How Patriotic Fashion Has Evolved In the American Streetwear Scene

Patriotic apparel has become a staple of American streetwear.

Unlike a few decades ago, it’s difficult to stroll through American streets without bumping into someone rocking it in a patriotic outfit. Whether it’s a hoodie emblazoned with the iconic Stars and Stripes or a T-shirt printed with nationalistic quotes, patriotic fashion stands out with its ubiquitous presence.

But how did these outfits come about, and what’s the story behind their origin?

This post shall explore that question in detail.

Read below as we journey back in time to uncover the history and popularity behind patriotic outfits in the American fashion scene.

What Are Patriotic Outfits?

Patriotic outfits are precisely what the term implies – apparel that evokes a sense of nationalism.

Most patriotic attire has the national flag as its defining symbol. However, some clothing may feature other emblems of the American identity, such as the bald eagle.

In fact, the raging demand for patriotic shirts has seen fashion designers experiment with more creative graphics.

Besides national symbols, you’ll also encounter outfits printed with patriotic quotes, such as “Where liberty is, there is my country.” Some of these apparel items also feature iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial.

Certain patriotic clothing may not even bear any symbols at all. These include military-inspired articles of fashion like epaulet shirts and combat boots, whose mere sight conjures images of our soldiers fighting gallantly behind enemy lines.

Unpacking the Significance of Patriotic Fashion

Patriotic fashion stands as a sobering reminder of our national heritage. Through these outfits, we can trip down the memory lane to the birth of America and pay tribute to our forefathers who selflessly laid down their lives for our freedom.

Due to their unmistakable association with nationalism, it’s understandable why patriotic outfits used to dot every American street on national holidays. However, recent years have seen widespread adoption of patriotic clothing into the American fashion scene.

These outfits are no longer preserved for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. They’ve since become a staple of American streetwear, exuding nationalistic vibes while leaving a lasting fashion statement.

How Did Patriotic Fashion Come About?

Origin of the Flag

Initially, the national flag was the predominant feature on all patriotic apparel.

There’s no consensus on when the current U.S. flag first emerged. Its actual originators aren’t unknown either, although many historians attribute it to Betsy Ross and Francis Hopkinson.

Both Ross and Hopkinson were instrumental figures during the American Revolution. Ross was a Philadelphia seamstress, whereas Hopkinson served as a New Jersey Congressman.

Before the American Revolution, the United States was firmly under British rule. The country was then organized into thirteen British colonies, without a common sense of national identity or collective purpose.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress commissioned the first official flag.

This was not just a symbol of America’s collective resistance to British rule. It also served as a unifying factor, bridging social and racial gaps.

The flag commissioned in 1777 had iconic stars and stripes, a design that has stuck with it to date. However, it originally had thirteen stars encircled in a blue canton, and thirteen alternating red and white stripes.

The number of stars and stripes wasn’t coincidental. It resonated with the states that declared autonomy from British rule.

After gaining independence from Britain, the United States embarked on an expansionist campaign that saw it conquer vast lands. An additional star was incorporated into the flag with each state conquered.  

Early Popularization

The American Revolution is one of the most somber moments of our national history. But although the country lost thousands of gallant warriors, the Revolution birthed one of the most enduring symbols of national unity – the flag.

As American soldiers waged a bloody resistance against our erstwhile colonial masters, civilians waved flags from their residential windows and on the streets as an expression of patriotic solidarity.

It’s also during the Revolution that the American flag first found its way into fashion. Soldiers pinned the flag on their clothing as a show of patriotism.

Adoption in Mainstream Fashion

For several decades after commissioning the American flag, patriotic clothing was a preserve of the military and high-ranking government officials. But that all changed during the First and Second World Wars.

American women reportedly pinned flag-themed ribbons to their hair during the Wars to rally the country together. This was a heartfelt expression of solidarity with their male, belligerent compatriots.

However, it was not until the 1960s that patriotic clothing truly caught on. The eventual adoption of patriotic outfits into mainstream fashion was inspired by the nonconformist ideologies of the hippie movement.

A few years later, patriotic apparel made its way into the fashion runways.

The outfits acquired additional significance, too. Besides their historic association with nationalism, they also symbolized political commitments and unique fashion statements.  

Diversification Into Different Styles

Patriotic outfits were originally preserved for official events. But as this clothing piqued the interest of a more youthful population, casual designs emerged.

The ‘90s through the 2000s marked an explosion in graphic, patriotic-themed shirts. Tees emblazoned with the American flag popped up on every street, serving as an audacious mark of patriotic pride.

This period also marked the incorporation of additional national symbols besides the American flag.

To meet the growing demand for patriotic designs, fashion designers began to release outfits with short inspirational messages that paid tribute to our national values. There were also messages of moral support to our military, including active-duty servicemen and veterans.

As the demand for patriotic fashion raged on, these designs began to appear on other articles of clothing besides tees. From official wear to athleisure, patriotic symbols became a common feature in different types of attire.

And as society continually embraced patriotic fashion, outfits became an everyday trend.

Patriotic clothing is no longer a preserve of state holidays. They’ve become an enduring fashion style worn to everyday events, from corporate dinners to family gatherings.

Another critical trend in patriotic outfits is the adoption of military uniforms into civilian culture. From camouflaging shirts to combat boots, military-inspired clothing is now a staple of many boutiques.

Final Word

Patriotic clothing is not just a fashion-inspired symbol of the American identity, but they are also remarkably versatile and can complement any ensemble.

Whether you’re planning a casual family event, semi-formal team building retreat, or an ultra-professional corporate seminar, you can trust patriotic apparel to bring out the best in you.

Just remember to pair the outfits, accordingly, paying keen attention to color compatibility, your personality, and the occasion at hand.

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