What is Grunge Style and How It Lead Fashion Trend

Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

Have you ever wondered where the trend of ripped jeans and flannel shirts came from? Do you know the origins of the Grunge style? How did it become a fashion trend and influence the current fashion industry? In this article, we will look into the history of the Grunge style, its rise to popularity, and its lasting impact on fashion. From its beginnings as a local street style for musicians in Seattle to its emergence as a cultural phenomenon, we will uncover the story of Grunge fashion and its influence on the industry today.

What is grunge style in fashion?

Grunge fashion is a subculture that began in the early 1990s, specifically in the Pacific Northwest region, Seattle, and surrounding areas. It started as a style of clothing worn by local musicians and quickly spread to the rest of the United States and beyond.

The style is distinguished by a do-it-yourself, anti-fashion aesthetic and often features clothing items such as ripped jeans, flannel shirts, and band t-shirts. It was popularized by bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden and embraced by a generation of young people looking for an alternative to the flashy fashion of the 1980s.

We can trace the roots of Grunge fashion back to the punk and alternative rock scenes of the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the DIY ethos of the grunge music scene. The fashion industry also took notice of Grunge fashion's popularity, with notable designers and brands creating their interpretations of the style. Despite being a subculture, the Grunge style continues to influence fashion today.

Who are the icons of grunge style?

Many people credit Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, as the pioneer of the Grunge style and the fashion trend it inspired. His unique sense of style, which often included ripped jeans, flannel shirts, and band t-shirts, helped to popularize the Grunge aesthetic and set the tone for the fashion trend.

Other icons of the Grunge style include Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, and Courtney Love, the lead singer of Hole and wife of Kurt Cobain. These musicians, not only through their music but also through their fashion sense, helped to define the Grunge movement and cemented it as a cultural phenomenon.

Grunge style made its way to the runway in the 1990s, when American fashion designer Marc Jacobs incorporated elements of the Grunge aesthetic into his collections, featuring flannel shirts and black combat-style boots. In the 2010s, designers began incorporating Grunge-inspired looks into a new trend, boho-chic, which featured a mix of bohemian and Grunge styles. Today, we are seeing a resurgence of these laid-back, Grunge-inspired outfits, with many designers and fashion influencers incorporating elements of the Grunge aesthetic into their work. This trend is not only easy to achieve but also comfortable to wear. Overall, the Grunge style has left a lasting impact on fashion and inspires designers and fashion enthusiasts.

Grunge style as a trend over the years

Grunge style as a trend comes and goes, but as a look, it never goes away - charity stores are always brimming with old jeans and cardigans, and artists, musicians, and students are still poor. However, it is also a simple shorthand for any designer looking for an infusion of authenticity. Grunge has resurfaced as a mood board fixture as '90s fashion resurfaces everywhere. The origins of the Grunge style can be traced back to the early 1990s and the Pacific Northwest region, specifically Seattle, where it was popularized by musicians such as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, and Layne Staley of Alice in Chains. They were not only known for their music but also for their fashion sense, which helped to shape the Grunge aesthetic and make it a cultural phenomenon.

In the 2010s, designers began to incorporate Grunge-inspired looks into a new trend referred to as boho-chic, which featured a mix of bohemian and Grunge styles. Today, we are seeing a resurgence of these laid-back, Grunge-inspired outfits, with many designers and fashion influencers incorporating elements of the Grunge aesthetic into their work.

Many celebrities have embraced the Grunge style over the years, some calling it their signature look. For example, in an interview, Kate Moss said, "I think the whole grunge thing was just an excuse to dress like a boy." Similarly, in an interview, Winona Ryder said, "I think that grunge was just a reaction to the over-the-top '80s, and it was a necessary thing." It's clear that the Grunge style continues to inspire and influence fashion, both on and off the runway

How to master the grunge style?

