Proposta Comercial Minimalista

Intercultural Management for incomings

Influence of Culture on Dress Code

Hana Suljic, Matilde Soares, Guillermo García-Almuzara, Rafael Brzuske

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Index

Cultural origins of clothing

01

05

Clothing in the workplace

Clothing in terms of culture, business and religious beliefs

02

Generacional change in Clothing

06

Clothes based on gender

03

Influence of social movements in Clothing

07

Clothing as a form of feeling expression

04

Cultural origins of clothing

Functionality and Climate

Symbolism and Social Status

Early clothing protected against the environment, such as animal skin for warmth in cold climates.

Clothing often reflected hierarchy, such as ornate attire for nobility in ancient Egypt.

Materials Reflect Geography

Regions shaped clothing based on local materials like wool in Europe or silk in Asia.

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How clothing refelcts culture and religious beliefs

Religious Modesty

Cultural Identity

Many religions advocate modest clothing, like hijabs in Islam or specific Christian attire.

Traditional attire, like kimonos or saris, symbolizes cultural heritage and pride.

Distinctive Religious Garments

Color Significance

Specific roles and rituals use unique attire, like Buddhist monk robes or Jewish tallits.

Colors convey meanings, such as red for celebration in Asia or black for mourning in the West.

Spiritual Purity

Festivals and Ceremonies

Clothing, such as white for Hindu ceremonies, symbolizes purity and spirituality.

Special attire honors traditions during events like Diwali or the Day of the Dead.

Restrictions in Clothing

Modern Influence and Fusion

Some faiths restrict specific materials or styles, reflecting adherence to doctrines.

Globalization merges traditional designs with contemporary styles.

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Clothing as a form of feeling expression

What we wear often conveys how we feel, how we want to be perceived, or even the emotions we wish to evoke in others.

Subcultures and Emotional Alignment

Style Choices and Identity

Seasonal Influence

Color and Emotion

Clothes based on gender

3. Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE

2. East Asia: Japan, China, Korea

1. South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh

6.Indigenous Cultures: America, Australia

5. Western Cultures: USA, UK, France

4. Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa

Clothes based on gender

8. South America: Brazil, Peru, Argentina

7. Europe: Scandinavia, Mediterranen Countries

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Clothing in the workplace

South Asia

Middle East

East Asia

Western Countries

Regional Differences

Modesty Western Influence

Conservative and Uniform

Business Formal Business Casual

Clothing in the workplace

Australia and New Zealand

Latin America

Africa

Professionalism Traditional Touches Warm Climates

Casual Approach Practicality Over Formality

Cultural Colours and Patterns

Generacional change in Clothing

1997

1920

1945

1965

1981

Generation Z

Millennials

Generation X

Baby Boomers

Silent Generation

Fashion is now more inclusive, with an emphasis on authenticity and self-expression. The rise of vintage clothing and genderless fashion represents this shift.

Influenced by technology and social media, millennials value sustainability, fast fashion, and customization.

In this period, grunge, minimalist, and sporty styles became popular, reflecting a focus on practicality and casualness.

Fashion became more diverse. Styles like hippie, punk, and preppy emerged, reflecting a shift toward individuality and rebellion.

This period of history is characterized by women's clothing being more conservative, while men typically wore formal suits.

Factors Influencing Generational Change

Technological advancements

The development of new fabrics and digital tools has transformed how fashion is designed and consumed, making trends more accessible and customizable.

Media and social networks

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok drive the rapid spread of trends globally. They allow anyone to share and create trends, leading to faster and more varied fashion cycles.

The evolution of fashion across generations is shaped by several key factors.

Globalization

The blending of styles across cultures has enabled younger generations to incorporate international influences, making fashion more inclusive and diverse.

Influence of social movements in Clothing

4. Environmental Movements

2. LGBT+ Movement

This movement has played a pivotal role in the acceptance and popularity of gender-neutral and unisex fashion.

With growing awareness of environmental issues, sustainable fashion has emerged as a major movement.

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3. Civil Rights Movement and Black Power

1. Feminist Movements

Since the 1960s, feminism has significantly impacted fashion by breaking away from restrictive and stereotypical gender norms.

The African American civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s brought cultural pride to the forefront of fashion.

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Indigenous Design and Spirituality

Indigenous clothing incorporated symbols and motifs tied to beliefs and nature.

Gender Distinctions

Societies used clothing to define and reflect gender roles and responsibilities.

Europe

Asia

7. Europe: Scandinavia, Mediterranean Countries

• Men: tunics, trousers (minimalist), light linen clothing;
• Women: bunads, amalia costumes.

3. Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE

• Men: thawb, keffiyeh (plain, functional);
• Women: Abaya, hijab (modest, hidden embellishments);
• Difference: Men neutral – women subtle self-expression within cultural norms.

Western Countries

Business Formal: Men: suits with ties; Women: tailored suits or dresses. Neutral colors. Business Casual: jeans paired with a blazer, smart shirts, sneakers, or flats in more relaxed offices. Flexibility based on the season (e.g., lighter fabrics in summer), Individualism within professional boundaries, personal style (e.g., colorful ties or accessories).

