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In Defense of Wrinkles
NEWSLETTER
10/22/20261 min read
Today, I have an open ended thought for you:
We worry about wrinkles in our clothing almost as much as we obsess over wrinkles on our face. Why?
Ironing our clothing goes way back in history and was a sign of status. A neat, crisp appearance meant that you were tidy and clean, and therefore you were reputable.
Today, I wonder what impact synthetic fibers and fast fashion have on our expectations of wrinkle free clothing. Clothing made from polyester tends to wrinkle less than pieces made from cotton or linen due to the chemical makeup of the fibers. Fast fashion means clothing rarely exits the “brand new” stage of its lifecycle. We also have ads for clothing being edited, artificially achieving that crisp appearance. This all encourages clothing that is smoothed to perfection.
But this perfection is contrived and backtracks me on my clothing journey. I want to have MORE natural fibers in my wardrobe, not less. I want to embrace the natural progression of my clothing aging as I keep it for years, rather than buying into the narrative that once I’ve been seen in an outfit I shouldn't wear it again. I want to let go of my pursuit of perfection to make room for enjoyment.
Doesn’t that mean finding beauty in a shirt that has been wrinkled throughout the day as it’s supported us from task to task? Is a crisp pant always essential, or can a fold in the fabric be a sign that we’re allowing fabric to show up naturally when that suits us? Can a little hole or patch in your skirt mean a well loved garment, rather than personal slovenliness?
Maybe wrinkles in our clothing carry the same meaning as wrinkles on our face: it’s a sign of life.
