6 Things You Didn't Know About The Color Black in Fashion
So, black — it's the color you throw on when you're in a rush, when you want to look effortlessly chic, or when you just can't decide.
It's everywhere in fashion, right?
But honestly, there's way more to it than just being a safe choice.
Black's history in fashion is full of surprising twists, weird symbolism, and even some serious luxury.
Whether you're into fashion or just love wearing black because it "goes with everything," you're about to see this color in a whole new light.
Let's unpack six cool, little-known things about the color black in fashion.
Some of this might even make you appreciate that plain black hoodie a bit more.
Table of Contents
- 1. Black Meant Mourning
- 2. The Rise of LBD
- 3. Black Was a Luxury
- 4. Black Is Rebellious
- 5. Not All Black
- 6. Black Means Power
- Sources & References
- Images Sources & Attributions
1. Black Meant Mourning
For a long time in the West, black wasn't stylish — it was somber.
Way before it became everyone's go-to for sleek, urban style, black clothes were linked to death, grief, and religious devotion.
In places like Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, black was the color people wore to funerals and during periods of mourning.
It was also what priests and monks wore, as a symbol of humility and seriousness.
Not exactly the fashion-forward look back then.
Even into the 19th century, especially in Victorian England, widows were expected to wear black for years after their husbands died.
It was practically a uniform.
So when you think about how we use black today — for date nights, cocktail parties, or red carpet events — it's kind of wild to remember its gloomy past.
But it's also a reminder: fashion isn't just about clothes.
It's about culture, tradition, and how things evolve.
2. The Rise of LBD
The little black dress (yeah, the one you probably have hanging in your closet) didn't just happen.
It was introduced as a kind of fashion rebellion.
Coco Chanel is the one who really brought the LBD into the spotlight in the 1920s.
Her vision?
A dress that was elegant but not over-the-top.
Something simple, affordable, and wearable for any woman.
Before this, black dresses were still seen as funeral-wear by most people.
Chanel flipped the script.
By the 1930s, fashion magazines were calling the LBD "the Ford of fashion" — as in, everyone needs one, just like a car.
These days, the LBD is a go-to for everything from dinner parties to job interviews.
But at the time, it was pretty bold.
A quick peek at why the LBD became iconic:
It was versatile (could be dressed up or down).
It made elegance more accessible.
It worked for any body type.
It was affordable compared to flashy gowns.
So next time you throw one on, just know you're part of a fashion movement.
3. Black Was a Luxury
Here's something you probably didn't expect — black used to be super fancy.
Like, "I have money" levels of fancy.
Back in the day (we're talking Renaissance Europe), getting a deep, rich black dye wasn't easy.
The dyeing process was complicated, and good black fabrics faded fast.
So, keeping them dark and dramatic was costly.
Only the rich could afford clothes that stayed black.
That's why portraits of wealthy people from the 1500s often show them in deep black velvet or satin.
It was a power move.
And if you go back even further, to ancient times, natural black dyes from plants and insects often came out more brownish or gray.
Getting that true black was an art (and a serious expense).
| Era | Black Dye Status | Who Wore It |
|---|---|---|
| Renaissance | Very expensive | Royalty, nobility |
| Medieval | Symbolic, but dull | Clergy, mourners |
| 19th century | More accessible | Middle & upper class |
| 20th century | Mass production boom | Everyone |
Eventually, synthetic dyes made it cheaper, but that luxe origin story?
Still kind of cool.
4. Black Is Rebellious
Yeah, we associate black with class and elegance now, but it's also the color of rebellion.
It's like fashion's favorite double agent.
Think about the goth movement in the '80s — all black everything, heavy eyeliner, trench coats.
It was anti-mainstream.
Same with punks in the '70s rocking black leather jackets and DIY black tees.
The color became a uniform for nonconformity.
Even beatniks and early rock stars in the '50s embraced black as a sign of rebellion.
It said, "I'm not trying to fit in."
And that didn't stop there.
Minimalist fashion, tech CEOs wearing all black, streetwear looks — they're all using black to stand out, not blend in.
Rebellious black style vibes:
Black leather jackets with metal hardware
Black combat boots or platform shoes
Graphic black tees with protest art
Heavy eyeliner or dark lipstick
So, black's not just about looking chic.
It's about making a statement — and sometimes, that statement is "I don't care what you think."
5. Not All Black
Here's where things get surprisingly nerdy — not all black fabrics look the same.
They might be the same color, technically, but they don't reflect light the same way.
Ever notice how some black shirts look "blacker" than others?
It's not your imagination.
Texture and fiber type change how the light hits it.
A black silk blouse will shine.
A black cotton tee?
Matte.
A black wool coat?
Deep and fuzzy.
Some blacks even have hints of other colors depending on the fabric — a blue-ish tone under sunlight, or a reddish tint under warm lighting.
| Fabric Type | Black Appearance | Light Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Silk | Shiny, slick black | High |
| Cotton | Soft, faded black | Low |
| Velvet | Deep, rich black | Variable |
| Leather | Glossy or matte black | Medium to high |
These small differences matter when putting together outfits.
Mixing textures — like matte with shine — adds contrast even if everything's technically black.
Also worth noting:
Black jeans fade faster than black leggings.
Synthetic fabrics hold black longer than natural ones.
Washing technique changes how long black stays vibrant.
So yeah, it's not just "black." It's which black.
6. Black Means Power
Okay, this one's kind of a global deep-dive.
Depending on where you are in the world, black might symbolize completely different things.
In Western cultures, it still carries some weight as a color for mourning or sadness.
But it also screams confidence — think black suits, black heels, power dresses.
In other places, though, black is tied to magic, spiritual strength, or even protection.
In some African traditions, black can represent maturity and ancestral wisdom.
In Japan, black is often seen as a symbol of mystery and dignity, not just gloom.
Basically, black is flexible.
It shifts meaning based on the vibe — or the culture.
A few cultural meanings of black:
Japan: Dignity, formality, mystery
India: Protection from evil
Western cultures: Mourning, elegance, power
Africa (varies by region): Wisdom, spiritual power
And that might explain why black is so enduring in fashion — it's a color with range.
It works across occasions, across cultures, and across moods.
So the next time you reach for something black in your closet, remember — you're not just picking a "safe" option.
You're wearing a color with centuries of baggage, glam, rebellion, mystery, and yes, even a touch of magic.
From luxury to punk, funerals to fashion weeks, black has done it all.
That's probably why it's still one of the most loved colors in the fashion world.
It's more than just flattering — it's fascinating.
And really, what other color can pull all that off?
Sources & References
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