Changes in clothing often took place at times of economic or social change, as occurred in ancient Rome and the medieval Caliphate, followed by a long period without significant changes. In eighth-century Moorish Spain, the musician Ziryab introduced to Córdoba^{[16][unreliable source][17]} sophisticated clothing styles based on seasonal and daily fashions from his native Baghdad, modified by his inspiration. Similar changes in fashion occurred in the 11th century in the Middle East following the arrival of the Turks, who introduced clothing styles from Central Asia and the Far East.^[18]

Alleged Western distinctiveness

Early Western travellers who visited India, Persia, Turkey, or China, would frequently remark on the absence of change in fashion in those countries. In 1609, the secretary of the Japanese shōgun bragged inaccurately to a Spanish visitor that Japanese clothing had not changed in over a thousand years.^{[19]: 312–313} However, these conceptions of non-Western clothing undergoing little, if any, evolution are generally held to be untrue; for instance, there is considerable evidence in Ming China of rapidly changing fashions in Chinese clothing.^[20] In imperial China, clothing were not only an embodiment of freedom and comfort or used to cover the body or protect against the cold or used for decorative purposes; it was also regulated by strong sumptuary laws which was based on strict social hierarchy system and the ritual system of the Chinese society.^{[21]: 14–15} It was expected for people to be dressed accordingly to their gender, social status and occupation; the Chinese clothing system had cleared evolution and varied in appearance in each period of history.^{[21]: 14–15} However, ancient Chinese fashion, like in other cultures, was an indicator of the socioeconomic conditions of its population; for Confucian scholars, however, changing fashion was often associated with social disorder which was brought by rapid commercialization.^[22]: 204 Clothing which experienced fast changing fashion in ancient China was recorded in ancient Chinese texts, where it was sometimes referred as shiyang, "contemporary-styles", and was associated with the concept of fuyao, "outrageous dress",^[23]: 44 which typically holds a negative connotation. Similar changes in clothing can be seen in Japanese clothing between the Genroku period and the later centuries of the Edo period (1603–1867), during which a time clothing trends switched from flashy and expensive displays of wealth to subdued and subverted ones.

 The French word mode, meaning "fashion", dates as far back as 1482, while the English word denoting something "in style" dates only to the 16th century. Other words exist related to concepts of style and appeal that precede mode. In the 12th and 13th century Old French the concept of elegance begins to appear in the context of aristocratic preferences to enhance beauty and display refinement, and cointerie, the idea of making oneself more attractive to others by style or artifice in grooming and dress, appears in a 13th-century poem by Guillaume de Lorris advising men that "handsome clothes and handsome accessories improve a man a great deal".^[3]

Fashion scholar Susan B. Kaiser states that everyone is "forced to appear", unmediated before others.^[4] Everyone is evaluated by their attire, and evaluation includes the consideration of colors, materials, silhouette, and how garments appear on the body. Garments identical in style and material also appear different depending on the wearer's body shape, or whether the garment has been washed, folded, mended, or is new.

Fashion is defined in a number of different ways, and its application can be sometimes unclear. Though the term fashion connotes difference, as in "the new fashions of the season", it can also connote sameness, for example in reference to "the fashions of the 1960s", implying a general uniformity. Fashion can signify the latest trends, but may often reference fashions of a previous era, leading to the reappearance of fashions from a different time period. While what is fashionable can be defined by a relatively insular, esteemed and often rich aesthetic elite who make a look exclusive, such as fashion houses and haute couturiers, this 'look' is often designed by pulling references from subcultures and social groups who are not considered elite, and are thus excluded from making the distinction of what is fashion themselves.

Whereas a trend often connotes a peculiar aesthetic expression, often lasting shorter than a season and being identifiable by visual extremes, fashion is a distinctive and industry-supported expression traditionally tied to the fashion season and collections.^[5] Style is an expression that lasts over many seasons and is often connected to cultural movements and social markers, symbols, class, and culture (such as Baroque and Rococo). According to sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, fashion connotes "the latest difference."^[6]

Even though the terms fashion, clothing and costume are often used together, fashion differs from both. Clothing describes the material and the technical garment, devoid of any social meaning or connections; costume has come to mean fancy dress or masquerade wear. Fashion, by contrast, describes the social and temporal system that influences and "activates" dress as a social signifier in a certain time and context. Philosopher Giorgio Agamben connects fashion to the qualitative Ancient Greek concept of kairos, meaning "the right, critical, or opportune moment", and clothing to the quantitative concept of chronos, the personification of chronological or sequential time.^[7]

While some exclusive brands may claim the label haute couture, in France, the term is technically limited to members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture^[8] in Paris.^[5] Haute couture is more aspirational; inspired by art and culture, and in most cases, reserved for the economic elite. However, New York's fashion calendar hosts Couture Fashion Week, which strives for a more equitable and inclusive mission.^[9]

Fashion is also a source of art, allowing people to display their unique tastes, sensibilities, and styles.^[10] Different fashion designers are influenced by outside stimuli and reflect this inspiration in their work. For example, Gucci's 'stained green' jeans^[11] may look like a grass stain, but to others, they display purity, freshness, and summer.^[12]

Fashion is unique, self-fulfilling and may be a key part of someone's identity. Similarly to art, the aims of a person's choices in fashion are not necessarily to be liked by everyone, but instead to be an expression of personal taste.^[10] A person's personal style functions as a "societal formation always combining two opposite principles. It is a socially acceptable and secure way to distinguish oneself from others and, at the same time, it satisfies the individual's need for social adaptation and imitation."^[13] While philosopher Immanuel Kant believed that fashion "has nothing to do with genuine judgements of taste", and was instead "a case of unreflected and 'blind' imitation",^[13] sociologist Georg Simmel^[14] thought of fashion as something that "helped overcome the distance between an individual and his society".^[13] American sociologist Diana Crane also mentioned in her book that fashion is closely intertwined with personal and group identity, serving as a means of expressing cultural, social, and political affiliations.^[15]

 

A fashion trend signifies a specific look or expression that is spread across a population at a specific time and place. A trend is considered a more ephemeral look, not defined by the seasons when collections are released by the fashion industry. A trend can thus emerge from street style, across cultures, and from influencers and other celebrities.

