Throughout history, fashion has been profoundly influenced by moments of revolution. Political upheavals have consistently disrupted societal norms, reshaping not only governance and culture but also the way people choose to dress. From the French Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement, clothing has served as both a tool of rebellion and a reflection of shifting values.

Take the French Revolution, for example, where fashion became deeply entwined with the fight for equality. Before the revolution, the French aristocracy’s extravagant style—embroidered garments, powdered wigs, corsets, and luxurious fabrics—was a visual marker of wealth and privilege. These opulent outfits symbolised the stark divide between the ruling class and the impoverished majority. As revolutionary ideals gained traction, this type of clothing was rejected. The “sans-culottes,” working-class revolutionaries, embraced simple, practical attire such as loose-fitting trousers and short jackets. Their rejection of elaborate finery wasn’t just about comfort—it was a statement of solidarity with the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Fashion became a visible declaration of one’s political allegiance, and even something as simple as wearing trousers carried enormous weight in this era of upheaval.

In the 20th century, the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 brought a similar rejection of excess. The styles of the bourgeoisie, characterised by tailored suits, intricate dresses, and elaborate hats, were abandoned in favour of utilitarian, functional clothing that aligned with socialist ideals. Fashion in revolutionary Russia became a way to democratise appearance, with military-inspired uniforms and worker’s overalls emerging as everyday attire. This shift symbolised a collective effort to dismantle class distinctions and create a more equal society. The focus wasn’t on individual expression but on practicality and unity, reflecting the broader societal changes that prioritised collective progress over personal luxury.

By the 1960s, revolution took on a different form. Movements like the Civil Rights Movement, second-wave feminism, and anti-war protests profoundly influenced fashion, creating styles that defied the norms of the mid-century. The Black Panthers adopted a deliberate uniform: black leather jackets, berets, and sunglasses. This look was more than just fashion—it conveyed strength, unity, and defiance against systemic oppression. It created a visual identity for the movement, projecting power and cohesion while challenging stereotypes of disempowered Black communities.

At the same time, the countercultural hippie movement in the United States rejected the rigid formalities of post-war fashion. Flowing garments, tie-dye prints, and bell-bottoms embodied a rejection of societal norms, embracing freedom, creativity, and individualism. The loose, unstructured clothing of the era symbolised a broader desire to break free from the conformity and materialism that many felt defined earlier decades. These styles weren’t just about aesthetics—they reflected a growing discontent with the Vietnam War, traditional gender roles, and consumerist culture.

Revolutionary fashion is a means of communication. Clothing can speak volumes, signalling solidarity, defiance, or a complete rejection of the status quo. It’s a tool for expressing beliefs and even amplifying movements for change. While it’s easy to overlook fashion as superficial, history shows that the clothes people wear often reveal deeper currents of transformation and resistance. In moments of revolution, clothing becomes a language, a banner, and a legacy.