The Evolution Of Feminist Slogans In Fashion

Slogan t-shirts are commonplace in fashion nowadays, ranging from homemade prints to high-end designers. But did you know that the slogan tee has a rich history with political origins? The feminist movement and the slogan tee have been intertwined for years.

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HISTORY OF SLOGAN T-SHIRTS

Slogan T-shirts have a rich history that dates back decades. They are arguably the boldest way to wear your beliefs on your body. What started as a tool for spreading political messages evolved in the late 1960s and early 1970s into symbols of rebellion and social change. Slogan T-shirts have always been deeply rooted in the countercultural movements, worn by those taking a stand against society. As T-shirts became more accessible and affordable, due to advancements in textile manufacturing, their popularity boomed.

Early slogan tees were associated with music, protest, and anti-establishment sentiments. Bands, especially in the rock and punk scenes, started selling T-shirts stamped with their logos or rebellious statements at concerts. The political climate of the 1960s and 1970s, marked by civil rights movements, anti-Vietnam War protests, and second-wave feminism, further fueled the popularity of slogan T-shirts as a medium for voicing dissent and identity.

FEMINIST ADOPTION OF SLOGAN TEES

Feminist slogan T-shirts emerged prominently during the second-wave feminist movement of the 1970s. This era, characterised by the fight for gender equality, reproductive rights, and an end to gender-based violence, saw women using fashion as a form of protest. Slogan T-shirts became a way for feminists to make bold, public statements. Messages like “The Future is Female,” “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” and “Girl Power” started to appear, giving wearers a way to express their beliefs and solidarity.

These shirts were not just about making a fashion statement; they were a form of activism. Wearing a feminist slogan tee in public was a way to assert one’s identity and challenge the status quo. It was also a way to build community, as others who identified with the cause could easily recognise and connect with like-minded individuals.

THE COMMERCIALISATION OF FEMINIST SLOGAN TEES

As slogan tees gained popularity and became less of a counter-cultural movement, moving into the mainstream, brands jumped on the trend. Mainstream fashion brands recognised the potential of slogan t-shirts and began creating their own. This is particularly the case for the feminist movement, with feminist slogans being used for profit rather than to promote the cause. High-street retailers and luxury brands began producing and selling T-shirts with feminist messages, often stripping them of their original political intent and rebranding them as trendy, must-have fashion items.

This phenomenon is a classic example of capitalism co-opting a social movement for profit. Even brands such as Dior took part, selling T-shirts saying “We Should All Be Feminists” for over $700. This is highly problematic since the high price makes the t-shirt exclusively available to wealthy customers, excluding the very people the feminist movement often seeks to empower.

Fast fashion brands also adopted feminist slogans. Whilst the prices of these brands are lower and more accessible, fast fashion disproportionately impacts women. The majority of sweatshop workers are women who face daily harassment and inadequate working conditions. Buying feminist T-shirts from brands that do not protect their workers actively goes against the values of feminism.

WHERE TO GET YOUR SLOGAN TEES

If you want to buy a slogan tee, you need to make sure you are buying it from an ethical place. This means the shop should support the cause that it promotes. For example, they could employ and empower women in the workplace, donate money to causes, or be politically active. Some good brands to check out include Black And Bleech and Feminist Trash Store.

Black And Bleech is a brand that takes women’s rights seriously. They have donated over £20,000 to fund women’s empowerment, mainly through abortion rights and other organisations. For them, paying employees a living wage, rather than minimum wage, is fundamental and they have even changed the legal structure of their business from shareholder-led to stakeholder-led.

Feminist Trash Store is founded upon the principles of intersectionality and sustainability. Their T-shirts are eco-friendly and 100% vegan. Every Monday Feminist Trash Store distributes their profits to organisations upholding their values of feminism, anti-racism and queer inclusion.