Skating fashion has changed a whole lot over the years.
Through all the aesthetics skaters have adopted, there has always been a signature skater style.
From the early 80s vibrant colours in spandex, thick knee pads and baggy scuffed white t-shirts to the grunge flannel filled era of skating in the 90s. skate parks packed to the brim, full of long haired energy drinking teens blasting “Smells like teen spirit” by Nirvana on repeat. Skating has evolved and changed, as has its style.
As Skateboarding has become more accessible to the mainstream, so has its reach into different aesthetics and different cultures.
THEN:
Caption: A skater from 1989, pictured by Claire Sambrook.
The 80s and 90s proved to be the most prominent, important and stylised decades in skateboarding history. Cementing itself as a cultural touchstone in fashion, so much so it is still replicated to this day.
You can tell from older footage and pictures of skaters that, as time went on, the fashion in that culture become more daring, outspoken and rebellious.
A little bite was introduced to skating fashion in the 90s. One full of bite. “Adults” frowned upon skateboarding, speaking to the inner rebels and troublemakers in the 90’s. When skateboarding was in its youth, during the cultural boom in the late 20th century, many conceived skaters as primarily adolescents.
Boards were promoted as toys for kids. Advertisements ranged from vibrant colours in magazines in the 80’s to edgy television advertisements blasting nu-metal and pop punk to the scenes of tony hawk spinning in the air. A purely 90’s vibe.
These two distinct decades became synonymous with what most see as skateboarding at its peak. Maybe its nostalgia. It’s understandable to think for many. Skating fashion was easily distinguishable compared to skaters today. It is immediately identifiable.
So much so that people may dress like a 90’s skater at Halloween. One thing you can’t say about today’s skaters; you knew one when you saw one.
NOW:
Caption: A representation of todays skater and the aesthetics current day skaters adopt.
Skating has now evolved past a niche market.
Many ages, groups and genders love to simply ride a board. No matter the fashion. One could argue the skating aesthetic has become tame compared to its more traditional 90’s edgy grunge filled roots.
However, when looking at skaters today, most simply wear whatever allows them to express themselves most.
Skateboarding as a culture has now become one that is more inclusive rather than exclusive. That goes for the fashion too. Sure, you will still see the skater aesthetic on the street among young adults and teens.
However, this style has now become one in which those who possibly have never picked up a board may have adopted.
Skateboarding has now become part of the mainstream.
It is rare for someone to be shocked when they see a skater go by on their board in a public place. The rebellious and edgy attitude may still be there for people, especially older skaters, and they may even choose to show this in their clothing. However, with skateboarding becoming the norm, so has the fashion style and the accessibility for other fashion styles to look natural when performing a trick on a rail or cruising down the street when on a board.
The evolution of skateboarding fashion is one in which many often split hairs about.
Some love the identity that the old fashioned styles provided, one in which is so easily recognisable to the public outside of the skateboarding community. On the other hand, some love the freedom and increased accessibility in skater fashion compared to the past.
What do you think?
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