1.  Introduction

In contemporary society, fashion has become an indispensable part of daily life. From street clothing to trend displays at international fashion weeks, fashion elements are ubiquitous. With the acceleration of globalization, cultural exchanges have become increasingly frequent, and fashion, as a form of cultural expression, has continuously expanded its connotations and extensions. Meanwhile, identity has become a highly discussed topic in multicultural contexts. People showcase themselves and seek group belonging through fashion choices such as clothing and accessories, indicating a close relationship between fashion and identity.

Within academic research, a multitude of studies have been conducted on fashion and identity. Western scholars such as Barnard have undertaken in-depth inquiries into the semiotic significance of fashion and its intersections with social class, gender, and other contextual factors [1]. Domestic scholars have also gradually focused on the development and evolution of fashion culture in local contexts and its impact on Chinese people’s identity. However, existing studies show that there are still gaps in fully understanding the dynamic relationship between fashion and identity in socio-cultural construction [1].

This paper aims to explore the interaction mechanism between fashion and identity, as well as their roles in socio-culture. Specifically, this study will analyze how fashion emerges as a representation of identity across multiple dimensions—including gender, culture, and social class—while examining how identity, in turn, shapes the evolution and dissemination of fashion. This research primarily employs the literature review method, synthesizing interdisciplinary perspectives on fashion and identity by systematically collating relevant academic literature from fashion studies, cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, and other related fields. It also analyzes course content and combines practical cases such as changes in fashion trends and clothing styles in different cultures to reveal the socio-cultural trajectories behind fashion and identity.

This research helps enrich the connotations of fashion studies and identity theory, provides new perspectives for cross-cultural research, and promotes dialogue and integration between different disciplines. It also enables people to better understand the profound meanings behind fashion choices, enhance cognition and tolerance of multiculturalism, and offer theoretical references for the development of the fashion industry and the formulation of cultural exchange policies.

2.  Theoretical foundations of fashion and identity

This is particularly evident in the fashion field. Traditionally, there were distinct differences in clothing styles between men and women, which were reflected not only in designs but also in colors, accessories, etc. For example, blue was associated with boys and red with girls. Cultural identity is manifested through such elements as ethnic costumes and traditional motifs, which serve as pivotal carriers of cultural inheritance and continuity. Social class identity can also be reflected in fashion choices: high-end fashion brands are often associated with the upper social class, becoming a characteristic of their identity [2].

3.  The role of fashion in constructing identity

3.1.  Fashion and gender identity

Gender differences have long been a key research issue in the fashion field. Historically, there was a clear distinction between men’s and women’s clothing. Men’s clothing typically emphasized simplicity, practicality, and a sense of authority, while women’s clothing focused more on decoration, softness, and curvilinear beauty [3]. However, with social development and changes in gender perceptions, these traditional boundaries of gendered clothing have gradually faded from public view. For example, in recent years, it has become increasingly common for women to wear suits and men’s-style clothing, which not only challenges traditional gender norms but also reflects women’s shaping of their own identity in the pursuit of gender equality. Meanwhile, men’s fashion has begun to incorporate more soft and personalized elements, breaking the previous singular image of masculinity. Fashion has become an important tool for expressing and transforming gender identity, as individuals showcase their understanding and redefinition of gender roles through clothing choices.

3.2.  Fashion and cultural identity

Cultural identity is vividly reflected in fashion. Ethnic costumes are important symbols of cultural identity, with each ethnic group’s clothing featuring unique characteristics. From patterns and colors to production techniques, they all embody profound cultural heritage [4]. For instance, China’s cheongsam, Japan’s kimono, and India’s sari are not only displays of ethnic culture but also important ways for ethnic members to express cultural identity. In the context of globalization, with accelerated cultural exchange and integration, a large number of cross-cultural elements have emerged in the fashion field. Some designers integrate and innovate traditional elements from different ethnic groups to create unique fashion styles. Such cross-cultural fashion not only satisfies people’s pursuit of multiculturalism but also promotes the expression of cultural identity, helping individuals find new identity positions in multicultural environments.

