Term

Definition

Example

Armband

A simple piece of fabric worn on the arm to symbolize solidarity or protest.

Civil rights activists in the 1960s wore black armbands to mourn victims of racial violence and signal unity.

Bandana

Worn around the neck or face, a symbol of rebellion historically linked to labor movements and environmental activism.

Zapatista movement (1994), where red and black bandanas symbolized solidarity with Indigenous peoples in Mexico.

Black Bloc

A protest tactic where individuals wear all-black clothing to signify unity, anonymity, and resistance.

Anti-globalization protests (1999) in Seattle featured protesters dressed in black to oppose capitalist exploitation.

Camouflage Print

Originally military attire, used in resistance wear to symbolize rebellion or critique of militarism.

Black Panther Party (1960s-70s) members wore camouflage jackets to symbolize the fight against systemic oppression.

Clenched Fist Imagery

A common motif on clothing representing resistance, solidarity, and power.

Black Power Salute (1968 Olympics), where athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos wore black gloves and raised their fists.

Distressed Denim

Torn or worn jeans used to reject polished aesthetics and express solidarity with working-class struggles.

Punk movement (1970s-80s), where ripped jeans became icons of anti-establishment style.

DIY Punk Aesthetic

Studded jackets, patches, and ripped shirts linked to anti-establishment attitudes.

Vivienne Westwood’s punk designs (1970s) became symbols of rebellion and DIY fashion.

Graffiti Fashion

Clothing with spray-paint or graffiti-inspired designs that echo urban protest culture.

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s influence on 1980s streetwear made graffiti a statement of urban resistance.

Handmade Activism

DIY or handmade clothing used to subvert consumerism and emphasize grassroots efforts.

AIDS Memorial Quilt (1987), where squares made by loved ones created a visual protest against government inaction.

Keffiyeh

A traditional Middle Eastern scarf adopted globally as a symbol of resistance and solidarity.

Popularized by Yasser Arafat, representing Palestinian resistance and solidarity with their struggles.

Mask/Face Covering

Functional and symbolic, masks in resistance wear protect identity and highlight issues like air pollution or surveillance.

Hong Kong protests (2019-2020), where protesters wore masks to protect their identities.

Patchwork Protest

Garments made with patches or embroidery that convey political messages.

Climate Quilt campaigns featured handmade clothing with environmental messages to highlight grassroots efforts.

Pussy Hat

A pink knit hat symbolizing women’s empowerment and protest.

Worn during the Women’s March (2017) to protest sexism and policies of the Trump administration.

Rainbow Fashion

Clothing in rainbow colors as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and resistance against discrimination.

Rainbow flag and clothing became iconic during the Stonewall Riots anniversary (1979).

Safety Clothing

Hi-vis vests and helmets symbolizing labor rights and solidarity with workers.

Coal miner strikes in the UK (1984-85) saw miners marching in their work attire.

Safety Pin Fashion

A symbol of solidarity and safety for marginalized groups, often incorporated into clothing during protests.

Post-Brexit solidarity movement (2016), where safety pins were worn to support immigrants and minorities facing xenophobia.

Slogan T-shirts

Clothing printed with political or activist messages.

Katharine Hamnett’s 'Choose Life' T-shirt (1983), worn by activists and musicians, became an iconic protest against war and environmental degradation.

Suffragette White

White clothing symbolizing purity and equality, linked to women’s suffrage movements.

Women’s Suffrage Marches (1910s) featured white dresses to signify unity in the fight for voting rights.

Utility Fashion

Practical, multi-pocket clothing used in protests to carry essentials, symbolizing readiness for action.

Yellow Vests protests in France (2018-2019), where high-visibility vests symbolized working-class struggles.