Mastering Grunge style is about finding the right balance between vintage and modern elements and creating an effortless and authentic look. It's important to note that the Grunge style should never feel forced or overly polished; it's all about the attitude and feeling you wear it with. We'll dive into those modern adaptations a bit later.

Let's focus on the building blocks that bring grunge fashion to life. The core elements of the style include distorted guitar sound, heavy use of electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums, dark and introspective lyrics, DIY attitude, and a mix of punk, metal, and complex rock influences, as well as a specific fashion sense, such as flannel shirts and Converse sneakers, long hair and beards for men.

Some characteristics of the Grunge

● Distorted guitar sound

● Heavy use of electric guitar

● Bass, guitar, and drums

● Dark and introspective lyrics

● A mixture of punk, metal, and hard rock

● DIY attitude

● Flannel shirts

● Converse sneakers

● Long hair and beards (for men)

● Grunge fashion

● Melancholic and angsty themes

● Use of feedback and power chords

Some popular styles of Grunge

Seattle Grunge: This style of Grunge is closely associated with the genre's emergence in Seattle, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden are often considered representative of this style.

Punk-influenced Grunge: This style of Grunge incorporates elements of punk rock music, often featuring a rawer, more aggressive sound. Bands like Mudhoney and Green River are examples of bands associated with this style.

Metal-influenced Grunge: This style of Grunge incorporates elements of heavy metal music, often featuring a more aggressive sound with a focus on guitar riffs and solos. Bands like Alice in Chains and Screaming Trees are examples of bands associated with this style.

Hardcore-influenced Grunge: This style of Grunge incorporates elements of hardcore punk music, often featuring a more aggressive sound with a focus on faster tempos and political or social lyrics. Bands like Fugazi and The Melvins are examples of bands associated with this style.

Indie-influenced Grunge: This style of Grunge incorporates elements of indie rock music, often featuring a more melodic sound with a focus on unconventional song structures. Bands like Pavement and Built to Spill are examples of bands associated with this style.

Some Grunge Fashion Tips For Men and Women

● For men, typical grunge fashion often included casual and comfortable clothing such as flannel shirts, ripped or distressed jeans, and Converse sneakers. Long hair and beards were also commonly seen.

● For women, typical grunge fashion often included clothing items such as ripped or distressed jeans, band t-shirts, and Converse sneakers. Layering with flannel shirts or oversized sweaters was also popular.

● Accessories such as beanies, sunglasses, and bracelets were also popular among men and women.

Core Grunge Style Elements

The core elements of the Grunge style are a mix of vintage and thrift store finds, with a focus on layering and comfort. Building blocks of the Grunge style include ripped jeans, flannel shirts, band t-shirts, leather jackets, and combat boots. These elements are often combined in an effortless and carefree way. The style also emphasizes a DIY, anti-fashion attitude, represented in its use of repurposed or distressed clothing items. The Grunge style also reflects a sense of rebellion and a non-conformist attitude, which can be seen through unconventional layering and the incorporation of unconventional clothing items.

Types of Grunge fashion

Classic Grunge: This style is characterized by clothing items such as ripped or distressed jeans, flannel shirts, Converse sneakers, and band t-shirts.

Pastel Grunge: This style combines pastel colors and vintage/feminine elements with classic grunge elements such as ripped jeans and band t-shirts.

Boho Grunge: This style incorporates bohemian elements such as fringe, flowy dresses, and vintage jewelry with classic grunge elements like ripped jeans and band t-shirts.

Street Grunge: This style combines elements of streetwear with classic grunge elements. Oversized clothing, graphic tees, and bold accessories like caps and sunglasses characterize it.

Gothic Grunge: This style combines elements of gothic fashion with classic grunge elements. Dark and mysterious clothing, heavy boots, and many blacks characterize it.

Cyber Grunge: This style combines elements of cyberpunk fashion with classic grunge elements. A mix of vintage and futuristic clothing, like ripped jeans, band t-shirts, and neon colors, characterizes it.