Punk Clothing

Beginning as a counterculture movement in the 1970s, punk clothing has become an enduring fashion statement.

Elements of Punk Clothing

• T-shirts featuring punk bands are a punk clothing staple.
• Slightly baggy work pants, like those from the Dickies brand, are usually chosen over jeans.
• Some followers of punk style prefer black leather for pants and jackets.
• Plaid and stripes are popular patterns in punk accessories.
• Common punk symbols include skulls, anarchy symbols, and the British flag, reflecting the style's UK roots.
• Deconstruction and DIY are common elements in punk clothing, so fashions may feature rips, patches, and pinned-together areas.
• Silver chains, zippers, studs, spikes, and safety pins accent clothing and are used as jewelry.
• There is some overlap with gothic fashion, including a preponderance of black clothing. However, punk lacks the romanticism of much gothic wear.
• Shoes worn with punk clothing include combat boots, skate shoes, and Chuck Taylor All-Stars.
• Body piercing and tattoos are common signs of punk rebelliousness.
• Even within punk culture, there are numerous divisions. If you consider yourself a skate punk, you'll have a different sense of style than a follower of pop punk.

Punk Hairstyles

The Mohawk is the most famous punk hairstyle. In a Mohawk haircut the sides of the head are shaved, leaving long hair in the center of the head. This hair may be combed over or spiked to staggering heights. A less extreme haircut is the "faux-hawk," where the sides of the head aren't actually shaved, but the hair is still left longer in the middle of the head. With some gel, the longer hair in the middle can easily stick up in the style of the Mohawk. Other hairstyles used to complement punk clothing include dyed hair, spiked hair, and dirty looks, sometimes achieved through actually skipping showers and sometimes achieved through styling products.

Punk Attitude

One hallmark of the punk attitude is an overall rejection of authority, including those in positions of power. Many punks act outside the mainstream in terms of culture and values. Some integrate these thoughts into their overall way of life, becoming politically active or making lifestyle changes like becoming a vegetarian, while others simply defy authority, or otherwise act out against those who follow the mainstream.

Teens need to find a healthy balance between enjoying punk philosophies and respecting the requests of their parents and teachers. English class isn't the best place to fight against the system. They should also consider working to change troubling aspects of the mainstream culture rather than being belligerent for rebellion's sake.

Shopping

Considering the punk DIY ideal, one of the best places to start building a punk style is your own closet and local thrift shops. The addition of rips and safety pins can turn even the most ordinary shirts and pants into punk clothing. If you're looking for readymade punk fashion, Hot Topic shops are available in most malls. The store has made a name for itself among teen shoppers with its punk style clothing. However, some hardcore punk followers look down on this sort of mainstream, for-profit punk.

There are also several online retailers focusing on punk needs:

• Hot Topic's online shop
• Too Fast
• Sourpuss
• Infectious Threads
• Red Haze
• Slash 'N Burn

Remember to get permission from your parents before shopping online.

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