This project discusses materialistic tendencies in relation to self-expression in America and China. In my research, I have found that Americans tend to place more emphasis on clothing as a form of self-expression, while historically China has used clothing as a way to show changes between dynasties and those in power. Pressures such as media influences, peer influences, and societal status are addressed. Fashion and materials are looked at as various forms of self-expression, as well as their meanings, such as social class, age group, etc.