Fashion Subcultures and Types

What are Fashion Subcultures

- Fashion subcultures are popular ways of dressing created

through cultural influences like music, art or epochs. They are
different from style as style is more on the personal level.
- Subcultures are a result of fashion trends that groups of
people with similar interests prefer. Aesthetics, political
ideologies or geographical trends can also influence different
types of fashion subcultures.
- Subcultures have their own characteristics making them
distinctive enough to be recognized as a subset of fashion.
They develop new norms and principles that might seem fit
for their subculture.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

1. Goth
• Goth started gaining popularity in the early 1980s in the United
Kingdom, inspired by gothic literature and architecture. It’s one
of those types of fashion subcultures that the runway represents
ever so often. In fact, most modern fashion designers have
branded their style of goth called Haute Goth, Runway Goth and
more. The subculture has been part of society for a long time and
has further diversified itself. For example, romantic, pastel,
tribal, cyber, etc. and continues to evolve.
• Dark clothing is the inspiration for this style. Velvet, lace, mesh,
and other similar materials are frequently used in this style.
Gothic makeup includes thick eyeliner, bright red or black nail
polish, and black dyed hair. Silver jewelry is most cherished.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

2. Hip Hop
• The voice of the alienated and frustrated youth, inspired by hip hop
music in the 80s led to the emergence of this subculture. Initially, it
was one of the first types of fashion subcultures that found a way of
going against the fashion rules, but now it has become a part of high
fashion.
• Famous designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabbana and
Armani are the main producers of this subculture’s luxury clothes. The
clothing prices tend to be on the higher end because of this reason.
• Hip-hop fashion has redefined the silhouette. It made sagging pants
and oversized tees fashionable. Baseball caps worn backward and
expensive shoes were a crucial part of this subculture. Hip-hop artists
like Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Niki Minaj, Jay-Z, and Kanye West
are some of the few who set the trends for this subculture.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

3. Minimalistic
• Minimalist fashion is one of the simplest and most basic types
of fashion subcultures. There is this presumption that
minimalist fashion refers to single-colored outfits and lacks
design and innovation. But in reality, it has it’s own aesthetic
and style, including fashion basics, timeless pieces and simple
silhouettes. The importance of fabric and form dominates the
function of the outfit.
• Some essentials for a minimalist fit include thick sweaters,
straight-leg black jeans, crisp button-ups, and ankle boots.. A
few popular minimalistic combinations are black and white,
neutrals, all whites, all blacks, texture contrasts.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

4. Grunge
• Grunge refers to grime and dirt. Politically, grunge is a reflection of
Generation X’s frustration with capitalism and the economic upswing of
the 80s. In this category of subcultures, durable and thrift-store clothing
was the most predominant feature. Nirvana and Pearl Jam contributed to
the influence of this subculture. Consequently, Helena Bonham Carter in
Fight Club and Angeline Jolie in Girl, Interrupted were partly responsible
for the trend’s mainstream popularity. It is one of the most popular types
of fashion subcultures, even today.
• Loose and androgynous are the main features of this style. The purpose
behind this was to deemphasize mainstream clothing preferences. A solid-
colored, preferably black or white T-shirt with a leather jacket or flannel
shirt, and Doc Marten shoes could be classified as a classic grunge outfit.
Styling a flannel shirt around your waist is another popular way of
wearing it.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

5. Bohemian
• Bohemian, or ‘boho chic’ or simply ‘boho’, originates from a long
history, with its aesthetic dating back to the late 60s and 70s. It
highlights natural materials and earth shades. Inspired by hippie
culture, bohemian fashion represents free expression and informal
style. It is a combination of neutral colors, vintage retro patterns,
and 70s style.
• Among all the types of fashion subcultures, this one is comfortable
and fun. However, a lot of boho chic these days surprisingly
sophisticated at the same time. Its unique color combinations are for
everyone.
• Boho-chic outfits usually include loose tops with V-necks or off
shoulders, mix prints, bishop sleeves, harem pants, flared jeans, and
flowy skirts. Maximalism is big in boho-chic style, so clash prints,
styles, colors, and bright tones are common with layered, chunky,
and mismatched jewelry.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

6. Rave
• Rave movement started in the early 90s where people would change
into comfortable and loose outfits that allowed them to dance and
enjoy. And soon, this turned into a broader fashion that was a mix of
gothic, 70s psychedelic movement, and hip hop. Who would have
thought that ecstasy can lead to a style that will remain for
generations?
• Their fashion includes face stickers, furry animal suits, hair with
colored gel. Rave is galaxies, aliens, mermaids, illusions, holograms,
smiley faces on mini-skirts, micro-mini shorts, and bodysuits. Above
all, rave is one of the main types of fashion subcultures that is
intuitive and has a physical-emotional connection. You wear what
you love because this style encourages you to be fun, different, and
helps you escape reality.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

7. Emo
• This subculture is based on emo music bands. It is an
accentuation of emotion, as the name suggests. It is inspired
by the emo music genre of the early 2000s that emphasized
emotional vulnerability.
• The style includes skinny jeans with tight t-shirts with band
names, V-neck sweaters, and studded belts. Makeup is more
focused on the eyes thick black eyeliner or charcoal smokey
eyes with pale lips. Emo style and music saw a resurgence in
the 2010s with new age inspirations like Billie Eilish and sad
rap/emo rap artists.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

