# Wearable Politics Brands, artists and organizations imbue apparel with powerful charged messages. By [Riley von Niessen](https://www.trendhunter.com/rileyvonn), Managing Editor | Published Nov 11, 2016 | Category: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/social-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/wearable-politics ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Wearable Politics trend? **Wearable Politics:** While politically themed apparel isn't anything new, it's been showing up more frequently in places one previously might not have expected. Given the visibility of politics from all angle in the social media age, it's not much of a surprise that brands, artists and organizations alike have felt the need to share their views. Not only has this increased the variety of apparel of this nature and the availability of it, but it illustrates how a dialogue between consumers and brands has grown more personal. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 9 to Nov 4, 2016 - Published: Nov 11, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Wearable Politics trend ### Political Apparel Political-themed apparel is getting more prominent and diverse as brands, artists, and organizations are imbuing apparel with powerful messages; possible disruptive innovation opportunities include innovative designs and messaging strategies, partnership with charities as well as political campaigns. ### Socially Conscious Streetwear Vintage-inspired streetwear infused with social messages are gaining popularity, providing not only a fashion statement, but also empowering consumers to make a statement by wearing it; possible disruptive innovation opportunities include incorporating sustainable materials and techniques, creating more meaningful designs and messaging, and exploring influencer partnerships and social media marketing. ### Utilizing Viral Content Political social media content beyond the regular political ads, such as viral tweets or statements, are being used by creative forces, like designers and music artists, to create broad and niche, but relevant, merchandise that capture a specific sentiment and market; possible disruptive innovation opportunities include identifying unique visual and messaging that resonates, partnering with content creators to respond to complex social issues. ## What the Wearable Politics trend means for industry ### For Fashion and Apparel Political and socially conscious apparel are becoming more mainstream and diverse, focusing on issue-advocacy design and messaging. ### For Charity and Causes Partnership with charities and political campaigns that advocate for a cause can enable brand and organization to deliver meaningful messages while strengthening their reputation. ### For Social Media and Influencer Marketing Political content on social media is becoming popular marketing tool for fashion and apparel brands, allowing for unique and subversive campaigns with the help of social media influencers and viral content creators. ## Workshop question Does your company vocalize a stance on any political issues? If so, what are the advantages and disadvantages therein? Ask the same questions if you are not vocal. ## Trend signals for Wearable Politics Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 44%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 44% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Wearable Politics trend 8 featured examples from Jun 9 to Nov 4, 2016. - [Political Statement Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruel-hands): Head of State's 'Cruel Hands' Collection Combats Societal Problems (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion industry can explore the potential of vintage-inspired streetwear with political messaging. - [Politically Charged Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev-bravado): 'Ev Bravado' Makes a Statement with Its 'Make America Suck Again' Line (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The fashion industry has the opportunity to develop bold and provocative collections that tap into political and social issues. - [Referendum-Themed Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daniel-w-fletcher): Daniel W. Fletcher's Spring/Summer Collection Draws from Brexit Events (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: There is an opportunity to combine fashion with political activism to create designs that reflect political views and promote social change. - [Political Pride Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-america-gay-again): The 'Make America Gay Again' T-Shirts Celebrate Pride Month (Category: Fashion) Implication: The apparel industry can capitalize on Pride Month by releasing inclusive and socially-conscious collections. - [Political Chain Store T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/political-tshirt): These Political T-Shirts Make a Statement Against Donald Trump (Category: Social Good) Implication: Apparel retailers can take advantage of the trend by offering a range of political t-shirts that cater to different ideologies. - [Political Peace T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noah-collection): The New Noah Collection Has Graphics That Read "Why Cant We Be Friends?" (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new ways to incorporate graphics and thought-provoking messages in fashion apparel. - [Charitable Political T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/political-tshirts): Pusha T's New Shirts Support Hillary and Feature Her Viral Tweet (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The fashion industry can capitalize on the demand for political activism merchandise by collaborating with influencers and designers to create unique and stylish products. - [Patriotic Pride Hats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pride-hat): These Hats Parody Trump's Campaign Slogan and Support the LGBTQ Community (Category: Social Good) Implication: The fashion industry has an opportunity to embrace political satire and social causes through the creation of parody merchandise. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Social Good - [Athlete-Partnership Charity Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-bosa) - [Pet Rescue Food Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/badlands-ranch) - [Life Jacket Technology Advancements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/life-jacket-technology) All articles: [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood)