Liberty University Clothing History: From Modesty to Innovation
Liberty University, founded in 1971 in Lynchburg, Virginia, has a unique and evolving relationship with fashion. From its early emphasis on modest dress to its students pushing the boundaries of style and sustainability, Liberty's clothing history reflects broader cultural shifts while maintaining its distinct Christian identity.
Early Years: Defining Modesty
Like many other Christian schools, Liberty established specific dress standards for its students. In the early years of Liberty, what we would consider "modest fashion" today was all people knew of fashion. High collars and floor-length skirts were the norm in any pre-1920s era, and even later. These standards prohibited shorts or crop tops in class, as well as spandex or cutoffs at the gym.
The Impact of Cultural Shifts
The onset of World War One caused Victorian prudishness to finally unravel. Women took a more independent and significant role in society, men were out on the front lines, and the meanings behind fashion were about to change. By the 1920s, American culture saw the economy begin to bloom and hemlines begin to rise.
The university's dress code reflects broader trends in modesty, which has seen a resurgence in recent years. The economic distress of 2020 may have caused hemlines to lower and looser-fitting clothing to begin trending again. Maxi skirts and relaxed trousers have made their way back onto our feed.
Liberty's Unique Fashion Niche
Despite these restrictions, Liberty has cultivated a surprisingly fashion-forward environment. As a freshman coming from a public high school with little dress code whatsoever, students wondered how this could be the case. Liberty has created its own fashion niche.
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Liberty's fashion niche has the power to break the stigmatisms around "Christian fashion" in our contemporary culture. Christian fashion is often defined by what people see of Christians on TV (think: 19 Kids and Counting… yikes), but we know fashion isn’t a simple binary. The university's students have found creative ways to express themselves within the bounds of the dress code, blending personal style with modesty standards.
The Rise of Liberty Apparel
Liberty University has become a brand that is recognizable. When you think of Liberty, you think of LU. Sales really spiked because everybody wants the new merchandise.
The university's popularity has led to a growing demand for Liberty-branded apparel. Walmart has capitalized on this demand, expanding the brand to the point where Liberty merchandise may be available nationwide one day.
Fans can support Liberty today with university clothing that allows you to show off your school spirit in style. Campus Wardrobe has a ton of officially licensed t-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, and hats that can be ordered online (free shipping is included). Purchase our top-notch Game Day apparel to cheer on the Flames. Get a Football shirt, Basketball tee, Athletic top, or other sporty styles in our collection. Give the gift of team pride when you purchase our officially licensed collegiate apparel. Tell them I appreciate you with a Liberty Flames T-shirt, tank, sweatshirt, or hat.
Innovation in Fashion Design
Liberty University is also home to innovative fashion design programs. Senior fashion design student Luis Quijano has spent the last year working alongside faculty and staff to create what he thinks could be the most innovative trend in fashion. Quijano said he initially heard about the idea through watching a TED talk from fashion designer Suzanne Lee.
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Quijano's project involves growing his own material using a mixture of ordinary household ingredients. “Before I started this, I just didn’t realize how much pollution that (manufacturing) fabric can produce and that an alternative could exist that could eliminate all of that waste,” Quijano said.
The fermentation process takes about two to three weeks, after which a solid layer of material about an inch thick forms on top of the mixture. Since he started experimenting with the material, Quijano has found ways to improve and alter the growing process to achieve the best results. Quijano said he was able to greatly improve his growing process over the summer when he studied and worked alongside professors and scholars at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, made possible through a grant from the Liberty’s Provost Research Initiative. Student Program - a federal grant program that gives a select number of college students the financial means to travel abroad and work with advisers at foreign universities.
Quijano's work reflects a growing interest in sustainable fashion and a desire to reduce the environmental impact of the clothing industry.“My end goal with this textile is to really develop it to a commercial standard,” Quijano said. “I want to do more textile research, and while I’m doing that, continue to refine my fashion skills, so they work together.
Fashion as Expression
Fashion is an avenue of expression. Often, how we present ourselves through clothing speaks on behalf of our personality, beliefs, and culture before we ever get the chance to open our mouths. And these labels can be harsh!
Liberty students are encouraged to use fashion as a means of expressing their faith and values. When we blend creative style and modesty standards, we send a message to the world: I follow a God that doesn’t expect me to sacrifice my personality for the sake of His message. In fact, He uses my personality to His advantage.
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