If you’ve ever seen a traditional fox hunt, either in person or in a film, the most striking image is the field of riders, especially the hunt staff in their brilliant scarlet-red coats. But in the equestrian world, this scarlet coat is famously known as “hunting pink.”
So, why is a bright red jacket called pink? The answer is a matter of historical debate, but the most popular and widely accepted story has nothing to do with the color. It’s all about a name.
The Legend of “Pink” the Tailor
The most common story, and the one you’ll hear most often in hunting circles, is that the coats are named after a master tailor named Pinks (or Pink) who was based in London in the 18th century.
This tailor was renowned for designing and making the finest scarlet coats for the hunting fraternity. His “Pink” coats became so sought-after that the name became synonymous with the garment itself, much like “Kleenex” is used for tissues or “Hoover” for vacuums.
Over time, any scarlet hunting coat, regardless of who made it, was simply referred to as a “pink.”
Who Wears “Hunting Pink”? (The Dress Code)
Wearing “pinks” is a privilege, not a given, and the dress code for a formal fox hunt is strictly defined. You don’t just show up wearing one.
- Hunt Staff & Officials: The hunt’s professional staff—the Huntsman (who controls the hounds), the Master of Foxhounds (MFH), and the Whippers-in (who assist the Huntsman)—wear “pinks” so they can be easily identified by the Master and the rest of the riders (the “field”).
- Members with “Colors”: A “pink” coat may also be worn by hunt members (men and women) who have “earned their colors.” This is a special honor bestowed by the Master of the Hunt. “Colors” are awarded to members who have demonstrated sufficient experience, knowledge of hunt protocol, dedication, and support for the hunt over several seasons.
- The “Field” (General Members): Most riders in the field, especially guests and members who have not yet been awarded their colors, wear plain black or dark navy hunting coats.
Formal vs. “Ratcatcher”: The Two Types of Hunt Attire
The hunting world has two distinct types of attire, which answers another common question about dress codes.
- Formal Attire (Formal Hunting): This is when you see the “pinks.” Men with their colors wear the scarlet “pink” coat (often a frock coat) with white breeches, a white stock tie, and black boots with tan-colored tops. Women with their colors may also wear “pinks” or a black/navy coat with hunt-specific colored collars.
- Informal Attire (“Ratcatcher”): This is the informal attire worn during pre-season “cubbing” or on informal hunt days. A “ratcatcher” jacket is simply a tweed jacket. This is worn with tan breeches, a regular collared shirt and tie (or stock tie), and plain black boots.
A Critical Distinction: “Hunting Pink” vs. “Hunter Orange”
This is where the confusion in many search results arises. The traditional attire for fox hunting is completely separate from the safety gear worn for modern game hunting (e.g., deer, pheasant, or elk hunting).
- “Hunting Pink” (Scarlet Red) is for visibility and tradition in equestrian fox hunting. It allows the Hunt Master to easily spot the staff and other riders across the landscape.
- “Hunter Orange” (Blaze Orange) is for safety in game hunting. It is worn to be highly visible to other humans to prevent accidental shootings.
Why Do Deer Hunters Wear Orange? Can’t Deer See It?
This is a common follow-up question, and the science is simple: No, deer cannot see blaze orange the same way humans do.
Deer have dichromatic vision, meaning they are essentially red-green colorblind. To a deer, a blaze orange vest appears as a muted, unalarming shade of brown or gray. To humans, however, blaze orange is one of the most visible colors, making it the perfect safety choice. This is why hunters can wear camouflage (to break up their outline) and blaze orange (to be visible to other hunters) at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why are they called hunting pink if they are red?
A: The most popular theory is that they are named after a famous 18th-century London tailor named Pinks, who made the best scarlet coats for hunters. The name “Pink” became the name for the coat itself.
Q: What is a “Ratcatcher” jacket?
A: “Ratcatcher” is the term for informal hunting attire. The jacket itself is a tweed coat, worn during the pre-season or on informal hunt days, typically with tan breeches.
Q: How do you earn your “colors” in fox hunting?
A: “Colors” (the privilege to wear the “pink” coat and hunt-specific collar) are awarded at the discretion of the Master of the Hunt. They are given to members who have shown long-term dedication, skill, and knowledge of the sport’s rules and etiquette.
Q: What should you wear to watch a fox hunt (as a spectator)?
A: For spectators (not riders), there is no strict dress code, but tradition calls for smart, muted country colors. Think waxed jackets (like Barbour), tweed, dark greens or browns, and practical boots (like wellingtons or country boots) suitable for walking in wet fields.
