In the past, fashion trends caught on slowly, spreading gradually as people moved around from one place to another. Clothing styles relied on local materials, culture, and practical needs. People often had to hold onto their clothes for long periods, repairing and adjusting them instead of frequently buying new ones.
As trade routes expanded, new materials made up of silk, cotton, and wool were introduced, and fashion started to catch up more quickly. Clothing not only protected individuals from weather conditions but also helped people stand out, clearly marking social status and identity. Styles eventually spread out across countries, connecting distant cultures and influencing local customs.
When industrialization arrived, mass production sped up clothing manufacture, drastically changing how people dressed. Fashion began to break down traditional social barriers, as affordable clothes allowed more people to express themselves. People could finally get around previous restrictions and freely try on new identities, forever changing the relationship between fashion and society.