East Asia

Conservative and Uniform: In Japan, many companies expect conservative attire, such as dark suits for men and modest dresses or skirt suits for women. Accessories are minimal. Avoidance of standing out to emphasize group harmony. In South Korea, women - expectations to wear makeup and high heels (slowly evolving).

Middle East

Modesty: adhere to modesty, reflecting Islamic cultural norms. Men traditional attire women abayas, headscarves in certain regions. Western Influence usually conservative

Subcultures and Emotional Alignment

• Gothic or punk attire may express rebellion or introspection.
• Athletic wear often signals an energetic or health-conscious mindset.

Color and Emotion

• Bright colors (yellow, orange) often reflect happiness, energy, or excitement.
• Cool tones (blue, green) can signal calmness, serenity, or melancholy.
• Dark shades (black, deep burgundy) might convey sophistication, mystery, or sadness.
• Bold contrasts can suggest confidence and creativity.

Australia and New Zealand

Casual Approach: even in formal workplaces. "Smart casual" = frequent dress code, with chinos, blouses, and loafers,… Practicality Over Formality: Outdoor industries or professions related to agriculture: practical and weather-appropriate clothing

Latin America

Professionalism, well-tailored clothing, even in hot climates. Traditional Touches: Regional influences, such as guayabera shirts in tropical countries - acceptable Warm Climates: Light fabrics and vibrant patterns in creative or less formal industries

5. Western Cultures: USA, UK, France

• Men: suits jeans, casual, functional, neutral;
• Women: dresses, skirts, suits, jeans, casual;
• Difference: Women's clothing has more creative freedom.

Men's is more functional.

2. East Asia: Japan, China, Korea

• Men: Hakama, Zhongshan (Mao suits), hanbok;
• Women: Kimonos, qipaos, hanboks;
• Key Difference: Women’s clothing emphasises elegance, delicacy, men´s masculinity and authority.

Style Choices and Identity

• Relaxed fits and casual clothing might reflect a desire for comfort or ease.
• Structured, formal attire often conveys professionalism or a sense of control.
• Flowy, bohemian outfits can express freedom or artistic inclinations.

Clothing in Business Contexts

Professional Attire Reflects Cultural Values

Traditional Attire as Identity Preservation

Color Symbolism in Business

Adaptations for Cultural Festivals

Influence of Modernization on Dress Codes

Challenges in Cross-Cultural Dress Management

Seasonal Influence

• Bright floral prints in spring often reflect renewal and joy.
• Warm, layered outfits in autumn can convey coziness and reflection.

Environmental movements

Advocates for sustainable fashion promote the responsible production and consumption of clothing, encouraging eco-friendly practices, ethical labor standards, and reduced waste. Designers increasingly focus on using organic or recycled materials, creating clothing that has a smaller ecological footprint. The movement urges consumers to prioritize quality over quantity, fostering a "buy less, buy better" mentality that contrasts sharply with the fast fashion model. This shift has helped redefine fashion’s role, aligning it with values of environmental consciousness and ethical responsibility.

Africa

Nigeria- traditional attire (e.g., agbada, boubou) in professional settings alongside Western suits and dresses Cultural Colours and Patterns: vibrant colours and patterns reflecting local heritage (usually on special days or in less formal industries) North Africa- modesty in workplace

Feminist Movements

Feminist ideals pushed for clothing that emphasized comfort, functionality, and freedom, leading to practical choices like pants, power suits, and less restrictive garments for women. Power suits, for example, became symbols of equality and strength, allowing women to embody authority in traditionally male-dominated spaces. This trend has continued, with contemporary feminist influences seen in clothing that rejects outdated ideals of beauty and prioritizes self-expression and autonomy.

LGBT+ Movements

By challenging rigid gender norms, the LGBT+ community has promoted inclusivity and diversity in style, making genderless clothing mainstream. Today, fashion brands are increasingly offering collections that defy traditional gender distinctions, giving people the freedom to express themselves without being limited by gendered categories. This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing individuality and fluidity, making clothing an open expression of identity.

4. Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa

Men: Agbada, dashiki, Maasai shukas; Women: Buba and wrapper -Vibrant patterns, kangas, beaded attire; Difference: Men's simple – women's symbolic designs.

Civil Rights Movement and Black Power

The adoption of the afro hairstyle and traditional African-inspired clothing represented acts of resistance and cultural affirmation. Clothing choices, like dashikis and bright, patterned fabrics, became symbols of Black identity, pride, and solidarity. These trends influenced mainstream fashion, as the movement highlighted the importance of heritage and self-respect through style, creating lasting representations of Black culture in fashion.

1. South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh

• Men: Dhoti, kurta, sherwani, or influenced by Western modern fashion;
• Women: Sarees, salwar kameez, vibranr colours, embroidery, jewelry;
• Difference: Women's clothing more ornate symbolizes femininity and status.

6. Indigenous Cultures: America, Australia

• Men: buckskin, cloaks from kangaroo skins;
• Women: woven skirts, beaded accessories;
• Difference: women's more decorative.

8. South America: Brazil, Peru, Argentina

• Men: light tropical inspired clothea, ponchos and chullos, gauchos wear bombachas
• Women: carnival costumes, polleras skirts, dresses for tango
• Difference: Women's sensual and highlights festivity – men's practical

South Asia

Regional Differences: urban offices often lean towards Western-style attire, government sectors traditional dress