SOCIAL & ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON FASHION

 social and economic conditions  current events  technology  popular entertainment  people’s values and attitudes Fashion reflects:

Social Class and Financial Status  Long ago people dressed according to their “social class”.  For example, members of royalty were the only people who could afford to wear silks, pearls, embroidery, and certain colours.  One’s financial status dictates what one can afford – for example, haute couture vs. street fashion

Economic Factors  in hard times, clothing usually gives a serious, conservative image. In better times, the styles are brighter and more adventurous.  The “Hemline Index” is a theory that was developed by a research director of a stock brokerage firm. He noticed that when stock market index rose, so did the hemline of skirts. When the stocks went down, the hemlines did too. This would suggest fashion is influenced by people’s moods.

Wartimes  During wartimes, there is a military influence on apparel.  In WWII, the government restricted the amount of fabric to be used for clothing.  Styles became tight and less fabric was used (skimpy hems and seam allowances, no cuffs on men’s pants)