- Like the real reason that dark wash blue jeans came out?
Do you know these fashion facts? There are so many things we think are one way but it’s because of something else.
- Early denim fabric was brown, not blue. Then indigo dye was later used because it masked dirt and wear better.
- Fashion can influence politics and protest and clothing has been used as protest throughout history. Not only did we see this from suffragette white dresses but also with modern slogan T-shirts.
- Early rubber-soled shoes were seen as too casual and even rebellious. Schools and businesses often banned them before they became so common.
- Perfume was used to mask poor hygiene when bathing
was rare. Heavy perfumes were sprayed on clothing and wigs to hide unpleasant odors. - Hoop skirts were once very dangerous and occasionally caught fire due to open flames indoors. Did you know this as one of the fashion facts?
- Fashion models once had strict height limits for hats. Early runway models were chosen to showcase hats rather than clothing, so their height mattered mainly to ensure hats were easily seen.
- Medieval shoes sometimes featured extremely long pointed toes stuffed with moss or hair.
- Black clothing became popular in Europe after Queen Victoria wore ‘mourning’ black for decades, following Prince Albert’s death. It influenced the fashion norm we still see and practice today.
- Stockings were originally worn by men and considered a sign of refinement.
- Fast fashion didn’t exist until the 20th century. Throughout industrialization, most people owned very few outfits and clothing was repaired and worn repeatedly rather than thrown away or replaced.
- Fashion weeks began as private salons and the first fashion shows were invitation-only events for wealthy clients. They were a far cry from the global spectacles they are today. Did you know this as one of the fashion facts?
- Camouflage patterns originated from artists hired by militaries during World War I.
- The world’s first fashion magazine appeared in the 1600s with publications featuring illustrated clothing styles circulated in Europe as early as the 17th century. This helped to spread trends between cities and countries.
- The word “dress” originally referred to preparing or arranging, not to a particular piece of clothing.
- Plaid patterns were once legally tied to specific Scottish clans and family identities.
- Sumptuary laws in medieval Europe dictated what fabrics, colors, and accessories people could wear based on their class. And if you wore forbidden clothing, it could result in fines or imprisonment.
- Early sunglasses were worn by Chinese judges to conceal facial expressions during court proceedings.
- Victorian society believed modest clothing reflected moral virtue. Showing ankles or shoulders could be considered scandalous or immoral.
- Fashion illustration existed long before photography and was seen in designers drawings.
- Metallic threads in clothing were made from real gold and silver in royal garments historically. Is this one of the fashion facts that you already knew?
- Throughout ancient history, robes, tunics and skirts were standard male clothing for many cultures.
- Gloves historically symbolized authority, trust and social rank rather than protection from the elements.
- Whereas medieval Europeans often lined garments with fur turned inward for warmth and durability.
- Roman laundries used fermented urine to clean clothing as the ammonia in urine was effective at removing stains. Emperor Vespasian even taxed public urinals to profit from the practice. This is wild as one of the fashion facts on the list.
- Shoulder pads symbolized power and authority during economic throughout the 1980s.
- The fedora became popular after being worn by actress Sarah Bernhardt onstage.
- Without modern communication like media, a single
fashion trend could last generations instead of months. - Wedding dresses were not always white. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840 that it became popular. Before that, brides wore their best dress in any color.
- The necktie evolved from Croatian mercenaries’ scarves worn during 17th-century military campaigns.
Did you know these fashion facts? Tell us something that wasn’t on the list in the comments!