From “I Like Ike!” pins for Dwight Eisenhower in the 50s to Vera Wang designed Biden-Harris 2020 sweatshirts, voting apparel has been popular amongst those dedicated to committing their civic duties since the beginning of our democracy.
Dating back to George Washington’s supporters wearing his initials to voice their support, buttons and pins were always a popular option amongst voters who were looking to spread the word in a more understated, accessorizing sort of way. The first massed produced pin collection came from William McKinley’s campaign in 1896, a combination of low-cost printing and cheap materials leading to wide distribution.
What Time Magazine calls a “wearable sign of the times,” buttons and voting merchandise as a whole have become collectible timepieces as well for generations to pass down. I remember when my family and I got to comb through my great-grandmother’s jewelry box, which had both an “I Like Ike” pin, as well as a “Kennedy 1960” pin.
Emphasis on the idea of a slogan began with the pin’s popularity, small soundbites that were easy to publicly spread by wearing it on one’s jacket’s lapel. Slogans quickly became their own sign of the times, becoming statements that defined the era. Barack Obama’s “Hope” posters defined his eight-year term and the years that ensued with it.
In today’s day in age, designers are becoming more comfortable with sharing and expressing their political views, even offering support in means of apparel for candidates they choose to back.
With 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden’s “Believe in Better” collection, designers such as Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Thom Brown, and Vera Wang all contributing varying merchandise, with purchases supporting the Biden Victory Fund. These designs are a large step from candidates traditionally putting merchandise out themselves, showing how fashion and cultural issues are more together than before.
Regardless of who you support, we all want to show up to the polls in an outfit that says, “I’m ready to serve my civic duty.” Whether that’s a red hat or a Jason Wu Biden-Harris Crewneck, that’s for you to decide.
Words by Olivia Hawkins
Graphic by Grace Daly