History of Fashion in Washington

story by Madison Docherty, design by Katrina Nolan

Have you ever wondered where puffy jackets come from? Or, what about the flannel aesthetics of grunge? Washington State has a rich history with fashion, yet so little is known about it. From the oldest archive showing the trending winter hats back in 1897, to the rise of outfits that were designed for the outdoors, with the first ever Eddie Bauer shop opening and them creating the first down-insulated jacket in 1940. In 1973 more progression in Washington’s fashion began and ready-to-wear outfits were made accessible with the first ever Nordstrom opening in Seattle. A rise of parachute pants and flannels was seen in the 1990s along with the rise of the grunge aesthetic when bands like Nirvana began to rise in popularity. Then, in the 2010s TomboyX breaks down the gender barriers that surround underwear and Eighth Generation opens its first shop producing pieces that are designed by Native artists. Washington currently sits at number four in the fashion apparel category, but what else can be discovered about fashion’s history within the state?

1898 -1960

The first archive that can be found on fashion in Washington state dates back to 1898 and looks at the trending women’s hats for the winter season. From there, it moves into the roaring 20's, a time of glitz and glamor. As the time period changes more practicality can be seen entering with the first puffer jacket being created. Accessories are constantly developing at this time and embroidery is a large trend, with a large collection of bags being hand embroidered as well as dresses. 

Andrea Eklund, the program coordinator and professor of apparel textiles and merchandising spoke about Eddie Bauer and said, “they're really blending that quality outdoor, you know, more rugged and functional with the fashion.”

1960- 2000

During this time period, a lot of developments happened within the fashion industry for Washington state. In the early 1960s, looks were heavily inspired by First Lady Jackie Kennedy with a clean and minimalistic style. Trends then developed into swinging fashion in the mid 1960s following the war and gradually developed into a hippie aesthetic that spanned from 1969 into the 1970s. In the 1980s, a preppy style came to fruition with frilly shirts and polo shirts coming into fashion. This then flipped completely and in the 1990s, parachute pants and flannels became popular throughout the state. This then led to the rise of the grunge style in the mid 1990s. 

Grunge began in the mid 1990’s with bands like Nirvana taking over the music scene. Grunge style in the 90s usually consisted of jeans, oversized tees and combat boots and a cardigan. Eklund spoke also on the Grunge scene in Washington, “you're wearing flannels and with the jeans and Docs and, like, you know, band T-shirts and so I think that's also what we're really known for.” 

2000 - Present Day

The 2000s into the current year has been an important time for fashion within Washinton state. The grunge aesthetic has continued to evolve and is still incredibly popular and the rich history of graffiti that the state holds was put into clothing. A Native American owned and designed brand was featured on the cover of British Vogue. The outdoors style has returned in a practical way with designs on rainboots and finally a brand shut down the gender discrepancies with underwear. 

Eklund said this about the rubber boots, “Washington Shoe Company is known for their rubber boots. So if you see any little kid walking around in the northwest in little ladybug boots, those are from Washington Shoe Company, or little frog boots, those are Washington Shoe Company. So, it's amazing how many things that you see you don't realize that they are designed and sold right out of the Pacific Northwest.”

Washington’s place in the history of the fashion industry can be downplayed due to the perception that most people wear flannels or are constantly in rain jackets. However, many pieces that are worn every day were designed and manufactured here in Washington that you may not have realized. Next time you go through your wardrobe at home, take a moment to consider the origins of your favorite clothes. What you find might just surprise you.