlet entered the Middle Ages as a color worn by kings, the rich, and men in power in the Catholic Church. Then, after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 (when imperial purple was no longer accessible to cardinals), cardinals were dressed in scarlet color. The change stuck. The color scarlet came to be a mainstay for the Church worldwide.

Modern interpretations of scarlet color are more varied.

The connection between scarlet color and prostitution and adultery is familiar to anyone who’s heard of the scarlet letter. These ties go back to Ancient Greece. In many cities in Europe, sex workers were long obliged to wear scarlet. Scarlet color later became a favorite paint pigment for Henri Matisse and other artists of the 20th century. The color scarlet then moved to the sports world where teams like Boston University and the professional rugby team “The Scarlets” don the color today.

The color scarlet across different cultures.

Scarlet color’s history in the Catholic Church.

The color scarlet has been worn by cardinals since the 15th century. The rich red hue represents their devotion as well as the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and other Christian martyrs. Scarlet color has acquired ties to immortality as a result, but also to sin — especially prostitution and adultery. One key passage from the Bible that inspired this (Isaiah 1:18) states, “If your sins be as scarlet they shall be made white as snow.”

The color scarlet in language.

The word “scarlet” came to English from the Old French escarlate, originally from Persian saqerlât. The term was first recorded in English in 1250 and was used to refer to cloth that had been dyed scarlet color. The insect used to make the finest scarlet color dyes, kermes, was so small that they were the source of the phrase, “dyed in the grain” (as though the tiny kermes were a type of grain).

Scarlet color and the red coats.

Scarlet color held its place in nobility in Great Britain through the 17th and 18th centuries. Even today, members of the House of Lords sit on scarlet color benches. The military uniform adopted by the British Army in 1645 boasted two shades of red: madder-dyed coats for soldiers, and scarlet color coats for officers. These coats were what led to British soldiers being called “redcoats.”

Design with scarlet

Inspiration in the color scarlet.

How to use the color scarlet.

The color scarlet in cosmetics.