The History of Fashion

Learning Targets Describe the evolution of fashions from early civilizations to the nineteenth century. Explain factors that influenced fashion history. Explore examples of clothing styles in the twentieth century.

Think about it . . . The fashions that teens wear now What inspired them? Could they have been worn earlier in the 20th century? You are wearing the same blue jeans that a coal miner might of worn 150 years ago- sure there are changes- but jeans are jeans! Fashion has developed over time, but just like history, it repeats itself!

The Earliest Clothing Thousands of years ago people learned to make clothing from natural resources as protection from the weather. Animal skins & hair Plants Grasses Tree bark How do we know? Cave and tomb drawings and ancient sculptures.

First Clothes & Fabrics Simple in structure & design Varied from region to region Fragments of textiles date back to 7500 B.C. Linen cloth was made from flax plants by Egyptians in 5000 B.C Thousands of years later inhabitants of India, Pakistan, and possibly Americans made fabric of cotton

Fashions of Early Civilizations People learned to raise animals and grow crops They refined the arts of spinning, weaving, and dyeing They began to cut fabric into garments Ancient fashion contributors include: Egypt Minoan Greece Roman Empire China Japan

Evolution of Fashion Fashion changed very slowly People often wore the same style clothing for life A particular style could continue past a lifetime Until the 14th century, European clothes were loose-fitting and draped Around 1350 people started wearing more fitted styles Regional clothing differences became visible as European settlers came to America

Middle Ages (400 – 1400) Men Women Embroidery and decorative edging Knee-length pants called breeches Women Gowns with a fitted bodice, full skirt, and long, full sleeves. Embroidery and decorative edging Wealthy wore silk garments trimmed with fur and adorned with silver accents Peasant clothes were limited to certain colors and fabrics

1500’s Renaissance (16th Century) Elaborate designs Beautiful fabrics Elegant decorations Exploration of the New World Gold threads woven into fabrics Jewels, lace, and furs decorated garments Wealthier classes set the standard for fashion Both men and women wore ruffs- stiff, pleated collars that framed the face-and shoes with buckles and bows

1600’s (17th Century) France was the world’s fashion leader Lace was an important decoration Powdered wigs made their way in style Necklines became lower, hairstyles became higher, and beauty marks were applied to the face.

Early 1700’s (18th Century) Colonization followed by the Revolutionary War. Men and woman’s fashions were elaborate and elegant with laces, ribbons, and colorful silks. The late 1700’s were influenced by Greek sculpture. Common woman began wearing loose, flowing, muslin dresses based on Greek garments. Woman began using purses. Hairstyles featured soft, ringlet curls.

Early 1800’s (19th Century) France changed from a monarchy to a democracy Social change and the rise of the middle class meant that many people could afford to buy new clothes more often. Women wore gowns with high (empire) waistlines that developed into more elaborate dresses with petticoats and crinolines. Men wore cutaway jackets, trousers, and matching garments.

Influences on Fashion History Trade As societies traded goods with each other, they also exchanged ideas that influenced their clothing Quickened by the practice of barter Politics & Powers The emergence of middle class prompted royalty and wives of political leaders to become fashion leaders

Influences on Fashion History Religion Clothing became a statement of religious beliefs Technology Used to change and improve fabrics & clothing Industrial Revolution provided power-driven machines to weave fabric and sew garments quicker than by hand Development of factories created ready-to-wear garments Growth of large dry-goods stores Introduction of rayon and other new fibers/fabrics