Fringed Fashion: Practical And Symbolic

Fringed clothing has a rich and diverse history, serving both practical and symbolic purposes across various cultures and time periods. Fringes were originally used to stop fabrics from unraveling when they were not hemmed, but the variety of designs in twisting and winding colors and materials made them catch on as a popular embellishment.

🏛️ Ancient Civilizations

Fringes can be seen on shawls, robes, and other garments as early as 3000 BCE. These garments were made from materials such as wool, linen, and silk. These fringes were often knotted or layered, reflecting the wearer’s status and the garment’s decorative and ceremonial significance..  

A sample of fringed cloth from Egypt  (circa 818–700 BCE) made of linen, showcases the use of fringe in Egyptian textiles. Such embellishments were common in garments of the time.  

In ancient Hebrew tradition, tzitzit (knotted fringes) were attached to the corners of garments, as described in the Torah (Numbers 15:38–39).These fringes served as religious reminders and symbols of obedience to divine commandments.

🌾 Indigenous Cultures of North & South America

Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa, utilized long, twisted fringes on garments like buckskin dresses and jackets. These fringes were not only decorative but also functional. Fringe helped garments dry faster after rain by directing water off the body, aiding evaporation and reducing wear on seams. 

Fringed war shirts, often adorned with beads and quills, were worn by esteemed warriors. These garments symbolized bravery and were considered to possess spiritual power.  Fringe also conveyed status, tribal affiliation, and craftsmanship.

🏰The Renaissance - 19th Century Europe

Gold fringe often adorned military uniforms or religious garments during the Renaissance, projecting status and respect. It soon began appearing on wealthy women’s shawls, and formal gowns as a sign of their elitism.

By the 1800s, fringes were in fashion. Victorian homes included elaborate fringe on draperies and Victorian women flaunted fringes on garments, reflecting ornate tastes.

🎷 1920s – The Flapper Era

Fringe became emblematic of the Roaring Twenties, especially in flapper fashion where it was popularized for its movement and dance-friendly flow, symbolizing rebellion and modernity.  Designers like Madeleine Vionnet and Charles Worth incorporated fringe into dresses, creating dynamic movement that complemented the era’s jazz and dance culture. .

🎸 Mid-20th Century – Rock & Roll and Counterculture

in the 1950s Elvis Presley popularized fringed leather jackets, influencing youth fashion and rock & roll aesthetics. But fringe really became popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s when it became associated with the counterculture movement, often reflecting Native American influences.Wearing fringed garments became a symbol of freedom, nature, and anti-establishment sentiment. Designers like Giorgio di Sant’Angelo drew inspiration from indigenous attire, though this appropriation sparked controversy and discussions about cultural sensitivity. 

🧵 Modern Interpretations

Designers regularly revisit fringe in haute couture and streetwear, often blending historical references with modern materials. Contemporary designers continue to explore fringe in fashion. Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection featured fringed garments, blending traditional elements with modern.

.