For a lot of cultures, even in American culture, dressing up wasn’t just a necessity but a cultural expectation. So why is it that America has since stopped that tradition and chosen to wear sweats, leisurewear and Crocs everywhere?
Formal attire used to be a staple of social life, and it still is in most countries outside of America and maybe Canada. There used to be a time when people wouldn’t dream of boarding a plane without a blazer or attending a restaurant without polished shoes, and now casualwear has infiltrated every aspect of American culture.
It is now socially acceptable to go to the mall in sweats, hoodies, crocs and a messy bun. It seems as if the United States prioritizes comfort over formality, sometimes too much.
This shift isn’t just about fashion, it reflects a deeper cultural transformation. The decline of dressing up is connected with the rise of technology that made our lives easier. The rise of remote work, the casualization of corporate environments and the shift to convenience in every aspect of life made Americans dress badly.
Look at any European countries that haven’t shifted to casualwear when going out. Some say that Americans no longer dress to express their social class, but to express individuality, but I don’t think that’s an excuse to dress lazily. As much as people don’t want to judge by appearance, it’s in human nature that we do, and we most definitely still judge people by what they wear.
Even in schools, students think it’s acceptable to show up in leggings, a sports bra, and a jacket or in pajamas, pants, and a hoodie. This is partly why there is such a negative stereotype on Americans, the stereotype that says Americans are slobs that eat junk food every day and play video games. If it was up to me, we would all take a little bit more effort into our appearances.
