Image of clothes by Pexels from Pixabay
By Mhia Vignoulle
Fashion isn’t simply about aesthetics, looks, or prices. It connects itself to far more than we often realise. Fashion is influenced by politics, culture, economics, food, people, and — at the focus of today’s conversation — practicality.
Practical fashion tends to focus on durable materials and versatile pieces rather than purely visual appeal. Yet what is fascinating is how items originally created for practical purposes often evolve into fashion statements.
Throughout history, fashion pieces have shifted in aesthetic, purpose, and even political positioning. And when the history behind the pieces we wear is unknown, discovering their original purpose can be surprising.
Many items that feel decorative today were once purely functional.
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves date back as far as the 18th century. Gloves in women’s wardrobes became classified as essential during the early 19th century. From delicate lace mitts to dramatic arm-length gloves, they came in many forms and were worn for various occasions.
However, their roots lie in practicality. In ancient Greece and Rome, workers and soldiers used fingerless gloves to keep their hands warm while still maintaining full grip and mobility. This made them particularly useful for tasks such as archery, where dexterity was essential.
By the 18th century, fingerless gloves were commonly used by writers and by people performing household duties, as they provided warmth while allowing the fingers to remain free for work. While they certainly carried an aesthetic appeal, their design was largely practical. Today, fingerless gloves often appear as a stylistic accessory, worn to add character to an outfit rather than out of necessity. They are also helpful when using a mobile phone in the cold.
Bum bags
Image of bum bag by Lightfield Studios from Adobe Stock
When it comes to practicality, the bum bag – or fanny pack (rude!) – may be one of fashion’s most obvious examples.
The concept dates back more than 5,000 years to Ötzi the Iceman, the naturally preserved mummy discovered in the Ötztal Alps. Ötzi carried what historians believe to be an early version of a belt pouch made from calf leather. It was used to store essential items — most likely tools needed for hunting and travelling.
Over time, this simple pouch evolved into different styles and uses. In more recent history, belt bags were adopted by skaters, construction workers, and tourists who needed easy access to their belongings. Their popularity peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when brightly coloured versions became part of the era’s neon-heavy fashion aesthetic.
Today, the bum bag continues to exist in both luxury and streetwear fashion, proving that practicality can remain stylish across generations.
Tiny Purses
Image of purse by Artandmore from Adobe Stock
Reticules — what we would now call tiny purses — became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. At the time, they were often mocked and nicknamed “ridicules” because of their small size.
Despite the criticism, they served a simple and specific purpose: holding money. In fact, they had more in common with modern wallets than handbags.
Women during this period often wore wide hoop petticoats that contained numerous hidden pockets, allowing them to store personal items within their clothing. Because of this built-in storage, a small handheld bag that carried only money was both practical and, arguably, fashionably pleasing.
Today, however, the practicality of tiny purses is questionable. In a time where people carry phones, wallets, keys, and more, their size often makes them impractical. Yet many fashion houses continue to showcase them on runways. Brands such as Jacquemus and Balenciaga frequently experiment with miniature bags, keeping them relevant even if their usefulness is limited. They remain something many people view as impractical — perhaps even “ridiculous” — but undeniably cute.
Practical fashion today
Even in modern wardrobes, practicality and style continue to overlap.
Alex Gageneau, a 19-year-old university student at London Metropolitan University, shared how practicality influences his own style. “I would say probably my glasses,” he explained. “Sure, I do need them a bit to see, but it’s not like I see completely differently with them on. I decided to wear them every day because I think they suit my face shape and add character to my outfits.”
For fashion enthusiast and graphic design student from Belgium, Lulla Van Stansteel, a belt is another example of a practical item that has become a styling tool. While it serves the obvious purpose of holding clothing in place, she often uses it to shape an outfit and add structure.
Fashion constantly proves that practicality and style are not opposites. Instead, the two often evolve together — transforming everyday necessities into defining fashion statements.
Leave a Reply