In fashion, the word “nude” is often used to describe a color similar to sand and a tad darker than champagne. It is sometimes associated with a hint of peach or blush. The champagne-sand hue has been a staple in this season’s color palette. From handbags to nail polish, the light beige that society has defined as nude has caused a large controversy to erupt in the fashion industry.

Does the color have anything to do with the wearer’s skin? Many are criticizing the color “nude” as being politically incorrect, that it is not a specific hue but rather a wide range of hues both dark and light, with everything in between.

Crayola changed the name of the crayon “flesh” to “peach” in 1962. Considering that colors such as “flesh” and “nude” are still defined as a light beige, according to color finder Pantone, the inclusive step Crayola took years ago did not impact other companies. Even OPI has the nail polish shade “nude” indexed as a light beige or pink shade.

“I never really noticed that the color didn’t match my skin tone until the controversary began,” said Viera Nguyen, junior in public relations. 

Arienne McCracken, graduate assistant in apparel, events and hospitality management, opened up about her thoughts on the controversy.

“I would define the color nude as a color that matches the skin of the person wearing the clothing item,” McCracken said. “I don’t agree that it can be defined as one specific color but a spectrum of different skin colors.”

Shoe company Louboutin and lingerie store Nubian Skin are redefining nude by selling their products labeled “nude” in a range of colors, from deep brown to a light beige.

“I think it’s a smart business move to sell a wider range of different colors to match skin tones,” McCracken said. “It’s selling to more people, and I’m surprised more companies haven’t done it.”

Nguyen also thought that more companies needed to consider developing lines with a variety of hues. 

Even bandage company Tru-Colour Bandages has come out with light, medium and dark bandages to better match a variety of consumers’ skin tones.

The process of redefining nude started 53 years ago and is expanding to different companies throughout the fashion and first-aid industries. Society is in for a nude awakening.