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National Wear Red Day

Get flashy in ruby hues for National Wear Red Day, supporting heart health awareness one heart at a time!

Friday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Friday in February

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to dress in your most striking red for the annual National Wear Red Day, happening on the first Friday of February! This heartwarming event has been helping to promote heart health awareness across the nation since its inception in 2003 by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This vibrant celebration, part of the wider American Heart Month, invites everyone to partake by flamboyantly flaunting their cherry, rouge, or crimson outfits. So, speak volumes without saying a word, support heart health, and brighten up the winter days, all while wearing your favorite ruby garment. It's a wonderful way to spread the word and make a fashion statement!

TIMELINE

National Wear Red Day Timeline

Launch of National Wear Red Day

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) initiated National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about heart disease.

First Lady Support

First Lady Laura Bush becomes the national ambassador for the Heart Truth campaign, promoting National Wear Red Day.

Broad Community Engagement

The American Heart Association, Macy's and other companies join forces to support the Heart Truth campaign and National Wear Red Day.

First Red Dress Collection Fashion Show

The first Red Dress Collection Fashion Show was held in New York City. This event is now an annual highlight of National Wear Red Day.

Expansion of Awareness

One in three women in the US recognize National Wear Red Day as a result of growing awareness campaigns.

Continued Advocacy

Despite pandemic challenges, the advocacy and awareness activities of National Wear Red Day continue virtually across the US.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Wear Red Day

Organize a wear-red gathering

Arrange a party at your place where the dress code is 'RED'. You can cook red colored food, prepare red drinks and decorate your place in red to add to the theme.

ENGAGE

Engage in a Red Recipe Challenge

As a fun and delicious way to mark National Wear Red Day, invite family and friends to engage in a 'Red Recipe' challenge. Everyone must prepare a heart-healthy dish featuring red ingredients such as tomatoes, radishes, strawberries or beetroot! It serves quite literally as a heart-warming celebration.

PLAN

Plan a Heart-Healthy Workout

Wear your favorite red workout gear and meet up with friends for a workout focused on heart-healthy activities. This could include taking a brisk walk, attending a cardio-focused exercise class, or going for a bike ride.

LAUNCH

Launch an Online Fundraiser

Launch an online fundraiser in different shades of red to benefit heart health or research organizations. Encourage donors to dress in red and post their pictures to social media, spreading word of the fundraiser and National Wear Red Day!

CREATE

Create Heart-themed Craft Activities

Engage kids or adults to 'Wear Red' by creating a heart-themed craft day. Supply materials for making heart-shaped decorations in varying shades of red. Remember to display your creations and let everyone know why you're crafting with heart!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Wear Red Day

The Opportunity to Make a Fashion Statement

Aside from the important life-saving cause it represents, National Wear Red Day gives us the chance to make a striking fashion statement! It serves as the perfect excuse to dress in your favorite red outfit and confidently sport this bold, vibrant color.

Spreads Awareness for Heart Health

National Wear Red Day is not just about wearing a bold color - it's a great initiative to promote awareness about heart health. The day offers a platform for discussions around heart diseases and their prevention, making it an essential observance for public health.

Fun and Engaging Activities

There's an abundance of exciting activities that one can partake in on National Wear Red Day - from crafting with the kids to organizing a themed party or workout session. These activities not only make the day enjoyable but also help to further reinforce the message of the cause.