Fashion trends are influenced by several factors, including cinema, celebrities, climate, creative explorations, innovations, designs, political, economic, social, and technological. Examining these factors is called a PEST analysis. Fashion forecasters can use this information to help determine the growth or decline of a particular trend.

People's minds as well as their perceptions and consciousness are constantly changing. Fads are inherently social, are constantly evolving in a contradiction between the old and the new, and are in a sense easily influenced by those around them, and therefore also begin to imitate constantly.Continuing on from the maximalist and 1980s influences of the early 2020s, vibrant coloured clothing had made a comeback for women in America, France, China, Korea, and Ukraine^[48] by the spring of 2023.^[49] This style, sometimes referred to as "dopamine dressing", featured long skirts and belted maxi dresses with thigh splits, lots of gold and pearl jewelry, oversized striped cardigan sweaters, multicoloured silk skirts with seashell or floral print, strappy sandals, pants with a contrasting stripe down the leg, ugg boots,^[50] floral print maxi skirts, Y2K inspired platform shoes, chunky red rain boots,^[51] shimmery jumpsuits,^[52] knitted dresses, leather pilot jackets with faux fur collars,^[53] skirts with bold contrasting vertical stripes, trouser suits with bootcut legs, jeans with glittery heart or star-shaped details, chunky white or black sandals, and zebra print tote bags.^[54][55]

Big, oversized garments were often made from translucent materials and featured cutouts intended to expose the wearer's bare shoulder, thigh, or midriff, such as low-cut waists on the pants or tops with strappy necklines intended to be worn braless.^[56] Desirable colours included neon green, watermelon green, coral pink, orange, salmon pink, magenta, gold, electric blue, aquamarine, cyan, turquoise, and royal blue.

Fashion details encompass the specific elements that define a style, including textile textures, embellishments (like beads, embroidery), cuts, silhouettes, colors, and accessories, adding character, depth, and cultural significance to clothing, serving as self-expression, status signals, and indicators of current trends. These minute features—from intricate stitching on a gown to the specific buttons on a jacket—are crucial in distinguishing styles like couture, streetwear, or vintage, and are influenced by cultural shifts and consumer desires. 

• Key Aspects of Fashion Details:
• Embellishments & Techniques: Embroidery (floral, geometric, beadwork), sequins, appliqué, dori work, appliqué, and other surface decorations.
• Construction & Cut: Unique sleeves (beaded, puffed), collars (military-style, lapels), unique silhouettes (avant-garde, tailored blazers).
• Fabric & Texture: The feel and look of materials, such as piqué, wool, silk, or mixed textures, adding tactile interest.
• Accessories: Jewelry, footwear (stiletto heels), bags, and other items that complete a look.
• Color & Pattern: The use of specific palettes, vibrant colors, or patterns like houndstooth.  

 

 

One of the most significant trends influencing the fashion industry today is the growing emphasis on sustainability. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion, there is a pronounced shift towards sustainable practices. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, 67% of consumers consider the use of sustainable materials an important factor in their purchasing decisions. This trend reflects a broader awareness of climate change and ethical consumption, driving consumers to seek out high-quality, sustainable alternatives.

For instance, brands like Stella McCartney have set the standard for sustainable luxury fashion. By utilizing eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting transparency, Stella McCartney has created a model that emphasizes the importance of quality in fashion. The brand’s commitment to sustainability resonates with consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility, reinforcing the idea that quality fashion is synonymous with ethical practices.

•  Here are the primary factors that determine the quality of a fashion item:
• Materials and Fabrics:

Fiber Content: Natural fibers like high-quality cotton, wool, silk, and linen are often durable and breathable. A small percentage of synthetic fibers (1-3% elastane or polyester) can improve performance and shape retention, but an excess of cheap synthetics often indicates lower quality and a shorter lifespan.

Fabric Properties: The weight, density (thread count), and weave of a fabric are important. Holding a fabric up to the light can reveal if it is too thin or has an uneven weave. High-quality fabrics should feel smooth and substantial to the touch.

Condition: The fabric should not have defects like stains, holes, pilling, or loose threads.

Craftsmanship and Construction:

Stitching: Look for clean, even, and tight stitches without loose threads. Longer stitches are a sign of rushed, lower-quality production and are more prone to snagging.

Seams: High-quality garments often use durable seam types like French seams, which encase the raw edges to prevent fraying. When you gently pull the fabric at the seam, you should not see light through it.

Details and Finishing: Pay attention to details like buttons, zippers, and linings. Zippers should operate smoothly and feel sturdy. Buttonholes should be clean and neat. A lined jacket or coat generally indicates a higher level of construction and structure.

Pattern Matching: For patterned or striped garments, the pattern should align well at the seams and over pockets, indicating attention to detail and less material waste during cutting.

Fashion

Fashion quality means durable, well-crafted garments

made with superior materials (like fine wool, silk, linen, or quality cotton), meticulous construction (strong, even stitching, reinforced seams, clean linings), and thoughtful design, creating timeless pieces that fit well and last, offering value beyond just a trendy look. It's about craftsmanship, the story of the garment, and building a lasting wardrobe, not just price tags or brand names, though high price doesn't guarantee quality today.