Hey there, fellow skater enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of skater style and how it has evolved over the years across menswear and womenswear.
From its humble beginnings in the underground skate parks to becoming a mainstream fashion trend, skater style has certainly come a long way. Skateboarding culture has always been synonymous with a certain laid-back, rebellious attitude.
It's all about comfort, freedom, and expressing yourself through your clothes. Whether you're shredding at the skate park or just chilling with your friends, skater style is all about looking cool without trying too hard.
What Is Skater Style?
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly skater style is all about, buckle up and get ready for a crash course in the world of baggy pants, graphic tees, and kickflips. At its core, skater style is all about practicality and rebellion.
Picture this: a group of skateboarders tearing up the streets, defying gravity with their sick tricks and flips. What do they wear? Clothing that allows them to move freely, to bend and twist without any restrictions.
Baggy silhouettes, graphic tees that scream attitude, durable sneakers that can withstand the wear and tear of the concrete jungle – that’s skater style in a nutshell.
But skater style is more than just clothes. It’s a lifestyle, a mindset, a middle finger to the status quo. It’s about taking risks, pushing boundaries, and not giving a damn about what anyone else thinks.
Over the years, skater style has evolved, absorbing influences from punk, hip-hop, and streetwear. It’s a melting pot of different subcultures, a mishmash of colours, patterns, and textures.
But through it all, it has maintained that anti-establishment ethos, that “screw you” attitude that sets it apart from the rest.
Origin Of The Skater Style
Back in the groovy 70s, skaters were all about practicality. They needed clothes that allowed them to move without any restrictions. Baggy trousers, loose-fitting shirts, and durable sneakers were the name of the game.
It was all about freedom of movement and comfort. But as skaters started to push the boundaries of what was possible on a board, their style started to evolve too.
By the time the rad 90s rolled around, skater style had become a full-blown fashion statement. No longer just about function, skaters were now rocking a look that incorporated elements from punk, grunge, and surf cultures. It was all about that laid-back, rebellious vibe that said, I do what I want.
Skate style exploded in popularity, becoming a symbol of anti-establishment sentiment among the younger generation. It was a way to rebel against the mainstream fashion trends and carve out a space for individuality and creativity.
Skaters weren't just shredding on their boards; they were shredding the fashion rulebook too. Next time you throw on your favourite pair of Vans and a thrashed t-shirt, remember that you're not just dressing for comfort – you're dressing to make a statement.
Evolution Of The Skater Style
Back in the day, skater fashion wasn't always the rad look we see today from popular skate brands.
In fact, in the 50s, skaters were rocking a more laid-back, casual vibe that was a far cry from the edgy and rebellious style we associate with skate culture now. But fear not, my friends, because things started to take a turn for the better in the 1970s.
Skater Style in the 70's
Picture this: fitted t-shirts and tank tops tucked into short shorts or chinos, paired with tall, striped socks in tennis shoes. It was a look that screamed “I’m here to shred and look cool doing it.”
Skaters hanging out at the park were rocking this classic style like nobody’s business. But then, enter the Z-boys. These legendary skaters from the Venice area of California, known for their aggressive moves, punk rock attitude, and innovative skateboarding skills, turned the skate fashion world upside down.
They ditched the fitted tees for ripped jeans, traded in the short shorts for baggy tees, and let their shoulder-length hair flow in the breeze. They were the epitome of cool and rebellious style.
Not forgetting the Southern California drought that turned empty swimming pools into the ultimate skate playgrounds. Skaters flocked to these pools, pushing the boundaries of the sport and redefining what it meant to be a skater in the 70s.
Skater Style in the 80's
Ah, the 80’s - a time of big hair, neon colours, and of course, killer skater style. Tony Alva and Stacey Peralta were the gods of skateboarding back then, ruling the ramps and pools with their sick moves and even sicker fashion sense.
Tony Alva was basically the Mick Jagger of skateboarding, setting trends left and right as he shredded backyard pools like it was nobody’s business.
One of the most iconic changes in skate fashion during the 80’s was the rise of high-top shoes. Converse All-Stars and Vans high-tops were the go-to kicks for skaters.
Street skating wasn’t really a thing yet, so high-tops were the ultimate style statement for any skater worth their salt.
In 1987, the iconic "Animal Chin" vide is released. Every skater in the intro is wearing Jordan 1’s, apart from Tony Hawk who is seen wearing the iconic Vans Sk8-His. Around this time Nike is still disinterested with skateboarding.
