South Korean Fashion (2024)

Recent years have seen a huge increase in both the domestic and international popularity of modern South Korean fashion and makeup, sometimes known as K-Fashion or K-Style. Young people all over the world are readily consuming Korean fashion and beauty as K-pop and K-dramas gain popularity. This is partly due to the growth of beauty bloggers and vloggers; other social media platforms; and the successful all-encompassing K-Pop festivals. Likewise, the fashion of South Korea is renowned for being expressive and reflecting an individual sense of self.

Historical Background

Modern South Korean fashion got its start in the late 1800s with the incorporation of western ideas. The Korean hanbok was the standard attire before that, during the Joseon era (1392–1897). Hanboks were common clothing, but the wealthy wore more expensive versions. As a result of the Japanese rule of Korea (1910–1945), when the Japanese colonial administration fostered modernization, Koreans began to adopt western fashion around the beginning of the 20th century. Fashion developed a more militaristic look during the Second World War that persisted through the war’s conclusion, the liberation of Korea from Japan, and the start of the Korean War. Due to poverty and a lack of fabric supplies, clothing had to be created simply and frequently in dark colours. By this period, mostly women were still donning hanboks.

Following the Korean War, the 1950s saw the emergence of novel haircuts, including the crimped hairdo, the popularity of the swimsuit, and more vibrant makeup options that were influenced by the United States. Additionally, the modern fashion industry emerged. The International Western Clothing Company debuted in Seoul in December 1954, offering South Korea’s first fashion instruction. By the 1970s, there had been a change in the way fashion trends were created, with consumers as the new trendsetters and drivers of fashion rather than designers. As a result of urban modernization, off-the-rack clothing brands, brand-focused shops, and department stores with new and approachable distribution channels all grew as a result.

Another youth-driven fashion movement featuring casual clothes emerged in the 1980s. Blue jeans, T-shirts, and western brands like Reebok became the norm in terms of clothing. The goods and culture of K-Fashion and K-Beauty have had an effect on the international market since 2000. Local and international consumers have access to Korean fashion and cosmetic products, which are thriving in the cutthroat market thanks to smartphones and internet accessibility.

Hanbok: South Korean Traditional Dress

The traditional Korean outfit is called a hanbok. It is only worn these days on rare events or on anniversaries. Many Koreans keep a hanbok on hand for formal occasions since it is a formal outfit.

The traditional hanbok was lovely in its own right, but through the years, the style has gradually evolved. Hanbok’s beautiful shape and brilliant colours, which have had a significant influence on the current fashion industry, are its essential features. It is gradually undergoing a revolution as a result of the changing fabrics, colours, and features that reflect the most recent style. Many aspiring hanbok designers have modified hanbok for everyday use, giving it a distinctly modern feel while still maintaining traditional aspects at its core.

Essentials of South Korean fashion

It includes -

Schoolgirl Look

In Korea, the uniform has evolved from being a traditional daily school outfit to a fashionable everyday look. An A-line skirt is a requirement, and it looks great with a beret, loafers, and a simple long-sleeved top or a button-down shirt.

Pastel Hues

In Korea, the uniform has evolved from being a traditional daily school outfit to a fashionable everyday look. An A-line skirt is a requirement, and it looks great with a beret, loafers, and a simple long-sleeved top or a button-down shirt.

Over-the-top Dress

During spring and summer, this pattern predominated, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. This ‘90s trend is making a comeback because in Korea, baring your shoulders or chest area is viewed as being quite inappropriate. Most women also find it uncomfortable to wear, even in the sweltering heat. This look is very popular with K-celebrities.

Ripped Jeans

The Koreans are serious about their ripped denim. It’s the ideal everyday outfit that can be worn during the day and at night. The trick is to keep things straightforward and make the jeans the focal point of your ensemble. However, since they are jeans, there isn’t a set way to wear them. But you may be sure that wearing them with assurance will enhance your appearance.

Sneakers

If you haven’t already noticed, the majority of these outfits all include sneakers. Sneakers give any outfit that cool Korean style element, whether it be a feminine dress or comfortable denim.

Sportswear

The majority of Korean fashion trends are influenced by streetwear, and athleisure is the go-to look for any young Korean when it comes to casual or off-duty attire. Depending on the situation, sweatpants and hoodies can be dressed down or up. Additionally, it’s the ideal dress to wear to the airport, so you can travel comfortably and stylishly.

A Modern Feminine Blouse

In Korea, ruffled and lacy blouses are fashionable because they give jeans a soft, feminine touch. This garment should be one of your closet basics if you don’t typically wear dresses but still want to appear “dressy.”

Extra-large Pullovers

The best thing about Korean fashion is how comfortable it is. The majority of these necessary items are non-restrictive and simple to wear. Pullovers that are too big create a carefree, relaxed appearance.

Hats Headwear, such as beanies, baseball caps, berets, bucket hats, and newsboy caps, may round off any look by adding a little more flair.

Layering

Koreans are pros at mixing and matching whatever is in their closet by layering basic items. In order to create a distinctive, stylish look once you have these elements, experiment with basics and statement pieces.

Couple Attire

Fashion has two options for Koreans in committed partnerships. This could appear strange, corny, or over the top to anyone who is not familiar with K-fashion. For Koreans, though, this is merely another way for couples to demonstrate their compatibility while out and about in public. All you have to do is coordinate your outfit with your special someone’s by wearing a similar shirt, bottom, or pair of sneakers.

Conclusion

Fashion has always been a part of Korean culture, but it has never been as big (or as popular) as it is now. Korean fashion has now become a rising trend throughout the world. Korea’s popularity has increased along with K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean films, and vice versa. Koreans, both men and women, are renowned for having flawless style in daily life. Important traditional values in South Korea include harmony and a sense of community, and you can see the blending of these even in Korean design.