THE ROLE OF FASHION IN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 04TH MAY 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

Fashion has long served as a powerful medium of expression in social movements, transcending aesthetics to become a tool for protest, identity, and solidarity. Throughout history, clothing has been used to challenge norms, disrupt narratives, and demand visibility for marginalized communities.

From the black berets and leather jackets of the Black Panther Party to the pink pussy hats of the Women’s March, fashion has visually unified activists while sending bold political messages. These sartorial choices are not accidental; they are deliberate, symbolic acts that amplify the voices of movements and create visual impact. In the LGBTQ+ rights movement, for example, drag and gender-fluid fashion have challenged binary gender norms, making identity both a statement and a form of resistance.

Fashion also plays a role in reclaiming cultural identity. Indigenous communities, for instance, use traditional garments in protests to assert heritage and sovereignty. Similarly, feminist movements have redefined femininity through fashion, rejecting imposed dress codes and embracing styles that reflect autonomy and strength.

In the age of social media, fashion’s role has grown even more significant. Hashtags paired with visual protest attire—such as all-black outfits for #MeToo or climate activists wearing green—can go viral, spreading awareness globally. Designers and brands are also increasingly aligning with causes, using runway shows and collections to comment on climate change, racial injustice, and body positivity.

However, fashion in activism is not without critique; the commodification of movements for profit risks diluting their core messages. Yet, when used thoughtfully, fashion remains a compelling tool to disrupt, unite, and ignite social change—making the invisible visible and turning the individual into a walking manifesto for collective transformation.

Ultimately, fashion is more than just clothing—it is a language of resistance, a symbol of hope, and a canvas for activism.