The Journey of Women’s Fashion
Tanvir Bhamra
September 2024
As women, fashion has historically been a way for us to express ourselves. This creativity over the years has not only resulted in novice artistic styles, but also led society to controversy over fast-fashion and sizing-inconsistencies. Over time, fashion has evolved from the hand-done craftsmanship of the 18th century to the rapid production cycles of today. While this evolution has made fashion more accessible and diverse, it has also brought new challenges and debates. The ongoing discussion about these issues reflects the impact of fashion on both personal identity and broader societal trends.
Once the 18th century began, fast fashion became a regular occurrence due to the First Industrial Revolution. Before this, workers made clothes by hand, making it a labor-intensive process. Thus buying new clothes was only exclusive to the upper class. Those who belonged to the middle or lower class heavily depended upon second-hand clothing or ended up making their own.
When the rise of factories and workshops grew, it became increasingly easier for companies to cut production costs to cater to middle and lower-income consumers. To carry this idea out, companies directed away from heavy gowns, skirts, and blouses, to simple, ready-made designs, which were cheaper to produce.
From the elegance of the early 1900s, upper-class women were expected to dress very modestly, specifically covering the neck to the floor while wearing corsets and dramatic ornaments/sleeves. Still, the 1900s had its fair share of silhouette trends where women who seemed “top-heavy” actually wore looser tops which they stuffed with extra fabric, achieving said shape.
Today, fashion continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by online trends and social media. While trends still change swiftly, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and body positivity. The rise of eco-friendly brands and movements advocating for diverse sizing and gender-neutral clothing reflects a shift towards more representative practices in the fashion industry.
However, specific body image issues still persist. Despite progress, many consumers still face challenges with finding flattering and well-fitting clothes due to size inconsistency and limited options for diverse body shapes. I myself have trouble finding clothes that fit my size range and overall style. Many of my jeans don’t fit my waist, and yet the fabric and length are perfect, then there are others where the pockets are small or nonexistent. There is also ongoing criticism faced by major retailers like H&M and Zara participating in fast fashion. The main concern with this is waste, as most of the products end up in dumps and rivers. The fabric being thrown away takes ages to decompose, releasing harmful microplastics and chemicals into our natural ecosystem. Thankfully other businesses do take the extra steps to minimize their environmental impact and shoppers themselves stay away from fast fashion products.
Fashion has always been a way for people to express themselves, from the hand-crafted garments of the 18th century to today’s fast fashion. While there has been progress in making it more inclusive and sustainable, issues like sizing inconsistencies still remain. The ongoing conversation about these topics highlights the need for a fashion industry that values diversity and prompts positive change. By addressing these challenges, fashion can remain a meaningful and empowering form of self-expression for everyone.
References
[1] Maiti, R., & Leong, C. (2024, January 5). Fast Fashion and Its Environmental Impact in 2024. Earth.Org. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/
[2] Reddy, K. (2020, August 18). 1900-1909 | Fashion History Timeline. Fashion History Timeline. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/1900-1909/
[3] Rominger, A. (2023, July 20). The History & Rise of Fast Fashion: From the 18th Century to Today. Cory Ames. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://coryames.com/history-of-fast-fashion/
