The Advent of Punk Fashion
Punk fashion refers to the style of dress for people within the punk subculture. When punk music was first established in the 1970's, punk clothes tended to be rebellious, wild, and shocking. While the 70's look was a far cry from the style of punk now, during the time it was considered very confrontational.
Designers like Vivienne Westwood greatly influenced the punk fashions of the time, as well as punk icons the Ramones. Torn t-shirts, offensive clothing, and anarchy symbols were very popular with the punk subculture during the 70's. Additionally, controversial images, patches, and studded or plain leather jackets were staples of the punk style and remain prevalent today.
Footwear for the alternative clothing scene generally varied from Chuck Taylors to motorcycle boots. Bondage clothing, tapered jeans, and leather pants dominated the punk clothing scene as well. This was also the time where hairstyles took a radical route and began to appear in bright colors and short lengths. This was only the beginning of what would become even more controversial in the world of fashion.
Hardcore Punk Fashions in the 1980's
After the shocking rebellion of the 1970's, the punk fashion scene underwent a revolution of its own and began to focus more on functionality than shock factor. Dr. Martens and combat boots (often with steel toes) became the footwear of choice among the majority of punk followers. Plaid skirts, torn jeans, and heavy chains were the most common items worn during the 1980's.
Additionally, most punks bought their t-shirts and other clothing from thrift stores, where they'd write band names or controversial slogans on them with markers. Plaid flannel shirts were popular during this time, and leather rocker jackets finally met their match during the 1980's - the majority of the punk subculture wore one.
This was when hairstyles began to turn even more radical than their 70's predecessors. Those people who chose not to shave their heads sported brightly dyed hair, mohawks, or liberty spikes. Piercings and tattoos became increasingly popular during this time, as did studs, chains, and bandanas.
Contemporary Punk Fashion
Because there are a variety of factions within the punk fashion subculture, there are various contemporary elements of style among the various groups. Standard punk fashions include leather, spikes, denim jeans, combat boots and bondage pants. DIY fashions are very popular, as are 80's hairstyles like mohawks.
Then, you have hardcore punk fashion which is oftentimes not considered part of the subculture at all. This type of fashion consists of jeans, a hoodie, and a simple t-shirt. This style is a far cry from the commercialization of punk clothing, and pays homage to hardcore punk bands like Minor Threat.
There are many different types of punk fashion since the advent of the original look in the 1970's, and since then clothing stores and even fashion designers have taken punk fashion to an entirely new level.
It's easy to see that this once controversial, rebellious fashion has now grown into a very popular style of dress.
