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I recently published a blog post about design in general – feel free to read it if you're interested: https://blog.spacehey.com/entry?id=2211118
Anyways, it occurred to me today that while I talked about technology and architecture, I didn't mention clothing. So this post is actually a supplement to that. Because the design of our clothing has also become less and less important. Looking at the last few centuries, we see how multifaceted and expressive fashion developed over tim.
In the 18th Century (Baroque & Rococo): Fashion was a gigantic work of art and a status symbol. Elaborate corsets, hoop skirts, wigs, lace, and custom-made silk dresses defined the image of the upper class.
In the 19th Century (Crinoline & Dandyism): Detailed tailoring, bespoke suits for men, and complex layers of clothing for women demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship and aesthetics.
In the 20th Century (Subcultures & Innovations): Fashion changed rapidly every decade – from the flappers of the 1920s to the elegant haute couture of the 1950s, the colorful hippie garments of the 1960s and 1970s, and the rebellious punk, grunge, and streetwear influences of the 1980s and 1990s. Fashion has always been an expression of culture, protest, and identity.
Looking at the present day, it's clear that we've reached a point where simplicity, functionality, and mass production have taken precedence over innovation and individuality. Today, when you go out on the street, almost everyone is wearing the same basic outfit: a T-shirt, jeans, and, depending on the weather, a sweater or a synthetic jacket. While the prints or brand logos may differ, the actual cut and the underlying concept are almost always identical.
I'm not suggesting that you have to wear an expensive suit every day. But how about occasionally wearing a smart shirt and bow tie? A special headpiece that isn't just a functional cap, for example, a beret or an elegant hat? Or for the ladies, a chic dress or a tailored coat that goes beyond the typical rain jacket?
It's not about squeezing ourselves into uncomfortable everyday clothes again, after all, that exact discomfort is what drove previous generations toward pure practicality in the first place, but about rediscovering an awareness of aesthetics. Sure, our current fashion is practical, quick to put on and take off, and easy to wash. But it just doesn't feel right. Our appearance shouldn't be interchangeable like a lightbulb.
This shift toward extreme casualness didn't happen in a vacuum. If you look back a generation, the root cause becomes clear. Our grandparents' generation often forced stiff, uncomfortable clothes onto our parents when they were children. Sunday bests you couldn't get dirty in, itchy sweaters, and tight collars. Understandably, many felt deeply uncomfortable in them. As a result, formal wear became a symbol of restriction and obligation, something only worn when the older generation was present, such as at family gatherings, weddings, or funerals. Once our parents had the freedom to choose, they made comfort the new standard and passed that mindset down to us.
However, we've prioritized functionality so much above everything else that visual appeal and self-expression have fallen by the wayside. Clothing is no longer the canvas of our personality, but often just a means to an end: a way to be warm and socially acceptable. When everything has to be practical and cheap to produce, a society gradually loses its eye for beauty.
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Dante700pr
I really love this insight on modern fashion, and i 100% agree with it, fashion should be a form of art and self expression, however, like it is the case with many other forms of art you tend to get criticized, not in a good way, and it specifically happens more in the fashion space3, i've had people complain about how me putting on something as simple as a leather jacket in an attempt of a cooler outfit for a casual outing is seen as "too formal/special", and when majority of people complain you start feeling like you're in the wrong ;-;
I wish more people encouraged cooler clothing for casual moments...
Thanks for reading and sharing! You’re absolutely right, the social pressure to conform is real.
You’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s crazy how much social pressure there is just to fit in. As soon as you put a little extra effort into your outfit, even with a classic like a leather jacket, people act as if you’re trying to prove something. In reality, you’re just enjoying dressing up for yourself.
It really highlights just how functional and rigid our casual dress code has become: anything beyond a hoodie or a plain jacket is suddenly seen as "too much."
Don’t let comments like that make you think you’re doing anything wrong! By wearing what you like, you’re actually making a difference. The more people break away from that uniformity, the more normal it becomes again. Personally, I often wear a blazer with a shirt, a bow tie, and a wool vest; people might tell me I look like a university professor from the 80s, but I feel comfortable in it. :)
by Joé; ; Report