Craig Stecyk had a friend at Nike who sent them Jordan 1s. Seeing these skateboarding All-Stars wearing these shoes meant you’d see the cool street skaters like Gonz in them as well. The flat sole and durable upper made them perfect for skating, and let’s be real, they just looked cool as hell.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to skate like a boss in a pair of Air Jordans? Fast forward to today, pros like Yuto Horigome are out there killing it in Nike Air Jordan 1’s, proving that some things never go out of style.
Skater Style in the 90's
Ah, the good old 90’s – a time of baggy jeans, oversized tees, and some seriously rad skate style. If you weren’t sporting Vans “Half Cabs” and hitting the streets on your board, were you even a skater in the 90’s?
In 1992, the iconic Vans “Half Cab” shoes were born, and skaters everywhere rejoiced. These bad boys were the epitome of cool – with their high-top design and durable construction, they were perfect for hitting the streets.
But it wasn’t just about the shoes – skater style in the 90’s was all about comfort and protection. Baggy denim jeans, bulky shoes, and oversized tees were the go-to look for skaters looking to nail those technical flip tricks and grind variations.
And let’s not forget about the flannel and plaid shirts – a staple in any skater’s wardrobe in the 90’s. Whether you were hitting the skate park or just hanging out with your crew, a flannel shirt was a must-have item.
And of course, no skater outfit was complete without some sick graphics and logos from your favourite skate brands. The 90’s saw a boom in new brands catering to the evolving skate culture.
Brands like Blind Skateboards and Bitch Skateboards were at the forefront of the skater style revolution, offering up fresh designs and gear for the new generation of skaters.
Skater Style in the 2000's to present
Back in the 2000s, skateboarding was not just a sport but a lifestyle. Thanks to the rise of MTV shows and the availability of skate brands in mainstream stores, skater style became more accessible to the masses.
Suddenly, you didn't have to hit up a core skate shop to rock the latest skate apparel and footwear – you could just swing by your local mall. This era saw a fusion of hip-hop and punk styles with skate fashion.
Think boxy fit hoodies, cargo pants, chino shorts, graphic tees, logo hats, and those iconic puffy skate shoes. And let's not forget about Nike SB, the skateboarding line from the swoosh brand that took the scene by storm.
If you were bumping hip-hop, you were probably rocking baggy cargo shorts and oversized tees. Into punk rock? Skinny jeans and puffy skate shoes were your go-to.
The impact of social media platforms like Tumblr and MySpace had on skate fashion determined your outfit. It wasn't just about what you wore, but also about the vibe you were putting out into the digital world.
It was a time when your style spoke volumes about your music taste and personality.
Best Skater Style Brands
So, my fellow skater enthusiasts, buckle up because we're about to dive into the world of the best skater style brands out there amongst our long list of specially curated brands list.
Whether you're at the skate park or just want to rock that laid-back, cool vibe, these brands have got you covered.
Tips To Start Wearing The Skater Style
Dress Casual
Skater fashion is all about feeling at ease in what you wear while still looking effortlessly cool. And what's more comfortable than a loose-fitting t-shirt, hoodie, or oversized sweater paired with some relaxed-fit jeans or cargo pants?
Graphic T-Shirts
From vintage band tees that scream I was born in the wrong era to quirky pop culture references, they’re like little pieces of art that we wear with pride.
Trucker/Baseball Caps
Trucker hats and baseball caps are essential vintage accessories for any skater looking to up their style game.
Baseball caps are a timeless choice for any skater looking to add a touch of sporty flair to their outfit compared to their trucker hat counterparts with their mesh back panels and adjustable snapback closures, they offer the perfect blend of style and functionality.
Baggy Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Whether you're a seasoned skater or just someone who appreciates a good oversized piece, baggy hoodies and sweatshirts are a must-have in your wardrobe.
Comfortable, stylish, and oh-so-cool, these pieces are sure to elevate your look and keep you feeling confident wherever you go.
Baggy Jeans & Cargo Pants
If you're a fan of well-worn denim or you prefer the style of cargo pants, there's no denying the appeal of baggy jeans and cargo pants. Embrace the relaxed fit, let your legs breathe, and rock that effortless cool look like the fashion-savvy student you are.
Because when it comes to style, comfort, and trendiness, baggy jeans and cargo pants are always a win-win.
So next time you're feeling a little boxed in by the expectations of society, remember that the streets are your skatepark, and the world is your playground.
Throw on some baggy jeans, a beanie, and some Vans, and suddenly you're not just dressing yourself – you're making a statement. Embrace your inner rebel, throw caution to the wind, and let your skater style shine bright.
Because at the end of the day, being true to yourself is the ultimate form of self-expression. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating. Sk8 or die, baby!
If you have any questions, you can ask me directly at jordan@97thvintage.com.