Skateboarding Influence on Urban Wear

Although we usually think of hip hop artists as the main people who influenced urban wear and helped to make it fashionable; streetwear wouldn’t be where it is today if surfers and skateboarders hadn’t made being seen in it so cool. In fact, the beaches of California were one of the earliest places where hoodies and vibrant t-shirts paired with colourful sneakers were first spotted. Sports and extreme sports have always had a major influence on fashion with many people preferring to wear only the labels that their favourite sportspeople promote. However, the influence that skateboarders had on fashion was quite profound and soon caught up. Clothes with attitude that stood out, was a must have for them.

In the eighties, it was quite difficult to find clothes that were unique- so much to the extent that many people often dyed their tops or t-shirts in their preferred colors. Soon, designing one’s own t-shirt became a trend. Skateboarders began to show their artistic flair and creative side by unleashing never seen before designs on their clothes, wearing them with pride. It is quite possible that many urban wear brands that we see today drew quite a bit of inspiration from such custom made t-shirts, experimenting with different ideas for a generation that wanted something new. The old technique of simple screen printing made way for better prints such as appliques, embroidery, glow in the dark prints and so on. Skateboarders were among the first to make wearing baggy jeans, or pants with relaxed cuts so hip. Sometimes the jeans had huge pockets, slashes on the knees or the huge buttons stitched by the skaters themselves, for a retro look. These kinds of fits made skateboarding easier to do and it wasn’t long before denim manufacturers latched on to the trend and began to create colors and washes to fill the growing demand of youngsters. Even today, denim with cat like scratches, patches, embroidery and a faded look are very popular.

Hoodies and beanie caps are a must have part of urban wear too. Although the hoodie today has a slightly sinister feel about it, it packs a ton of attitude and is cool to wear. Clothing brands stretch their limits trying to get as creative with hoodies as they can, by experimenting with patterns, prints and colors. Brands like Zoo York and Element, sell hoodies that have hidden pockets in it, for an edgier touch. Element also sells hoodies with single words across the chest and plain hoodies with a complimenting color on the collar and cuffs. Zoo York is a popular streetwear brand which was available way back in the seventies, with a number of graffiti artists who created unique designs on t-shirts. The brand was officially launched in 1993 and even today includes many graffiti artists and features upcoming talents as well. Their clothing is designed to showcase street culture and urban fashion. One can only hope that the influence that both fashion and the skateboard culture have on each other, will never end.

Skateboarding Wear

Skateboarding as a sport has had a major influence on Urban wear. The cool hoodies, funky t-shirts, baggy jeans and colourful sneakers that skateboarders were often spotted in, slowly made their way into streetwear as well. One could say that fashion has had a huge impact on the sport itself. Youngsters love to show off their skateboards which are available today in different sizes, colors and designs. Many brands have unique designer skateboards which are full of attitude and

pack a punch. Whether you are a nature lover or an animal lover, prefer a design that’s menacing or cool, the best skateboard brands have something for everyone. Today, a skateboard is not just about the quality anymore. One glance at a person’s skateboard tells you all you need to know about the owner’s cool quotient and style.

Zero is a popular skateboard brand which relays a strong image, complete with splashes of blood and skulls that some may find gory. Designs that are funky, have a Gothic undertone and which are hard to ignore are a big favourite with youngsters. Some of their bestselling designs include an open mouth, a single with paint dripping, patterns of skulls and the single word ‘zero’ in a rainbow of colors. Just the right feel for those who dare to scare with their tactics. For those who want a skateboard that’s colourful yet subtle, Habitat is a great brand with a wide variety of choices. This brand may not be that famous, but they have graphics that are artistic in nature and pleasant to see.

They even have special styles like the Skylite with corrugated bottom ply decks and which is lighter as well. The bright graphics and designs in earthy colors are perfect for fun in the sun. Element skateboards are noted for their high quality which stands apart. Not only is this a company that has a green conscience but their skateboards are highly affordable as well. In fact they have a line of Helium skate decks with air chambers inside them to make them stiff yet light. Their tongue in cheek graphics, colourful graffiti designs and great choice of colors are eye catching. Overall, one may find their designs simple, but it’s a great choice for a skateboarder all the same. If you love cartoon characters and prefer a cheeky skateboard that doesn’t compromise on quality but is clean fun all the same; then go for Toy Machine. They have 7 ply skateboard decks, which aren’t exactly high on technology when compared to other brands but they are well made. Their graphics usually feature a cartoon character and are colourful to see as well. This brand is great for beginners who want something simple and easy to use.

Professional may prefer to use skateboards from Birdhouse, which uses the Black 6 technology. This feature is supposed to help a skateboarder with flicks in the air. Graphics are usually in red, black and white colors. With such great brands to choose from, there’s a skateboard to suit all preferences.