8. K-Style
• K-style, or Korean style, is a popular fashion subculture that rose to
prominence all over the world in the 2010s. It is one of the most popular
types of fashion subcultures today, influenced by the everyday street
fashion of South Korea, and especially the style of K-pop artists.
• The main elements are trench coats, pastel shirts, midi skirts, and flared
wide-leg jeans. The outfits are mainly pastels, neutrals, and florals being
the most favored pattern. Makeup includes pink-tinted gloss, blush, and
one-tone neutral eyeshadow. However, skincare is more vital.
• K-pop bands like BTS, BlackPink, Red Velvet, and LOOΠΔ (Loona)
popularized this subculture.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

9. Punk
• The punk subculture surfaced in the mid-70s in the United States of
America and the United Kingdom. Political beliefs and the idea of not
“selling out” to established societal values are primarily built on the
punk ethos.
• This fashion subculture stimulated D.I.Y. fashion and set the perfect
example for recycled clothing sourced from small businesses and
charity shops.
• A few of their outfits include tartan skirts, cut-off shorts, ripped jeans,
provocative t-shirts, black leather jackets, studded belts, black combat
boots, badges, and safety pins! Punk colors include black, white, neon,
checkers, etc. Some people in this subculture have outrageous body
piercings, neck chains, ripped shirts to prove they are rebellious.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

10. E-Boys & E-Girls

• The ‘e’ in e-girl/e-boy stands for ‘electronic’. This style gained the most traction
in the internet generation of 2019. It is a youth subculture that surfaced in the
late 2010s and is almost exclusively seen only on social media. This trend has
recently been popularized GenZ apps like TikTok, Discord, and Twitch. E-girls
are also influenced by an interest in video games, anime, and memes.
• The elements of this subculture include long-sleeved striped and graphic T-
shirts, jeans with wallet chains, mesh T-shirts, Sailor Moon skirts (mini A-line
skirts popularized by Sailor Moon anime), plaid skirts, and fishnet stockings.
The main color scheme is either bright bubble gum pinks and blues or
conversely dark, grungy colors.
• E-girl makeup is a lot of blush on the cheeks and the tip of the nose, sparkly
highlighter, winged eyeliner, dark lipstick, drawing little hearts or stars on the
cheeks, or drawing faux freckles. Other accessories include platform sneakers,
beanies, and chokers.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

11. Athleisure
• Athleisure takes active wear out from the gyms to the streets. This
subculture proves that comfort, fashion, sports, active wear can
be combined. It expresses the wearers’ active lifestyle that is
fashionable at the same time.
• Athleisure fashion is one of the most flexible types of fashion
subcultures. It mixes spandex activewear with denim, leather, or
nylon. Thus, a sports bra and gym shorts outfit can be jazzed up
with a jacket. Comfort is key. Similarly, other elements include
biker shorts, sweatpants, yoga pants, tank tops, and cropped
hoodies. Sneakers, slides, and sports shoes are the go-to footwear.
As for accessories, it includes a pair of aviator sunglasses, a
baseball cap, or a stylish backpack and simple jewelry.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

12. Fairy Kei

• Fairy kei translates to fairy style and it is a celebration in
cutesy pastels and neons, essentially like the fairy theme.
• Preferred decorative patterns are unicorns, moons, stars,
polka dots, rainbows, hearts, and other sweet themes.
Accessories include pearl bracelets, floral necklaces,
oversized statement finger rings, clips, headbands with
oversized bows, charm jewelry, and anything vintage and
DIY-ed.
• For instance, hairstyles are usually wigs in soft pastel shades
of lavender, mint green, and pale pink. Ponytails, buns, and
bangs are a few common hairstyles.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

13. Hipster
• The hipster movement of the 60s and 70s was a political movement.
Capitalism and the western-influenced society were the main causes for
this protest. Hipsters insist on individualism and creativity.
Additionally, they tend to favor alternative fashion and artsy clothing.
• The style is usually a mix of casual, grunge, and some punk. This
subculture also includes funky jewelry. It is the epitome of maximalist
fashion.
• Hippies shifted away from western-inspired pieces of clothing to kaftans,
bell-bottoms, long blouses, and dresses for both genders. They also
made a statement using loud and bright colors, hand-me-downs worn
proudly, clashing stripes and prints, and floral patterns. This fashion
style aims at going back to nature with dresses made from natural fibers.
The practice of dyeing clothes yourself led to the popular tie-dye style.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures

14. Dark Academia

• Dark academia is an aesthetic inspired by academia’s
representation in literature and arts. History, Greek arts, and
dark elements have attributed to the unfolding of this
subculture. It is one of the mysterious types of fashion
subcultures that romanticizes the idea of elite education. Even
though this aesthetic might come off as serious, it is quite
clever and interesting.
• This subculture is also influenced largely by Harry Potter films.
The series brought back woolen sweaters, chocolate brown
pants, and rich textured cardigans into fashion again.
Subsequently, crispy white button-up shirts, cotton pants, and
flowy linen dress perfectly fit this subculture.
 Types of Fashion Sub-Cultures
15. VSCO girls are a youth subculture that emerged among
teenagers in the late 2010s. The photography application
VSCO caused more people to follow this trend. The motive is
to dress in a way that promotes environmentalism. In fact, the
conservation of sea turtles inspired the development of this
subculture.
• For instance, oversized t-shirts, scrunchies, instant cameras,
and other beach-related fashion represent the gist of this
subculture.
• They wear oversized tie-die shirts, denim or biker shorts and
ribbed white socks.
• For footwear, it can be anything from Vans to Crocs to
Birenstocks.
• VSCO girls wear little to no make-up and keep their hair long
and wavy - like they've just come back from the beach