The first Friday in February (February 7) is National Wear Red Day. On this day, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. So put on your reddest red — whether it be a lipstick, a pair of pants, or your favorite hat — and paint the city red.
When is National Wear Red Day 2025?
Be it a lipstick, dress, shoes, or accessory, wear your brightest reds on National Wear Red Day this February 7. Even though the day gives us the opportunity to wear more of this stunning color, it, more importantly, focuses on cardiovascular risks and diseases.
History of National Wear Red Day
In line with other heart and soul related themes of the month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness to women’s heart health. Women have been the heartbeats of the home since the beginning, playing multiple roles as mothers, daughters, sisters, counselors, providers, and protectors. Women shoulder more responsibility now in and outside the home than ever before. In kind, they need more support in nurturing themselves as deeply as they nurture their families and communities. National Wear Red day is a beautiful first step in giving women the world over the critical heart health information and services they need and deserve.
National Wear Red Day is supported by the American Heart Association and celebrated in conjunction with national heart health month. It focuses specifically on raising awareness of women’s heart disease and stroke risks. Cardiovascular disease causes 1 in 3 deaths in women every year making it the number one health related killer in women. The good news is 87% of all heart issues are believed to be preventable making awareness, education, research, and resources vital to the cause this holiday supports.
On this day every year, supporters wear their favorite red dresses, shoes, tops, and accessories in order to stand together with their affected sisters and encourage others to take preventative actions for the sake of their heart’s health.
National Wear Red Day timeline
President Lyndon B. Johnson declares February national heart health month, nine years after having a heart attack.
The Red Dress becomes the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.
Go Red launches with a mission to eradicate heart disease and stroke in women.
First Go Red for Women international license is issued.
National Wear Red Day Traditions
February is all about matters of the heart. Be it Valentine’s Day, Healthy Heart Month, or National Wear Red Day, a healthy heart is what we seek. It’s tradition on National Wear Red Day to go bold with your fashion choices and wear red. Bake sales and fundraisers are hosted and donations are made to Go Red if you shop from certain stores.
National Wear Red Day By Numbers
1 in 3 – The number of adults who suffer from high blood pressure.
17.9 million – The number of people who died from heart diseases around the world in 2016.
80% – The percentage of heart diseases that are preventable with regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a healthy diet.
12% – The percentage of stroke victims that die from it.
50% – The percentage of women who die within five years of having a heart attack.
33% – The percentage of women who do not engage in sports or physical activity.
43 million – The number of women who currently have some type of heart disease.
655,000 – The number of Americans who die annually from heart disease.
National Wear Red Day FAQs
What does it mean to go red for women?
Going Red for women means helping to raise awareness and take action steps towards the American Heart Association’s goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease.
What are the signs of heart problems in women?
There are some common symptoms whether the issue is a heart attack, angina, or heart failure. Some similar symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, nausea and/or stomach pain, and light headedness to name a few.
When did Go Red begin?
National Wear Red Day officially started off in 2004.
National Wear Red Day Activities
Throw a Red Party
Bring some fun to your wellness goals by hosting a happy hour or dinner party with your friends and family. Serve heart healthy hors d’oeuvres and discuss how you can all support one another in achieving and maintaining healthy hearts. If you are feeling really ambitious, scale up your party and turn it into a fundraiser for the Go Red and the American Heart Association.
Spread the Word
Share National Wear Red Day on your social media. Put on your most elaborate red frock, snap a selfie, and let your friends and followers know where they can get screenings, participate in Wear Red runs, and what healthy habits you will practice for your own heart health. Visit the Go Red for Women website for curated posts you can use on your social media accounts.
Shop
From office supplies to clothing and jewelry, every purchase you make on Go Red’s website goes towards funding the organization’s advocacy for women’s heart health. Shop for yourself or your nearest and dearest.
5 FACTS ABOUT HEART HEALTH THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
Diet and exercise: Your greatest weapon
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce your chances of heart disease by as much as 80 percent.
Social/Cultural Factors
African American women are disproportionately affected by heart disease irregardless of age, class, and income.
Sex appeals to a healthy heart
Not only does sex count as exercise by raising your heart rate, it also balances your testosterone and estrogen levels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress, all vital components in long term heart health.
Global takeover
Go Red is licensed by 48 different organizations in 42 countries.
More than one way to give
There are several ways you can donate to the Go Red cause including in memoriam donations and monthly subscription gifts.
Why We Love National Wear Red Day
Women are important
There’s a saying that when mom gets sick, everyone gets sick. The sentiment is that women are such an integral part of functioning of our lives and society that when our women break down so does everything else. By encouraging wellness visits and regular self care practices outside of doctor’s appointments we are doing our very small part in making sure our social structure remains strong and thriving.
Knowledge is Power
Our greatest defense in heart health is concise, accurate, and up to date information and resources. National Wear Red Day is on the front lines bringing awareness to women all around the world in practical and accessible ways.
Prevention leads to a cure
With 87% of heart disease related issues being preventable, the lion’s share of the battle is fought before there are even signs of a problem. In this instance our grandmothers were right, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.
National Wear Red Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | February 5 | Friday |
| 2022 | February 4 | Friday |
| 2023 | February 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 7 | Friday |
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