Songs About Clothes capture the essence of fashion, self-expression, and cultural trends through music.
From timeless classics to modern hits, artists have long used clothing as a symbol of identity, confidence, and even rebellion.
Whether it’s denim, designer brands, or dancing shoes, these songs highlight how outfits shape our lives and memories.
Get ready to explore a playlist filled with catchy tunes that celebrate style, fashion, and everything in between.
1. “Change Clothes” by Jay-Z (2003) – Perfect R&B Song About Clothes
About this song:
- Album: The Black Album
- Released: 2003
- Artist: Jay-Z
- Genre: Hip hop, R&B
- Key Lyric: “Change clothes, and go. You know I stay fresh to death, a boy from the projects.”
Released in 2003, “Change Clothes” by Jay-Z is an ode to style, luxury, and self-transformation.
Featuring Pharrell Williams, the track blends smooth R&B production with Jay-Z’s confident lyricism about upgrading fashion choices.
It was written during Jay-Z’s supposed farewell from music, marking an era where his personal brand evolved from rapper to mogul.
The song’s message reflects how clothes symbolize success, as Jay-Z emphasizes the power of a refined wardrobe.
From streetwear to designer suits, this track celebrates the connection between image, status, and reinvention.
2. “Clothes Line Saga” by Bob Dylan, The Band (2014) – Best Folk Song About Clothes
About this song:
- Album: The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes Complete
- Released: 2014
- Artist: Bob Dylan, The Band
- Genre: Folk
- Key Lyric: “After a while we took in the clothes. Nobody said very much.”
“Clothes Line Saga” was originally recorded in the late 1960s but remained unreleased until 2014.
Bob Dylan wrote this song as a satirical take on mundane life, with deadpan lyrics describing a family handling their laundry.
The track was composed during Dylan’s recovery from a motorcycle accident, a time when he embraced simpler, more stripped-down storytelling.
At its core, the song humorously highlights how everyday tasks, like washing clothes, are often more dramatic than they seem.
It stands as a brilliant example of Dylan’s ability to turn the most ordinary activities into poetic and ironic reflections.
3. “Summertime Clothes” by Animal Collective (2009) – Recommended Electropop Song About Clothes
About this song:
- Album: Merriweather Post Pavilion
- Released: 2009
- Artist: Animal Collective
- Genre: Electropop
- Key Lyric: “Weave through the cardboard, smell that trash. Walking around in our summertime clothes.”
With its hypnotic beats, “Summertime Clothes” captures the vibrant energy of warm nights spent exploring the city.
Released in 2009, the track reflects Animal Collective’s experimental sound, blending psychedelic textures with dreamlike vocals.
It was inspired by the youthful excitement of dressing up and venturing out into the summer air.
Rather than focusing on fashion itself, the song conveys the carefree spirit that clothing represents during the hottest months.
Through layered instrumentals and surreal imagery, it paints a picture of movement, adventure, and seasonal transformation.
4. “Watching the Clothes” by The Pretenders (1984) – Awesome Pop Song
About this song:
- Album: Learning to Crawl
- Released: 1984
- Artist: The Pretenders
- Genre: Pop
- Key Lyric: “Watching the clothes go ’round. Another week sees its end.”
“Watching the Clothes” by The Pretenders is an overlooked gem that turns the dull routine of doing laundry into a rhythmic meditation.
Chrissie Hynde wrote this track during a tumultuous period for the band, following the tragic loss of two members.
The song uses washing clothes as a metaphor for the repetitive nature of life, capturing a sense of detachment and exhaustion.
Its steady beat and almost hypnotic lyrics reflect the monotony of waiting for something to change.
With its raw honesty, this track transforms the simplest chore into a deeper reflection on time, routine, and renewal.
5. “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” by Bruce Springsteen (2008) – Remarkable Alternative Rock Song About Clothes
About this song:
- Album: Magic
- Released: 2008
- Artist: Bruce Springsteen
- Genre: Alternative rock, pop rock
- Key Lyric: “And the girls in their summer clothes. In the cool of the evening light.”
“Girls in Their Summer Clothes” is a bittersweet reflection on youth, beauty, and the passage of time.
Released in 2008, this song from Magic features a lush, nostalgic arrangement reminiscent of classic 1960s pop.
Springsteen wrote it as an ode to fleeting moments, capturing the magic of a warm evening filled with distant admiration.
Though the lyrics seem lighthearted, they carry an undertone of longing, as the narrator watches life move past him.
The reference to summer attire symbolizes both vibrancy and change, serving as a reminder that seasons—and people—inevitably shift.
