Ruling on Men Wearing Red or Women-Like Colored Clothing
Source: Fatawa Ilmiyyah (Tawdih al-Ahkam)
Question
Can a man wear red clothing? Or any color that is generally worn by women — is it permissible for men?
Answer
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
According to Islamic teachings:
❀ It is prohibited for men to wear any clothing that resembles the clothing of women.
❀ In this regard, the clear statement of the Prophet ﷺ is:
"لَعَنَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰہِ الْمُتَشَبِّھِیْنَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ بِالنِّسَاء وَالْمُتَشَبِّھَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ بِالرِّجَالِ"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas, Bab al-Mutashabbihun bil-Nisa wa al-Mutashabbihat bil-Rijal)
Meaning:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed the men who imitate women, and the women who imitate men."
Shariah Guidance
❀ In light of this Hadith, a man should avoid wearing clothing that resembles women's attire.
❀ Any clothing whose color or style is exclusively associated with women should be avoided by men.
❀ However, if red or any other color is not considered exclusively for women in common culture (i.e., it is also regarded as suitable for men and carries no feminine association), then it is permissible for men to wear it.
Conclusion
A man may wear any color or clothing that does not resemble women's attire. If red or any other color is commonly accepted for men and does not imply imitation of women, it is permissible to wear it.
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best.
