The Strange History Of Clothing Fashions

The History of Alternative Clothing: How We've Dressed Through the Ages

The style and fashion of clothing has changed significantly throughout history. From the extravagant medieval period to the grungy punk look, there have been many different types of alternative clothing. Alternative clothing is essentially any type of attire that doesn’t follow the most recent trends or isn’t considered standard or common at the time.

Alternative clothing may be influenced by a particular subculture or movement, such as punk, gothic, hip-hop, metal, grunge, or even Renaissance-era garb.

There are many examples of alternative clothing throughout history so keep reading for more information about the history of it!

The Renaissance Era: Dressing for the Human Form

The Renaissance was a period of change in many areas, including fashion. During this period, men’s clothing was designed to fit the human form, unlike the previous medieval period that was characterized by baggy, voluminous garments. However, Renaissance clothing for women was often designed with the intention of hiding their natural forms.

There were many different types of Renaissance clothing for women, including kirtles, gowns, gored skirts, and corsets. Renaissance clothing for men included doublets, jerkins, hose, and cloaks, among other items. The Renaissance era is also when the habit of dressing according to social status began. Nobles wore fabrics such as velvet while commoners wore wool. High-status people also wore fabrics with elaborate embroidery.

As the Renaissance period progressed, fabrics became lighter and simpler.

The Victorian Era: Dressing for Class and Propriety

The clothing of the Victorian era was intended to both convey class and show respect for authority. As such, Victorian clothing was heavily influenced by the fashions of the British royal family, who were often depicted wearing very ornate and upper-class-looking attire. During this time, clothing was very fitted and often made from very heavy fabrics, such as velvet and brocade. Women’s clothing, in particular, often consisted of a long, fitted bodice and an overskirt, with lots of layers and frills. Men’s clothing during this time period was often worn with long, heavy overcoats, with layers of fabric and decorative buttons. If you’re looking to dress like a Victorian-era person, you’ll probably want to invest in some heavy fabrics and lots of frills.

The Edwardian Era: Dressing for Comfort and Excess

The Edwardian era was a period when alternative clothing, or at least less conventional clothing, became more common. During this era, people were less concerned with social status and more concerned with comfort and excess. Many people of all social statuses began wearing looser clothing, including drop-waist dresses, pyjamas, and long-sleeved shirts.

During this era, women wore long-sleeved shirts and dresses with drop waists that hung straight down from the bust. They often wore knee-length skirts, although shorter skirts and crinolines were also common. Men wore long shirts, knee-length shorts, and knee-length trousers. They also often wore short coats and wide-brimmed hats for outdoor wear.

Punk Era: Dressing for Disruption and Rebellion

The punk era is perhaps best known for its style of alternative clothing. During the punk era, people wore clothing that was designed to disrupt social norms and challenge authority. Some common types of punk attire included torn clothing, ripped fishnets, spiky hairstyles, and bold makeup.

The Punk era was a time of rebellion and disruption. People wore an assortment of clothing items, but they were mostly made from leather and ripped or torn fabrics. The punks also made use of accessories like safety pins and spiked belts; they made a statement by wearing clothing items that were meant to be provocative and disruptive. This was a way for them to show the world that they don’t care about the rules and that they want to be different. They want to be seen and heard.

The punks also used their clothing as a way to show their solidarity. They put patches on their jackets to show their membership in a club. They used things like studs, pins, and safety pins to take their clothes from boring to bold. Women tended to wear masculine clothing, such as slouchy sweatshirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots.

Grunge Era: Dressing for Depression and Discontent

The grunge era occurred in the 1990s, during a time of economic and political uncertainty. During this era, people often wore clothing that expressed their feelings of depression and discontent. Some common types of grunge attire included heavy fabrics such as wool, plaid, and denim, as well as flannel shirts, baggy jeans, and hiking boots.

Grunge fashion was heavily influenced by the punk movement, and was also influenced by hippie fashion. Grunge fashion was characterized by simplicity and functionality. Grunge fashion for women often consisted of flannel shirts, corduroy pants, and khaki hiking boots.

Conclusion

The history of alternative clothing is long and varied. From the extravagant medieval period to the grungy punk look, there have been many different types of alternative clothing. Itis essentially any type of attire that doesn’t follow the most recent trends or isn’t considered standard or common at the time.

Alternative clothing may be influenced by a particular subculture or movement, such as punk, gothic, hip-hop, metal, grunge, or even Renaissance-era garb.