Historic

Judge This Shirt by Its Cover: An Analysis of Slogan T-shirts Worn by Black Women Millennials for Social Equity

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Abstract

Slogan T-shirts enable wearers to communicate powerful messaging through overt representation of one’s loyalties, opinions, and/or affiliations (Talbot, 2013). The variety of styles, affordability, and uniqueness of slogan T-shirts allows individuals to express opinions on politics and societal issues (Talbot, 2013; Klerk, 2018). Slogan T-shirts are often a central part of social movements’ messaging outlets. In this research, we expand past literature by analyzing how Black women millennials utilize slogan T-shirts to negotiate self-identity and communications of activist messaging as millennials have significantly increased their engagement with cause movements (Taft, 2018). Our research was informed by Black feminist thought and style—fashion—dress as we explored the relationships between Black women, dress, racism, and power (Collins, 2009; Kaiser, 2012; Tulloch, 2010).

Keywords: activism, fashion, punk, ACT UP, Black feminist thought

How to Cite:

Matthews, D. & Reddy-Best, k. L., (2022) “Judge This Shirt by Its Cover: An Analysis of Slogan T-shirts Worn by Black Women Millennials for Social Equity”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13741