What all the GOTH

Goth clothing and Streetwear may sound like they are worlds apart in terms of origins and fashion statements, but you're in for a surprise. Just like streetwear itself was born and is worn proudly to define a purpose, Goth too is worn by people who feel they don't fit in. When one thinks of a person who is most likely to wear Goth clothing, a teenager comes to mind and a rebellious one at that. Over the years, streetwear became the acceptable fashion style to adopt especially if one had something to say or supported a particular cause. Goth was a mish mash of influences from death rock, punk, Victorian and even Renaissance styles. Youngsters who wore Goth, were often spotted with black nail polish, umpteen rings and tattoos wearing pants and jackets that were black in color. Just as streetwear drew its inspiration from rap and hip hop genres, Goth was largely inspired by Gothic rock which was a later offshoot of punk itself. Streetwear today has adapted to different styles of fashion, and Goth Streetwear is quite popular among youngsters too.

Goth Streetwear focuses on the complete look, and lends a fashionable cool touch to the wearer. Unlike in Goth clothing, where accessories are largely worn to enhance the ' I dont care nor fit in' image; accessories that are worn in Goth Streetwear help complete the intended look in a funky manner. For instance a girl may wear a black Goth Streetwear dress and may carry a Gothic Hobo with designs of silver studs and skulls on it. Silver studs, laces, ribbons, large buttons, zips and even corsages in the clothing is what sets Goth Streetwear apart. Accessories such as chains, bracelets and ear rings with loud designs, huge studs, spikes and bright colors are quite popular too. Footwear for the girls usually includes high boots and shoes in vinyl or fake leather. GoodGoth.com is a popular website which sells everything a Goth lover can dream of. Skirts with embroidery designs, dresses that can be worn during the day time, shoes, accessories and even plus sizes can all be found here. Colorful hairbands and spunky handbags in different hues and shades can also be purchased online. Covet Couture is another brand which specializes in selling Goth Streetwear for both men and women. Their range for men include clothing such as shirts with chains, military style zipped jackets, baggy pants as well as trousers with chains and studs. Their collection for women focuses on hip clothing with a flirty and feminine touch. They have lacy satin skirts , mini skirts with studs, high waist skirts with belts and a variety of corset tops to suit all sizes. Their dresses which are all in black, would probably have gone unnoticed but for an attractive belt, side slit, chain or zip, which makes the dress stand out.

Goth Streetwear is a great alternative to regular streetwear for youngsters. Its the perfect fashion statement for those who want clothing that stands out for all the right reasons.

Latest Hip Hop Styles

Urban Wear is one of the trendiest fashion styles with a large fan following throughout the world. Strangely however, it has also been criticized for becoming too commercialized in its own way. Some critics say that streetwear is moving away from its main purpose by trying to adapt to different trends. Ironically, commercialization has also given Urban Wear a global platform and placed it within reach of millions of youngsters. Today many streetwear brands project themselves as fashion names that are true to the spirit of hip hop. Many famous music artists themselves have either launched their own labels, or helped design a particular streetwear line. How does one actually define a streetwear hip hop brand? Is it a brand backed by a music artist himself, or one that indirectly promotes music? Going by the general trend, a streetwear hip hop brand can be defined as a label that is greatly influenced by various music genres such as rap and hip hop.

Websites like Urban Venom are well known for the different tongue in cheek brands one can find there, but another surprising element in their website is the presence of music itself. Tracks and mixtapes, put together by groovy DJ’s are a big hit on the site. Such tracks can either be downloaded or purchased online for a small sum. The website also releases such new mixtapes every now and then, to encourage their customers to come back. The enticing chance to buy both fashionable clothing and such cool music with new releases every month, keeps a loyal fan base happy. LuxLivin is another brand that promotes hip hop artists as well as a fantastic range of high end streetwear. The brand believes in adding a much needed corporate touch to Urban Wear itself, and even serves as a talent management agency for upcoming music names.

Sean John, the popular Urban Wear brand promoted by the artist himself, is one of the best selling streetwear brands today. Due to the presence of the hip hop artist himself, his name adds a lot of credibility to the brand. Separate lines for men, women and kids, as well as chic accessories which add a dash of glamor to the ensemble, are a big hit with today’s generation. There are clothes to suit all budgets, and a fresh look each season lets you stay in style and unique at all times. Brands like Hip Hop Closet, Karmaloop and Everything Hip Hop showcase designs from a number of streetwear brands, and give customers a wide range of selections to choose from. These brands often follow the latest happenings and trends in music itself, and draw their inspiration straight from the street.

The connection between Urban Wear itself and music is an entwined one. After all Hip Hop was the reason behind the creation of this never seen before dressing style. As long as Urban Wear brands promote the music that made them, they stay true to the very essence of streetwear culture.