(ThyBlackMan.com) The fashion industry may seem shallow, but it’s more political than you think. Fashion and politics have collided many times over the years. Men have used their clothes to convey their political and social beliefs. Your political identity is a major part of your fashion sense and personality. While most of the fashion trends look different from the 60s and 70s, fashion is a great way to showcase your political beliefs and to make a statement.
1. Wear the Color of a Cause that Has Meaning
Maybe you had a relative or friend who lost their battle to cancer. Or, maybe you’re a cancer survivor. If you have an aunt or female relative lost their battle to breast cancer, then you can wear the color pink which the color for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
There are many causes, conditions, and illnesses that associate with a color that represents them. There are some colors that have more than one representation. For example, the color purple is associated with anti-bullying campaigns. It’s also used to stand up against animal abuse, Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and thyroid cancer. Make sure that the color you choose represents the cause that you support. No matter which color you choose, it’s an easy and small way to showcase what matters to you.
2. Choose Clothing that Represents Your Views
Expressing your political views is as easy as using the right piece of clothing. While most political fashion isn’t subtle, most of today’s fashions make it possible to stand up for what you believe in. Bags, hats, and slogan T-shirts are everyday items of clothing that can be used to make a political statement. Wearing a custom political T-shirt shows that you’re confident about your belief.
When you design a political T-shirt, you’re given the opportunity to express yourself while out in public. It makes a much greater impact than a hashtag. Regardless of your beliefs, your clothes can represent how you feel about the current political climate. Fashion is about more than looking good. Fashion is a means of expressing yourself, including sharing your beliefs with the world.
3. Purchase Clothes From Ethical Businesses
Whether you’re concerned about ethical materials or fair wages, you can support businesses that support your beliefs. It’s becoming common for customers to purchase from brands that reflect their political and social views. Sprout Social realized that two-thirds of consumers rather shop for brands that stand up for political and social issues.
There are plenty of fashion brands that sell accessories, clothing, and houseware that are both ethical and trendy. You don’t have to sacrifice your style to support a cause. But it’s also more subtle than the other choices on this list since no one knows you’re quietly supporting a cause unless they ask. You also want to make sure that the store is eco-friendly and is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.
Investigate the business and find out if they use sustainable practices that help reduce energy and water consumption. There are plenty of menswear clothing and designers that are ethical and eco-friendly. By shopping with businesses that share your beliefs, you can support the causes that mean to you while looking fashionable and put together.
Staff Writer; Greg Love