Western Society, and the Emphasis on Clothing Fashion

[Mercy Not Sacrifice]

Is Western society overly obsessed with clothing fashion?

Overall, does our emphasis on fashion serve society well or poorly?

Why are we as humans so concerned with dressing with style?

How much, if any, good comes out of placing an emphasis on "dressing right"?

Finally, should the newest style be wearing nothing but heavy nylon rope?

[GeneCosta]

One can only assume it's our underlying human nature speaking out through the power of the purse. A subconscious way of finding mates and peers, flavored by the West's rampant consumerism. Of course if you go anywhere in the world you'll find similar concerns in the Middle East and Far East. I suspect it's the same reason women use make-up, or men comb their hair. The only benefits are social acceptance and an increased likelihood of reproducing. [But we like to tell ourselves we're so much different than the beasts]

I don't know if it helps society. It sure helps the clothing industry. If we weren't concerned with fashion, there would be little room for marketing gimmicks.

I see nothing wrong with developing a style, but one should not be overly concerned with fitting in, and more importantly, one should not judge others' character based on their appearance. Baggy pants are no excuse for pushing a wedge between people. This is the biggest problem.

[JayHawes]

It's human nature to want to look good. After all, it's all about reproduction

[michel]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

One can only assume it's our underlying human nature speaking out through the power of the purse. A subconscious way of finding mates and peers, flavored by the West's rampant consumerism. Of course if you go anywhere in the world you'll find similar concerns in the Middle East and Far East. I suspect it's the same reason women use make-up, or men comb their hair. The only benefits are social acceptance and an increased likelihood of reproducing. [But we like to tell ourselves we're so much different than the beasts]

I don't know if it helps society. It sure helps the clothing industry. If we weren't concerned with fashion, there would be little room for marketing gimmicks.

I see nothing wrong with developing a style, but one should not be overly concerned with fitting in, and more importantly, one should not judge others' character based on their appearance. Baggy pants are no excuse for pushing a wedge between people. This is the biggest problem.

Good answer; spot on. Though that does beg a point - when we have got a mate, do we worry less about clothing fashion? Is that why I love my old clothes and rugged shoes best (and complain when I am asked to be "more presentable"?)

[eudaimonia]

I wear clothes for self-expression, such as when I wear my uniquely tailored rave pants to a trance party.

As I see it, the only problem with fashion is when everyone is expected to wear the latest fashion simply because it is trendy.

Now, I'm not advocating non-conformism for non-conformism's sake, but I think that too much conformism isn't a good thing. It squelches self-expression and individuality.


eudaimonia,

Mark

[Terrywoodenpic]

I have never conformed to the fashion of the day.
However I do to some extent conform to the fashion of a tribe.

This is something we all do.
Every group of like minded people mostly seem dress alike when they are seen together.
I think it is an unconscious response to belonging

[Papersock]

People want to fit in. Clothing is one of the easiest ways to at least look like you fit in.
We probably are overly obsessed with clothing fashion, though. Not that this is new thing.

I don't care much for fashion.

[lombas]

First, define "The West". Don't compare Flanders with Italy or the US.

Second, think about it. What's there to be bothered with? Isn't it someone else's problem? Think Stoic.

Third, personally, as a Quaker, I really have a lot of respect for the "New Plain"-people. A former girlfriend of mine went to the US for a year and came back a Quaker. She had spent the year with "New Plain" Quakers and was dressed in a simple black skirt with a white blouse and black vest with her hair nice &c. But you could say she herself put an emphasis on clothing; but clearly not in the way this topic puts it.

As a Quaker, I still pay a lot of attention to the Testimony of Simplicity. I always wear "plain" beige or dark brown pants with a dress shirt. Never something with flashy colors.

[ChristineES]

The whole western world is preoccupied on appearance and not just clothes. I always thought that a person's character should be more important that what they look like, but I am in the minority with this. Don't get me wrong, I try to look nice and well groomed.