Where does Candy Stripe come from?

Candy Stripe comes from the United States, first documented in the mid-1900s.

Plate No. 046pattern

First documented: mid-1900s
Origin: United States, United States
Fiber: cotton
Weave: plain weave or printed
Family: stripes

Plate No. 046 · pattern

Candy Stripe

Candy stripe is a pattern of narrow, evenly spaced stripes of a single bright color, classically red or pink, on a white ground. The name comes from peppermint stick candy, and the pattern carries the same cheerful, hygienic brightness. Its most famous wearer gave the pattern a second name: the red and white striped pinafores of American hospital volunteers made candy striper the word for the volunteers themselves. In shirting it sits between the hairline stripe and the wider Bengal.

Illustration: an American soda fountain in the 1950s, chrome stools and a marble counter, a server at a distance in a striped apron, sundae glasses — An American soda fountain in the 1950s, chrome stools and a marble counter, a server at a distance in a striped apron, sundae glasses.

Named for

Named for the look of peppermint stick candy: thin bright stripes on white.

In the record

1940sHospital volunteer uniforms in red and white stripes made candy striper a job title in American English.

Common questions

What is Candy Stripe made of?: Candy stripe is a pattern of narrow, evenly spaced stripes of a single bright color, classically red or pink, on a white ground. It is traditionally made of cotton.
Where does Candy Stripe come from?: Candy Stripe comes from the United States, first documented in the mid-1900s.
What is Candy Stripe named after?: Named for the look of peppermint stick candy: thin bright stripes on white.