Fashion is a constantly changing social phenomenon and it can be seen in clothing, hairstyles, body art and even behaviour. It has become a multi-billion dollar industry with millions of people around the world involved in its making. It reflects cultural and social dynamics that can be traced back to different eras, cultural shifts and other socio-economic factors. It is also a form of self-expression for some.
In most societies, a distinction is made between men’s and women’s clothes. Skirts and dresses are considered women’s attire, while shirts and trousers are viewed as men’s clothing. In some cultures, gender differences in clothing have been used as a means of signalling status. For example, senators in ancient Rome wore garments dyed Tyrian purple and Hawaiian chiefs adorned themselves with palaoa or carved whale teeth.
Fashion can be influenced by the cultural and social context, including politics and war, religious beliefs and traditions, and new ideas and inventions. For something to be considered a “fashion”, it must be widely disseminated and have a significant following, whether that be a trend or a specific garment.
Designers design clothing, which is then manufactured by factories for mass production. This type of fashion is known as fast-fashion or ready to wear. A small percentage of fashion is designed specifically for an individual, such as haute couture or bespoke tailoring. In the past, the most famous designers were French, but now there are many successful fashion houses based in other countries such as China, India, Brazil and Japan.
Most fashion is marketed through a variety of media, including newspapers and magazines, television shows, websites, and social networks. Some brands also have stores and boutiques where customers can purchase the latest designs. Fashion shows are held where models showcase the designs that will be available for sale, and they can sometimes be watched live on the internet.
A person who follows fashion tends to acquire and wear the latest styles of clothing, hair, makeup, decorations, or behaviour. This can lead to a harmonious lifestyle if the trends are followed correctly, and it can result in positive feedback from others. However, this style can also cause negative consequences if the trends are not followed properly. This can include body shaming and degradation of self-esteem.
There is a wide range of fashion styles, from traditional and classic to modern and experimental. Changing fashions reflect cultural, social and economic changes. Fashion is a global business, with more people employed in its manufacture and retail than any other industry. It influences the culture of the nations where it is popular and often serves as a bridge between cultures. New styles of clothing can also be a sign of a political movement, such as when the fashion for long, baggy shirts was a reaction against the military dictatorship in Iran. Clothing can also be a mark of identity and belonging, as seen in the wearing of uniforms by members of certain groups (e.g. police officers, nurses) or the wearing of particular types of hats (e.g., turbans).
