College Colors Day

College Colors Day History

College Colors Day serves to promote school spirit and celebrate university identities across the country. College students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, sports fans, and supporters of colleges all over the United States wear apparel decorated with their college’s colors and logos to show their unwavering solidarity and camaraderie to their respective institutions on this special day.

College Colors Day originated in 2004 as part of the kick-off to the college football season. It was initiated by the College Licensing Company and has been celebrated annually on the Friday before Labor Day since its inception. The day transcends sports and resonates with anyone who has a connection with or affection for a college or university, whether for its sports teams, academic prowess, or the memories it holds for alumni.

Participating in College Colors Day provides an opportunity to not only wear college apparel, but also to engage in creative activities and events that showcase school spirit, pride, and loyalty. Every year, colleges and universities use this day to inspire messages of unity and togetherness in their communities. In the U.S, College Colors Day typically falls on the Friday before Labor Day.

College Colors Day facts

• College and university colors often come in pairs. Primary colors like red, blue, black, and white are the most common choices. Popular color combinations include red & white, blue & white, and orange & blue.
• College Colors Day and our other national marketing campaigns give us a year-round conversation with retailers and consumers to help raise the visibility of college product and college brands - Nicole Armentrout, Vice President of Marketing at IMG College Licensing, College Colors Day 2016.
• The concept of school colors began in the United States in the mid-19th century, starting with rowing teams at universities like Harvard and Princeton.
• Traditionally, college colors have been predominantly masculine, but in the 21st century, some colleges and universities have started to incorporate more gender-neutral or traditionally feminine colors.
• Some university colors have unique stories. For example, Harvard's color, crimson, was adopted after a vote in 1910. Before this, the university did not officially have a color, although crimson was often used because of its association with wealth and prestige.
• Despite mainstream choices, some universities deliberately elect unusual colors to set them apart. Brown University’s colors are, fittingly, brown and white, with cardinal red as a secondary color.

In the News and Trending for College Colors Day

Top things to do for College Colors Day

• Support your favorite college or alma mater by wearing their colors. Be sure to grab any extra collegiate gear like flags or merchandise.
• Tailgate at home or on campus. There are always tailgates before a big game. Support your team and have fun.
• Meet up with old classmates. Those who attended college together tend to remain friends long after. Catch up or reconnect with your alma mater.