In recent years, the fashion industry has notably shifted towards everyday casual wear, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing comfort and versatility. This has led to more casual-focused fast fashion retailers such as Shein, Fashion Nova, H&M, and Zara, now dominating the industry. Post-pandemic, relaxed dress codes for workplaces and events have significantly reduced formalwear demand, compelling many formalwear brands to downsize their store spaces and ramp up online marketing strategies.
The formalwear sector in the U.S. anticipates substantial adjustments, including transitioning to more casual and versatile designs, such as unstructured jackets and relaxed silhouettes. However, a Reddit thread in the Unpopular Opinion subreddit sparked a lively discussion on this topic, resonating deeply with many users. The original poster (OP) posted a thread, "The decrease of more formal attire has gone too far," arguing that people no longer take pride in their appearance in public spaces.
The thread, which has garnered over 13,000 upvotes, highlights the concern of one Redditor who feels that society's dressing standards have plummeted significantly. The fashion trend towards more casual wear continues to grow, leading to heated debates about whether the decrease in formal attire has gone too far.
From the OP (original poster):
The OP expressed disdain for seeing individuals in overly revealing athleisure wear or pajamas in places like grocery stores or casual restaurants, emphasizing his preference for people to wear "normal pants/shorts and an actual shirt." He stated that the unkempt appearance of some individuals makes them look disorganized and, in his view, 'unworthy of social or professional association.' Although he acknowledged the harshness of judging people based on appearance, he remained adamant that certain decorum and self-respect should be maintained in public spaces.
This thread sparked diverse reactions, showcasing a variety of consumer opinions:
The controversial post attracted over 3.1K comments, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions. Some Redditors humorously embraced unconventional fashion choices, with comments suggesting a return to cloaks, capes, or steampunk-inspired attire as an antidote to contemporary dressing sensibilities.
Others increasingly focused on comfort, with one user remarking,
"The older I get, the more I go with comfort... I'm not gonna show up to a wedding in sweats and flip flops, but if I’m going to Walmart in a pair of joggers and a hoodie, I don’t care what anybody thinks of it."
Several users condemned the state of public decorum, highlighting encounters with individuals wearing nightgowns and slippers in grocery stores or pajamas to courtrooms. These anecdotes proves a fundamental shift in societal dress standards, fueled partly by the blurring lines between home and public life.
On the flip side, many participants defended their sartorial choices, citing convenience and personal freedom as primary motivators. A notable number pointed to the stresses and challenges of daily life, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada, as reasons for prioritizing comfort over conventional fashion norms. As one user succinctly put it,
"Function over aesthetics—it's not like they're dropping a transmission; they're just getting food off a shelf. Life is hard enough, stay comfy."
Moreover, proponents of casual dressing highlighted that caring less about others' opinions about their appearance can be liberating and nonconformist. For instance, one comment pointed out, "Did it ever occur to you that I don't care what random strangers think of my appearance when I'm out buying crackers?" emphasizing the insignificance of strangers' judgments during mundane activities.
However, a few voices called for balance despite this divide, encouraging consideration of context and occasion in dressing choices. They argued that while casual clothing is appropriate for errands, settings like fancy restaurants, theaters, or formal events deserve more effort and decorum. This sentiment echoes traditional views on fashion, which suggest that dressing appropriately for different occasions reflects respect for oneself and others.
Final Thoughts
The Reddit thread reflects a broader societal debate that balances evolving fashion norms, personal freedom, and social expectations. While some champion the shift towards comfort and individual expression, others mourn the loss of traditional standards that define public decorum and respect. As fashion evolves, the tension between these perspectives will likely persist, fueling ongoing debate about what we wear and why.
