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    Protest Fashion

    Writer's picture: Heidi BestHeidi Best


    Hi, I’m Heidi. I have a master’s degree in fashion design and merchandising, which basically means I spent way too much money to learn that fashion isn’t just about looking cute—it’s about making people uncomfortable. Today, we’re talking about protest fashion, because nothing says 'I’m here to disrupt the system' like a perfectly coordinated outfit.



    But let’s be real—fashion is more than just a trivial and expensive hobby. It’s a form of self-expression, a form of protest, a form of protection, a form of sacred worship, and so much more. It’s also a great tool, anthropologically. So, if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at someone calling fashion 'shallow,' this video is for you. Let’s dive into five times fashion literally changed the world."


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    1. Suffragettes in the Early 20th Century



    First up, the suffragettes. These women

    were fighting for the right to vote, and they knew that looking good was half the battle. They wore white for purity—because nothing says 'I’m a rational human being who deserves rights' like a spotless white dress. Purple for dignity, because apparently dignity has a color, and gold for hope.





    But here’s the kicker: they didn’t just wear these colors—they branded themselves. Sashes, banners, even their jewelry was on message. It was like a political campaign, but with better hats. And it worked. Their outfits were so iconic that even their opponents couldn’t ignore them. Fashion tip: if you’re going to protest, make sure your outfit is camera ready—and iconic enough to still be notable 100 years later.










    2. French Revolution (1789–1799)



    Next, the French Revolution. If you thought the Met Gala was dramatic, you should’ve seen Paris in the 1790s. The working-class revolutionaries—who were tired of the aristocracy’s nonsense—decided that knee-length pants were for the elite and losers. So, they wore long trousers instead. Groundbreaking, I know.










    But wait, there’s more. They also rocked the red Phrygian cap, which was basically the revolutionary version of a backwards baseball cap. This hat wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a symbol of liberty that dated back to ancient Rome. Freed slaves in Rome wore a similar cap to show their emancipation, and the revolutionaries adopted it as a badge of freedom.






    The Phrygian cap became so iconic that it was literally called the 'cap of liberty.'




    It was floppy, red, and worn with attitude, because nothing screams 'overthrowing the government' like a red hat. Awkward.




    Anyways, back to France.




    Their fashion was a middle finger to the aristocracy, and it worked. They toppled the monarchy and made trousers cool. Revolutionary goals, literally.


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    3. Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. (1950s–1960s)



    Now, let’s talk about the Civil Rights Movement. These activists knew that respectability politics were a thing, so they showed up to protests in their Sunday best.




    Suits, ties, dresses, polished shoes—basically, they looked like they were going to church, not a protest.



    And honestly? It was genius. By dressing impeccably, they countered racist stereotypes and forced people to see them as dignified human beings. It’s sad that they had to do that, but it worked. Plus, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most radical thing you can do is look like you belong in a boardroom while demanding change.



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    4. Punk Fashion in the 1970s



    Fast forward to the 1970s, and we’ve got punk fashion. If the suffragettes were about looking polished, punks were about looking like they just walked out of a dumpster fire.



    Ripped clothing, safety pins, leather jackets, and mohawks—it was chaos, and it was glorious.


















    Punk fashion was a giant middle finger to mainstream culture.



    Designers like Vivienne Westwood and bands like the Sex Pistols turned fashion into a form of anti-establishment protest. It wasn’t about looking good; it was about looking like you didn’t care. And honestly? Iconic.





    And let’s not forget—punk laid the groundwork for 90s grunge. You know, flannel shirts, Doc Martens, and that 'I just rolled out of bed' vibe.




    Basically, punk’s messy little sibling. If you’ve ever safety-pinned your jeans back together or thrown on a flannel shirt, you’re carrying on their legacy—and giving a middle finger to 'the man.


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    5. Black Panther Party (1960s–1970s)


    Finally, the Black Panther Party. These guys didn’t just have a uniform—they had a vibe. Black leather jackets, berets, sunglasses, and gloves. They looked like they were about to drop the hottest album of 1968, but no, they were just out here fighting systemic racism and police brutality.



    Their fashion wasn’t just about looking cool—it was deeply intentional. The berets were inspired by revolutionary movements worldwide, like the Cuban revolutionaries and the Vietnamese resistance fighters. The leather jackets? Practical for carrying pamphlets and protection, but also undeniably iconic.



    Their style projected strength, discipline, and solidarity. It was a statement of self-defense and empowerment, showing that they were ready to stand up to oppression while looking good doing it. Their fashion wasn’t just about rebellion; it was about survival, dignity, and building a movement that would outlast them.


    And let’s be real—when you see that iconic image of the Panthers, you don’t just see a group of people. You see a revolution. Their fashion wasn’t just clothing; it was armor for a fight that’s still going on today.



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