From the vibrant textiles of Mexico to the intricately embroidered saris of India, different forms of traditional clothing have all been woven into the diverse fabric of culture. However, traditional forms of clothing have significantly evolved due to the rise and fall of fashion trends over time. In the status quo, contemporary fashion trends are constantly changing the look and style of cultural clothing, blending tradition with modernity.
Culture shapes the sari:
Traditional clothing has been a focal point of Asian culture for hundreds of years. Unique features involving different designs, colors, patterns and even fabrics have always made cultural clothing such as the Indian sari or the Chinese hanfu recognizable and distinct. However, modern trends have played a significant role in altering the appearance of traditional Asian clothes.
An iconic garment that originated in India is the sari, a woven fabric with bright coloring and embroidery traditionally worn by women. A drape similar to the sari was first used in the Indus Valley Civilization nearly 5,000 years ago, and since then, it has developed into clothing worn by millions of people around the world today. The sari is a popular clothing item because of its high versatility and comfort, although it can require up to 12 steps to put on. A traditional way of draping the sari involves wrapping it around the waist and then tying a knot around the shoulder.
After the sari was globally popularized in the early 21st century by Indian fashion designers and Bollywood, it influenced modern women’s gowns and inspired fluid designs that incorporated the sari’s graceful drape. At the same time, a fusion of clothing elements from Western and Indian attire became largely fashionable, which gave the sari the modernized look that can be seen today. Contemporary fashion designers combined the sari with dresses and experimented with adding new elements such as blouses and off-shoulder designs. Newer fashion trends such as bold prints and asymmetrical patterns have also been integrated into modern saris.
“It’s very integral to the immigrant experience in America because integrating traditions and traditional clothing while living in an American society shows that you’re embracing both your roots and where you’re from,” senior and American Indian Student Association president Athreya Iyer said.
Changing trends influence Latin American clothing:
Indigenous cultures have largely shaped the style of traditional clothing in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The ancient Mayan and Incan civilizations produced textiles from natural materials like cotton, agave fibers and animal skins, which were then used in cloaks and garments. The huipil was a sleeveless, intricately embroidered tunic worn by women, and the tilmatli was a cloak-like garment draped over the shoulders of men. These traditional fabrics were often intricately handwoven and contained vivid colors and striking patterns.
Spanish colonization of Mexico in the early 16th century largely influenced Mexican clothing through the combination of indigenous textiles with European fabrics like silk. New styles of clothing fused Spanish traditions with local culture, including the Charro Suit, which became associated with Mexican cowboys and the Mariachi, who wore wide-brimmed hats known as sombreros.
Traditional Mexican clothing has majorly influenced modern fashion design. The bright and vibrant colors of traditional Mexican textiles have been incorporated within modern clothing design, including streetwear brands like Carla Fernandez. Today, fashion designers continue to incorporate brightly colored patterns and intricate embroidery, drawing inspiration from indigenous textiles.
“I think it’s a good thing to be proud of where you’re from and show it off through clothing,” sophomore and Indesign club member Carolyn Altmar said. “Everyone comes from really diverse cultures and pasts, and it’s a really good thing that people have their own traditional clothing that they can show is theirs.”
Keeping culture vibrant with Kente:
For many African communities, traditional attire functioned as an expression of one’s identity. Vibrant colors and geometric patterns can indicate social status and spiritual connection while being used as a form of cultural storytelling.
The kente, a treasured fabric of Ghana traditionally made from hand-woven strips of silk and cotton, has seen immense use in modern fashion. Its history grew from African weaving traditions, evolving over time through trade networks. The introduction of luxurious materials like French and Italian silk in the 18th century gave rise to the distinctive kente fabric. The artisanal practice behind kente cloth ensured no two kente patterns were the same and left a story in the weave. Today, designers incorporate kente into a wide range of fashion, from dresses and pants to bags and jumpsuits. Fashion designer Aristide Loua, founder of Kente Gentlemen, utilizes kente in creating contemporary pieces with fanciful patterning.
The modern shifts of the kilt:
Kilts have a long history in Scottish clothing with deep historical and cultural roots. Kilts are woven out of patterned fabric known as tartan, though not all of its invention is attributed to the Scottish, as fabrics in this style have been worn by Indigenous people across the world for a long time. It was adapted from the great kilt, a large piece of clothing that could function as a cloak, blanket and shelter.
The traditional look is still preserved today in many aspects of fashion, though it has seen wide changes over time. The creation of denim or cotton kilts has also been incorporated for more casual wear. Celebrities including Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender have sported kilts at various events at film premieres. The kilt especially lends to gender-neutral and inclusive fashion and is also paired with contemporary clothing for bold and unconventional fashion statements.
“A lot of modernized cultural clothing is simpler to wear,” senior and Indesign club member Luthien Wang said. “You’re also starting to see many versions of traditional clothes of many types. They are easy to wear and easy to style, and the simpler clothing forms will allow more people to be introduced to it while not being intimidated by so many layers.”
