The distressed trend has been quite big in fashion over the last few years. Of course, ripped zombie clothes have always been a thing (for example they were also big in the 1980s and 90s), but today one can see ripped jeans, burnt jackets and cut shirts almost everywhere. Even big brands and globally-spread stores feature them and it’s both youngsters and adults who wear them.
But what makes this trend so appealing to people and how can it develop in the future?
Why now?
Whenever something is “big” in culture, especially in fashion, it’s interesting to see how it relates and fits into the general social paradigm. Since fashion is always a great reflection of the zeitgeist and, in many ways, of what is to come, analyzing trends can give one insight into a lot of information about what is going on in the world.
Of course, the distressed trend was a sign of rebellion in the 1980s and 90s, but now, after 2010, it’s not a sign of rebellion anymore, since everyone is doing it. Something that a good percentage of people do can’t really be considered as rebellion; even those who do it call it that.
Thus, it means that the distressed trend has a lot to do with other things.
Firstly, it has a lot to do with our odd relation to sex. This decade has been marked by a big uprise in overt sexuality, only to be followed by an incipient new version of puritanism. Thus, the distressed trend plays a role in this undecided situation, where there’s a strong play between showing or not showing skin.
Secondly, and probably more important, the distressed trend is the mark of a breaking world. We definitely see today how the world of the past is dismantling little by little. Just like a distressed piece, cut by cut, hole by hole.
Of course, the world will be replaced with a new one, but what that is, is not extremely clear yet.
It is most likely that this trend will dissipate in a few seasons and the near future of fashion (at least in the West) will be marked by clothes that cover a lot.
Thirdly, the distressed trend can also be seen as a diminished version of slow fashion. Today, the slow fashion trend, where designers take their time and invest a lot of energy into creating carefully-crafted details by hand, is growing at a rapid pace. Thus, the distressed trend, with its cuts and holes that look man-made and that cannot be identically replicated, can be considered to be a smaller version of that.
And last, but certainly not least, the distressed trend is all about status. Making frivolous spends such as giving away hundreds of euros on a pair of jeans with holes is meant to let others know that you have enough money to throw away. This way, the wearer hopes to gain the appreciation of people who are impressed by such spending habits.
The distressed trend has been one of the biggest trends for the past seasons and is thus a great indicator of the state of society and the paradigm we live in. In a heavily-cosmetized world, people are looking for clothes with a more organic feel, but miss the fact that distressing the clothes implies just as much effort and money as does any other cosmetization. It all goes in circles.
Style is a great gateway to understanding the minds and emotions of others, it’s a great way to letting others know who you are and how you want to be treated. It communicates your world view and sets standards. And for these reasons, it’s an extremely outstandingly useful tool.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
The origins of wearing ripped clothes
What is the upside to the $425 mud jeans?
Trendy and weird: A collection of strange fashion trends from the past
Trend forecast: Fashion Weeks of 2018
P.S. We want to hear from you! How do you connect with the distressed trend? Do you like wearing clothes with holes, cuts, etc.? How do you think the trend will evolve? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!