How Fashion Signals Identity: A Look at Style, Politics, and Expression in an Election Year
Fashion has long been a tool for conveying not just personal style, but also identity, ideology, and even political leanings. In 2024 as election season is coming to a close, and Americans all around the country cast their vote on this Election Day, clothing continues to be an impactful way to signal one’s values and affiliations. From campaign apparel to environmentally conscious brands, let’s explore how fashion is intertwined with signaling and politics.
Early Roots of Fashion and Political Signaling
The idea of fashion as a political signal isn’t new. Historically, people have used clothing to declare their allegiances or to resist authority. For example, during the French Revolution, the sans-culottes (those who refused to wear knee-length breeches like the aristocracy) wore trousers as a form of resistance. Clothing helped define “us” versus “them” in a way that anyone could understand on sight. In the United States, suffragists in the early 20th century used white dresses as a powerful visual statement during rallies and protests, uniting women across backgrounds under one color. Clothing choices communicated a desire for social change and rights, while also presenting the movement as both unified and respectable.
Fashion as a Political Statement Today
Today, the tradition of fashion as a form of signaling has only grown. In this election year, fashion speaks as loud as ever, reflecting both individual values and collective identities:
1. Campaign Merchandise: A Visual Declaration of Support
Wearing campaign merchandise is a direct way of showing political support. The iconic Obama 2008 “HOPE” T-shirt, for example, became emblematic of a new era of progressive politics. This year, supporters of Democratic candidates often wear campaign-branded shirts, hats, and pins to demonstrate their allegiance.
The merchandise isn't just about promoting a candidate; it's also a way to connect with others who share similar beliefs, creating an inclusive community around a common cause.
2. Sustainable and Ethical Fashion: Signaling Progressive Values
Many voters also express their values through sustainable and ethical clothing brands. Brands like Patagonia, known for its environmental advocacy, and Everlane, which emphasizes transparency in production, are popular among those who prioritize eco-conscious choices. By choosing these brands, voters signal their support for environmental policies that align with climate action. Sustainable fashion is inherently political, as it reflects support for policies that protect the environment, workers' rights, and ethical practices.
3. Statement Apparel with a Cause
More than ever, statement apparel that conveys messages around voting rights, social justice, or climate change is a major trend. Shirts with slogans like “Protect Our Planet,” “Equality for All,” or “Your Vote Matters” send a clear message, while inspiring others. These items are often made by independent designers who donate proceeds to related causes, allowing voters to support change both in the voting booth and in daily life.
How Color Signals Politics
It’s interesting how color itself has become a shorthand for political affiliation in the U.S.—blue for Democrats and red for Republicans. This extends to wardrobe choices, with many choosing blue hues in subtle nods to their beliefs, particularly in politically charged spaces or events. A blue scarf, a blue tie, or even blue sneakers can become an understated yet potent way of conveying allegiance without needing any logos or slogans.
Why Fashion Matters in Politics
Fashion is one of the easiest and most visual ways to communicate beliefs and start conversations. Wearing clothes that signal progressive values invites others to see not just a personal style, but a commitment to community values, justice, and positive change. In 2024, fashion remains one of the most accessible and expressive ways for voters to make a statement, reach across divides, and show solidarity.
Whether through a simple blue T-shirt, a sustainably made jacket, or a tote bag promoting voter engagement, fashion continues to be a powerful form of self-expression. It tells the world not only who we are, but also the world we hope to create.
