Key Difference – Fashion vs Fad
The words fashion and fad are very much related to one another although one can discern a difference between the two words fashion and fad. Fashion can simply be defined as new styles of clothing and accessories that come about. These exist for a longer period of time and are popular among large groups of people. On the other hand, fad refers to a craze in the fashion industry that attracts large crowds but fades away quickly. The key difference between fashion and fad stem from this time component, where fashion lasts and fad does not. Through this article let us examine the differences between the two words in depth. Let us begin with the word Fashion.
What is Fashion?
Fashion can be understood as new styles of clothing and accessories that come about. As we peek into the world of fashion, there are new trends that are emerging by the day as others fade away with time. This can apply to various clothes, materials, styles, accessories such as necklaces, bands, etc. When speaking of fashion there are various types such as trends, classics, and fads. This highlights that fad is only a subcategory. Fads are a short-lived craze in the fashion world. Trends, however, last much longer than fads. If we concentrate on classics, these are usually amazing pieces that one can never resist and pieces that do not go out of style. They last the longest or else it would much more accurate to say that classics last forever and flatter anyone. These are passed on from one generation to another. Sometimes trends are influenced by classics. As you can observe, fashion captures a very broad scope, unlike fads. Now let us move on to fad.
What is Fad?
Fad refers to a craze. This is only for a short period of time. When engaging in a comparison between fashion and fad, the key difference stems from this time duration factor. Unlike fashion that lasts forever although changing with time, fads do not. Fads can become very popular and followed by groups of individuals enthusiastically for a certain period of time. This is usually a novelty that is being followed by people as it becomes popular through media or peers. However, people quickly lose interest in it. Fads can relate to many things ranging from fashion to even language.
Pokemon can be considered as an example for a fad. This was a fictional character called the Pokemon which began with video games and extended to toys, television shows, comic books, Pokemon cards spreading across the world.
What is the Difference Between Fashion and Fad?
As you can see from the above, there is a clear difference between fashion and fad. This difference can be summarized as follows.
Definitions of Fashion and Fad:
Fashion: Fashion can be defined as new styles of clothing and accessories that come about.
Fad: Fad refers to a craze in the fashion industry that attracts large crowds but fades away quickly.
Characteristics of Fashion and Fad:
Time duration:
Fashion: Fashion lasts longer.
Fad: Fad does not as it fades away quickly.
Consistency:
Fashion: Fashion is consistent.
Fad: Fad is not consistent.
Image Courtesy:
1. “IFA Paris Fashion show 2012” by Max01234 – Own work. [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons
2. “English Pokémon logo” by en:Game Freak, en:Nintendo, en:The Pokémon Company – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons..[Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons
