National Wear Red Day - February 7, 2025

The first Friday in February (February 7) is National Wear Red Day. On this day in February, 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.

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

2006

Going Global

First Go Red for Women international license is issued.

2004

The Dawn of Go Red Campaign

Go Red launches with a mission to eradicate heart disease and stroke in women.

2002

Every Woman Needs a Little Red Dress

The Red Dress becomes the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.

1964

Presidential Decree

President Lyndon B. Johnson declares February national heart health month, nine years after having a heart attack.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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