Fashion as a Form of Protest: How Women Are Using Style to Demand Change

Photo by Billie on Unsplash

Fashion has long been a tool of self-expression, but in the age of political unrest and social change, it has become a powerful form of protest. Women, particularly, are using fashion as a way to make bold statements, highlight social injustices, and challenge oppressive systems. From the #MeToo movement to the fight for reproductive rights, clothing is being used as a vehicle for political activism, offering women a platform to demand equality and social justice. In this post, we’ll explore how women are using fashion to protest, amplify their voices, and inspire change.

The Historical Power of Fashion in Activism:

Fashion has always been a reflection of the times, and throughout history, it has been used as a tool for protest. During the suffragette movement, women wore white, purple, and green to symbolize their fight for voting rights. In the civil rights movement, clothing choices like the black power fist or the black beret became symbols of resistance and solidarity. Today, women continue to use fashion as a form of protest, signaling solidarity with movements and demanding political and social change.

1. The #MeToo Movement and Fashion as Empowerment:
   The #MeToo movement, which brought attention to the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, was not just a social media hashtag—it became a cultural shift. Women in Hollywood, politics, and everyday life began to use their clothing choices as a way to signal their participation in the movement. The red carpet at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards was flooded with women in black, as celebrities and activists wore the color to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. Black was a statement of unity, strength, and defiance.Example: Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, has often spoken about how clothing can signal empowerment. In interviews and public appearances, Burke has emphasized the importance of women owning their stories, and fashion, for her, is a way to take back control over one’s image.
2. The Power of the “Pussy Hat”:
   The pink “pussy hat” became an iconic symbol of the Women’s March in 2017. As millions of women took to the streets to protest the inauguration of Donald Trump, they wore these knitted hats to make a statement about women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and resistance against misogyny. The “pussy hat” was not just a fashion accessory—it was a visual form of protest that transcended borders, reaching millions around the world. The hats became a symbol of solidarity, signaling a rejection of the toxic rhetoric around women’s bodies and rights.Example: The act of knitting and wearing the pussy hat became a participatory form of protest. Women all over the world joined in, knitting hats together in community spaces, creating a global movement that was as much about connection as it was about protest.

Fashion and Reproductive Rights: A Silent Protest:

The fight for reproductive rights has been a central issue for women’s rights activists, particularly in the U.S. and many parts of Europe. Fashion has played a role in these movements, as women have used clothing and accessories to voice their opposition to restrictive laws and policies around abortion and reproductive health.

1. The “Handmaid’s Tale” Aesthetic:
   One of the most striking and politically charged fashion trends in recent years has been the rise of The Handmaid’s Tale aesthetic. The dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, which depicts a totalitarian regime where women’s bodies are controlled and subjugated, has become a powerful symbol for the fight for reproductive rights. Red cloaks and white bonnets, worn by women protesting abortion bans and restrictions, have become a visual shorthand for resistance.Example: During the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, women wore Handmaid’s Tale-inspired costumes to protest the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade. These outfits, laden with political symbolism, were a direct commentary on the very real fears surrounding women’s autonomy and reproductive freedoms.
2. Green Scarves for Legal Abortion:
   In Argentina, women who fought for the legalization of abortion adopted the green scarf as a symbol of their movement. The “Green Wave” as it came to be known, spread across Latin America, and the scarves became a sign of solidarity with the fight for reproductive rights. In 2020, Argentina legalized abortion, a historic victory for women’s rights, in part due to the persistence of these grassroots activists, many of whom wore green scarves as a public demonstration of their beliefs.

Fashion as a Form of Protest in Everyday Life:

While major movements often steal the spotlight, fashion as a form of protest can also be seen in more everyday, individual acts of resistance. Whether it’s a feminist slogan on a T-shirt, a rainbow pin worn to show LGBTQ+ solidarity, or choosing to dress in ways that challenge gender norms, women are making political statements in their everyday fashion choices.

1. Feminist Slogans on T-Shirts:
   Feminist fashion brands like Riot Girl, Wildfang, and Feminist Apparel have made waves with their bold slogan T-shirts. Phrases like “The Future is Female,” “Smash the Patriarchy,” and “Nevertheless, She Persisted” have become mainstays in women’s wardrobes. These statements are more than just fashion—they are declarations of resistance, empowerment, and pride.
2. Wearing What Makes You Feel Powerful:
   One of the simplest ways women use fashion as a form of protest is by wearing what makes them feel confident, regardless of societal expectations. For some, that might mean wearing oversized clothing, for others, it might mean embracing “feminine” fashion in a world that often diminishes the power of femininity. Whether it’s choosing not to wear makeup, wearing clothing typically reserved for men, or embracing traditionally “feminine” fashion as an act of pride, every choice is an assertion of autonomy.

Conclusion:

Fashion has always been more than just a way to look good—it’s a vehicle for self-expression, identity, and, increasingly, political protest. Women are using their clothing to speak out against injustice, demand equality, and redefine societal norms. Whether through high-profile movements like #MeToo or grassroots efforts like the Green Wave, fashion is proving to be an incredibly effective tool for activism. As women continue to fight for justice, equality, and rights, fashion will undoubtedly remain a critical part of the conversation—allowing women to stand up, speak out, and demand change, one outfit at a time.