6. “Saturday Clothes” by Gordon Lightfoot (1970) – Stunning Folk Song
About this song:
- Album: Sit Down Young Stranger
- Released: 1970
- Artist: Gordon Lightfoot
- Genre: Pop, Folk
- Key Lyric: “My Saturday clothes. And everyone’s goin’ home.”
Released in 1970, “Saturday Clothes” captures the laid-back mood of a weekend winding down.
Gordon Lightfoot’s folk storytelling paints a picture of personal reflection, wrapped in the metaphor of casual attire.
The song was written during a period when Lightfoot was shifting toward a more introspective lyrical style.
It speaks to the simplicity of life’s little rituals, where clothing becomes a symbol of comfort and transition.
His gentle vocals and acoustic melodies create a nostalgic atmosphere, making this song a folk classic about everyday wear.
7. “Underneath Your Clothes” by Shakira (2002) – Excellent Rock Song About Clothes
About this song:
- Album: Laundry Service
- Released: 2002
- Artist: Shakira
- Genre: Rock, pop rock
- Key Lyric: “And right under your clothes. Is where I find them.”
In “Underneath Your Clothes,” Shakira delivers an emotional ballad about deep love and devotion.
Released in 2002, the song became one of her most heartfelt tracks, reflecting her shift toward an international pop-rock sound.
The lyrics symbolize the idea that true affection goes beyond physical appearances, suggesting emotional depth beneath outer layers.
Shakira wrote the song during a time of creative expansion, blending Latin influences with mainstream rock.
While not directly about fashion, the mention of “clothes” serves as a poetic metaphor for love, trust, and vulnerability.
8. “Eleanor Put Your Boots On” by Franz Ferdinand (2006) – Wonderful Pop Song
About this song:
- Album: You Could Have It So Much Better
- Released: 2006
- Artist: Franz Ferdinand
- Genre: Alternative/Indie, Pop, Rock
- Key Lyric: “So, Eleanor, take a Greenpoint three-point turn. Towards the hidden sun.”
“Eleanor Put Your Boots On” is a playful and whimsical track by Franz Ferdinand, released in 2006.
The song is rumored to be about Eleanor Friedberger of The Fiery Furnaces, with a theme of self-discovery and adventure.
Boots in this song symbolize independence and readiness for exploration, encouraging Eleanor to take control of her journey.
Frontman Alex Kapranos wrote it during his time in New York, inspired by the city’s energy and artistic atmosphere.
With its dreamy, acoustic-driven melody, the song stands out as an invitation to embrace individuality—starting with the right footwear.
9. “Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake (2013) – Ideal R&B Song About Clothes
About this song:
- Album: The 20/20 Experience
- Released: 2013
- Artist: Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z
- Genre: R&B
- Key Lyric: “And as long as I got my suit and tie. I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight.”
Dressed in elegance, “Suit & Tie” is a smooth and stylish R&B track released in 2013 by Justin Timberlake.
The song celebrates dressing up for special occasions, reinforcing the idea that confidence starts with the right outfit.
Timberlake co-wrote it as part of The 20/20 Experience, marking his return to music with a sophisticated, retro-inspired sound.
Jay-Z’s verse adds a charismatic touch, making the song a perfect anthem for high-class fashion and nightlife.
This track reminds listeners that sometimes, looking good and feeling good go hand in hand.
10. “cardigan” by Taylor Swift (2020) – Amazing Folk Song
About this song:
- Album: Folklore
- Released: 2020
- Artist: Taylor Swift
- Genre: Folk, Indie rock, soft rock
- Key Lyric: “But I knew you. Dancin’ in your Levi’s.”
A melancholic and poetic piece, “cardigan” was released in 2020 as part of Taylor Swift’s indie-folk album Folklore.
The song reflects on youthful love and nostalgia, using a cardigan as a metaphor for warmth, comfort, and longing.
Swift wrote it during quarantine, crafting an emotional narrative about love lost and remembered through simple objects.
The imagery of old sweaters and worn jeans captures the sentimental value that clothes can hold in our memories.
This track beautifully conveys the idea that garments often carry the emotions and experiences of the past.
Conclusion
Songs About Clothes prove that fashion and music go hand in hand, telling stories through lyrics and style.
From iconic wardrobe moments to playful fashion references, these songs highlight the power of clothing in self-expression.
Whether you’re dressing up, dressing down, or just enjoying a great tune, there’s a perfect song for every outfit.
Keep exploring, keep listening, and let these songs inspire your style and mood!