Skater style is up there with the best of all fashion trends. No doubt. Due to the enduring appeal of a freedom-loving skater lifestyle, it forms the perfect framework for styling a fresh vintage skate selection for yourself. Skating is COOL epitomised, in our opinion, so what better way to dress yourself than in quality pre-loved clothes, which have stood the test of time and survived many an Ollie, Flip and Spin, to continue oozing coolness today? If all this sounds attractive, yet a teensy bit alarming to you, then we recommend you take a cautious Boardslide here to continue reading on for more detail …
Alternatively, those of you who may be impatient to get down to your nearest skate spot fully kitted out, just take the ultimate Bigspin over to our Outfit Box Product and find out how to take the safe route to grab yourself the necessary wardrobe wherewithal for a skater style outfit.
The Origins of Skater Style
Skater style has its roots in the skateboarding sub-culture of the 70s, where skaters needed functional and comfortable clothing which enabled them to move freely while performing their varied and increasingly impressive tricks and rides. Over time, skater style evolved into being a fashion statement in its own right (no functional skills required!), incorporating elements from punk, grunge and surf cultures to meld the perfect and highly desirable skate look we recognise today.
By the 90s, skatecore was everywhere and this mildly (compared to punk, for example) anti-establishment movement gained huge popularity among the younger generation, looking for something beyond the confines of formal fashion. Today, skater style outfits are worn by people of all ages and are loved for the casual and effortless aesthetic they radiate.
What is Skater Style?
The skater style we are looking to recreate for you as a lover of all things vintage, is a mix of both classic and modern fashion. It takes inspiration from old-school trad vintage clothing and accessories, such as never-to-date denim jackets, checkered Vans footwear and skateboard graphic top. These vintage pieces can then be paired with contemporary skatewear, including shirts, oversized hoodies and loose-fit pants. The result is a unique and stylish look that showcases the skater’s passion for the sport as well as their appreciation of its history.
Sooo, the joy for us in all this, is that turning to vintage for your skater style look is the best thing you can do. Skater + Vintage are simply made for each other! Being a skater is certainly about belonging to a tribe, but it is a tribe which truly welcomes individuality within its ranks, so take a Tic-Tac along to our blog How To Develop Your Unique Fashion Style and get yourself skatin’ ready.
Key Components Of A Skater Style Outfit
A skater style outfit is defined by the relaxed and casual silhouette it affords the wearer, with the key components of this including:
- Loose-fitting t-shirt or tank top
- Baggy jeans or loose-fitting pants
- Skate shoes, such as Vans or Converse
- Baseball caps, beanies or other headwear
- Backpacks or messenger bags
How Can I Achieve The Skater Style?
Creating the perfect skater style outfit is easy and effortless. Just like the sport itself! Start by choosing a loose-fitting T-shirt, checking in first on our blog How To Wear Oversized T-Shirts Guys Edition. Pair your chosen top with baggy denims or loose-fitting trousers in a dark wash (the more rips and worn patches, the better for our skater profis). Finish off the look with skate shoes and top with a baseball cap for a touch of personal style, remembering all the time, that your clothes can fully embrace the no-restriction freeflow ethos of skater practitioners.
For a more polished look, consider incorporating a leather or bomber jacket into your outfit, which will help to add edginess and texture to your look. You can also accessorize with a backpack or messenger bag to keep all your essentials close at hand, while you are gliding along unhindered.
Skater Style Outfits For Every Occasion
Skater style outfits are versatile, so they can be readily dressed up or down for different occasions, as our suggestions for repping the skater style illustrate:
- Casual skate style streetwear: For a casual day out, pair a loose-fitting tee with baggy jeans and pop on your skate shoes. Add headwear of choice to make the outfit truly You.
- Skateboarding: When hitting the skatepark, opt for a functional outfit that allows you to move freely. Choose the same as above, but make sure you are comfortable in the choices, and remember that any old fabric scarring, tearing or marking is a bonus for this ensemble. Protect your head with a helmet and bring a backpack to carry those skateboard essentials.
- Formal events: Skater style can readily be dressed up for more formal events. Pair a button-up shirt with tailored pants and dress shoes, adding a leather jacket, before finishing off the look with a fedora or other piece of dressy headwear. Skating with sustainable style!
Finding Vintage Skater Pieces
The first step to achieving the vintage skater style is finding vintage pieces to put together. This can be done through charity shops, vintage stores and online marketplaces, such as eBay, Depop and Vinted. It is important to keep an eye out for high-quality vintage pieces that are in good condition, as these will be the most valuable and will help to create the perfect vintage skater look. Take a look at our blog on sourcing vintage pieces How To Shop Vintage for further tips and links.
Accessorising Your Skater Look
Accessories are an important part of vintage skater style, as they can help to complete the look and add a personal touch at the same time. Popular accessories include snapback hats, sunglasses and jewellery. When choosing accessories, it is important to look for pieces that complement the vintage and contemporary pieces you have selected and help to bring the look together.
The Best Skater Style Outfit Brands
There are many brands offering high-quality skater style clothing and accessories, so below are our top picks for you to look out for within a thrift store, online market place or local secondhand sale. The pieces are out there already of course, and you just need to do the research and track them down:
- Vans
- Converse
- Thrasher
- Supreme
- HUF
- Diamond Supply Co.
Conclusion
The vintage skater style is a unique and stylish look that incorporates vintage pieces with contemporary skatewear. Achieving this look is perfectly within reach, given knowledge of a few techniques and a little bit of creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, incorporating the vintage skater style into your wardrobe is a great way to showcase your passion for the sport and your appreciation for its history.
We hope you have enjoyed our Kickflip into this world of skater style, and as with our companion blogs How To Wear Vintage Streetwear and How to Achieve the Softboy Aesthetic Style, there is a Mystery Box available for those of you who prefer to have the effort entirely removed from your outfit purchase.
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