A Mens Fashion Guide To Skater Style

A Men’s Fashion Guide to Skater Style

Skater culture has left a noticeable mark on contemporary men’s fashion, with an innate sense of urban style perfectly combining durability and function with comfort and self-expression. With its popularity continuing to grow since its introduction in the 60s and 70s, it is no wonder why it has firmly cemented itself in mainstream fashion. 

These days, it is not just the kings of the concrete who can embrace men’s skating clothing. From oversized hoodies and the bold graphic tee to the iconic bucket hat and wide-soled shoes, incorporating this rebellious and uniquely brilliant fashion style into your wardrobe has never been easier. 

Photo by Frans Ruiter on Unsplash

What is a Skater Dress Style?

Skateboarding first became a booming trend back in the 60s and 70s, and with it came the rise of the skater style, a unique way of dressing synonymous with these rebellious members of society. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that skating was finally adopted as a niche sport across the globe, bringing its unique fashion style into the spotlight. 

The widespread adoption of the skating culture phenomenon took over, and the loose-fitting and functional nature of skater clothing highlighted its practicality and comfort. It perfectly projected a carefree and casual aesthetic, leading the way in the anti-establishment movement. Today, it is a massive clothing trend for both men and women, with major brands, fashion houses and celebrities alike embracing this unique fit. 

Pieces in Relaxed Fits

While skater style has since been adapted for those who will never step foot on a skateboard, the key to rocking this fashion-forward style trend remains the same: you need to keep the fit of your clothes relaxed and loose. Wide-legged cargo pants, oversized hoodies, and boxy graphic t-shirts are the building blocks of skater fashion. 

If you are concerned, you won’t be able to pull off the oversized look or want to embrace a more modern twist on the classic, mix-and-match bulky pieces with more tailored cuts while maintaining the epitome of casual wear. Layer your favourite winter hoodie with a pair of chic cropped trousers, or team your favourite button-down with a pair of baggy utility trousers for the perfect balance. 

Skater Shoes

It goes without saying that footwear for skater fashion is all about function, durability and finding the best option that works well with your skateboard. Low-top trainers with a vintage flair and flat, wide soles will offer you the ideal balance between athletic support and that recognisable masculine style that is strongly connected to the skating world. 

For decades, brands like Vans and Converse have found the magic formula, creating classic footwear staples. Still, other well-known shoe designers like Nike, Puma and Addidas have thrown their names into the hat, teaming with up-and-coming skatewear names to develop new technologies and modern adaptations of the classics.

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Cargo & Utility Details

In today’s fashion world, the skater aesthetic has largely been merged with the best of the hip-hop, utility and grime trends that continue to dominate the fashion world year after year. It perfectly combines the wonderful blend of functional fashion that is effortlessly cool. 

Cargo pants or utility trousers have long been a staple of the skater boy wardrobe, thanks to their unmatched durability and conveniently large pockets. As always, choose a relaxed and baggy fit, with utility accessories like a crossbody or chest bag, chunky shoes or industrial belts to tie your complete outfit together.

Hoodies

Hoodies are a staple in any skater's wardrobe and are the perfect option for those hoping to experiment with the signature style without going too overboard. They can be paired with a variety of different clothing options, including jeans, cargo pants, tailored trousers, shorts and under winter coats during the colder months. 

They are incredibly comfortable and offer plenty of practicality, making them a closet must-have for many. To embrace the skater aesthetic, choose a baggy and oversized style made from a thicker material. As an added extra, try to find one with a large graphic or logo print on the front as a nod to the iconic graphic t-shirt. 

Graphic Tees

One of the most notable and loved trends in skater fashion is the graphic t-shirt, an element that has been embraced and adapted across all fashion worlds for both men and women. It is the perfect representation of the sub-cultures emphasis on personal creativity, expression and individuality. 
To bridge the gap between streetwear and skate chic, you must choose a relaxed or loose-fitting graphic tee with oversized logos in bold fonts, iconic fire-themed colour combinations and eye-catching patterns. When the temperature begins to drop, layer it under an open button-down long-sleeved shirt or an oversized hoodie or recreate the classic 2000s trend of wearing it over a long-sleeved shirt in a complementing colour.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The Ultimate Accessories

While the overall message of skate style is function over fashion, that doesn’t mean there is no room to rock a few great accessories. For a classic look, you can’t go wrong with a wallet chain. First designed to keep wallets secured when performing ollies or 360s, they helped reinforce the rebellious aspect of this style trend.  While there has been a slight resurgence of the unique look, it does take confidence to pull it off effectively. 

For something easier to adapt to your personal way of dressing, incorporate tube socks, a backpack and a logo cap into your next week's outfit rotation. Alternatively, fully embrace the 90s with a classic bucket hat and bum bag worn across your chest.