Politically Motivated Fashion Trends

Is fashion politically motivated?

Fashion and politics may seem like two industries on the opposite sides of the spectrum, having no effect on the other. However, many of the clothing trends we see, either in media or in person, are frequently prompted by events happening politically. Throughout history, people have dressed for the times, and we can see how trends tend to be a tool for political expression. Curator for the MET museum, Andrew Bolton, stated, “Fashion functions as a mirror to our times, so it is inherently political.”

The French revolution (1789-1799) brought the rise of practical, less opaque clothing. Before the revolution, people often wore long, silk gowns paired with powdered wigs; these items representatitve of their social status. The revolution brought forth ideals of liberty and equality. The restricting, elaborate gowns were abandoned. Women began wearing clothing inspired by the working-class, loose-fitting dresses, or for some women, pants, providing them more mobility.

Materials were another aspect of clothing altered by the revolution. Many people began to adorn themselves in more breathable clothing made of cotton, linen, or wool since glitz and glamour were no longer desirable, and people began to use color as a tool for political expression as well. Blue, white and red became the symbols of support for the revolution.

The civil rights movement is another example of politics correlating with fashion. In the 1960s, afros and traditional African garments grew in popularity, representing empowerment. The Black Panthers, a revolutionary group, often wore leather jackets and berets representing their power and resilience. At protests, many African Americans would wear clean-cut, tailored suits and formal dresses to dismantle the racist perceptions that they were “unprofessional".

To challenge gender norms and advocate for women's rights, Yves Saint Laurent designed the “Le Smoking” suits for women. They debuted in 1966 on the runway, and designers were outraged that decade old social norms were being challenged. Women adopted the suits quickly. To this day, around 60 years since their release, the Le Smoking suits can still be seen on the runway or in corporate offices, serving as a symbol of confidence and conviction.

Any article of clothing you see, either in person or online, might be linked to a certain political event. People have always dressed for the times, and it’s likely to stay that way. Considering this, it’s fun to identify which trends might be a result of a sociopolitical event.