3.3.  Fashion and social class identity

Fashion has long been an important marker of social class differentiation. High-end fashion brands, with their exquisite craftsmanship, unique designs, and high prices, have increasingly prominent logos and become exclusive symbols of the upper social class [5]. Owning clothing and accessories from these brands not only represents material affluence but also symbolizes social status and identity. For example, limited-edition clothing and high-end custom jewelry from luxury brands are affordable only for a small number of high-income groups, serving as "badges" of class identity. The middle and lower social classes tend to choose fast fashion brands or mass-market fashion products. Although these products lag behind high-end brands in design and quality, they still meet people’s pursuit of fashion and reflect their social class identity. Fashion functions to reinforce and differentiate social class identity: distinct social classes articulate their class status through fashion brand selections, while being partially shaped by class-based cultural norms.

4.  The influence of socio-cultural factors on the interaction between fashion and identity

4.1.  Social expectations and fashion choices

Society has specific expectations for groups divided by gender, age, occupation, etc., and these expectations significantly influence individuals’ fashion choices [6]. For instance, within professional contexts, individuals typically adhere to specific dress codes to align with societal expectations regarding their occupations. Professions such as medicine and law often necessitate formal and appropriate attire to project a professional and trustworthy image, whereas artists and creative practitioners may adopt more liberal and personalized clothing styles. Social expectations also manifest in fashion requirements for different age groups: young people tend to pursue trendy and novel fashion styles to showcase youthfulness and personality, while middle-aged and elderly people may pay more attention to comfortable and stable clothing. When making fashion choices, individuals consciously or unconsciously consider these social expectations and use clothing to either conform to or challenge society’s definition of their identity.

4.2.  Cultural traditions and fashion evolution

Cultural traditions are an important foundation for fashion evolution. Each country and ethnic group has its unique cultural traditions, which have left a profound imprint on clothing, aesthetic concepts, etc. [7]. Elements such as symmetrical aesthetics and auspicious patterns in traditional Chinese clothing culture still appear frequently in modern fashion design. At the same time, cultural traditions also restrict the development direction of fashion to a certain extent. Some traditional concepts have strict regulations on the occasions and ways of wearing clothing, which restrict fashion innovation and changes in certain periods. However, with the development of the times and increased cultural exchanges, a balance has been struck between cultural traditions and fashion evolution. On the basis of respecting cultural traditions, designers continue to innovate, combining traditional elements with modern fashion concepts to promote the development of fashion, while also enabling cultural traditions to be inherited and innovated in the new era.

4.3.  Popular culture and fashion dissemination

Popular culture plays an important role in the dissemination of fashion. With the development of technologies such as the Internet and social media, the dissemination speed of fashion information has been greatly improved [2]. Fashion bloggers, celebrities, etc., have become leaders of fashion trends. They share their fashion outfits through social media, attracting a large number of fans to imitate them. Popular elements in popular culture, such as clothing styles in movies, music, TV dramas, and other works, often trigger fashion trends. For example, clothing props in some popular film and television works can quickly become hot-selling products in the fashion market. The dissemination of popular culture has made fashion more diverse and democratic, allowing the general public to access fashion information more easily and participate in the creation and dissemination of fashion trends. At the same time, popular culture is constantly shaping people’s fashion concepts and aesthetic standards, further influencing the interaction between fashion and identity [2].

5.  Conclusion

Through the analysis of theories and literature related to fashion and identity, this paper explores the complex relationship between them and their roles in socio-cultural construction. As a symbolic system, fashion has become an important representation of identity in multiple dimensions such as gender, culture, and social class. It not only reflects the identity characteristics of individuals and groups but also continuously shapes and constructs identity. Meanwhile, socio-cultural factors such as social expectations, cultural traditions, and popular culture have a profound impact on the interaction between fashion and identity. They are intertwined, jointly forming a dynamic socio-cultural ecosystem.

This study does not further expand on fashion identity. Future research can broaden the perspective on fashion and identity, such as strengthening research on emerging fashion cultural phenomena and focusing on the impact of new technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence on fashion and identity. In cross-cultural research, it can deeply explore the interaction mechanism of fashion and identity between different cultures and how to construct a more diverse and inclusive fashion culture in the context of globalization. In addition, empirical research can be strengthened by obtaining more direct data through questionnaires, interviews, etc., to verify and deepen relevant theoretical research results, providing stronger support for fashion research and socio-cultural development.