Skinheads are a common subculture that primarily attracts urban youth. A distinctive attribute of people who associate themselves with this social phenomenon is a special, specific style in the formation of appearance. Let’s find out what kind of skinhead clothes have, what hairstyles and symbols the representatives of this subculture wear.
A brief excursion into history
At the end of the 60s of the last century, representatives of the working class from the English cities of Liverpool and London began to oppose the ideology of hippies, the main slogan of which was "Peace and Love." The scruffy long hairstyles of the latest skinheads began to contrast the bare backs of the head. Flares and loose shirts were not recognized by representatives of the new subculture and were replaced by neat fitted clothes in a militaristic style.
Soon, there were regular skirmishes between hippies and skinheads from English cities. The reason was not the racist views of skinhead young people, but the desire to convey to opponents the need to honor their proletarian origin. The imminent economic crisis, which forced the movement's supporters to behave more aggressively, had a huge impact on skinhead behavior. Soon they began to listen to “wild”, heartbreaking music, to arrange mass brawls on the streets and football stadiums. All this was done to attract the attention of the authorities to the problems of poor, useless youth. Later, some skinheads began to publicly declare their fascist principles for the sake of fear.
In the 80s, fashion, ideology and skinhead tattoos spread throughout the developed European countries. Representatives of the subculture are increasingly seen in protests and demonstrations. At this time, several neo-Nazi groups formed in Britain, who took the appearance of skinheads as a basis for their own style. However, the phenomenon did not find mass support. Soon organizations of skinhead young people began to form, which called for resistance to the Nazis.
Classification
Before we consider the style, clothing and symbolism of skinheads, let's find out into which groups the representatives of this subculture are divided:
- Red Skins is a movement especially prevalent among Italian youth. Like the Nazis, the “red-skinned” people see violence as the only right solution to stimulate inactive public masses to action. Members of the group declare the need to combat capitalist views. Their distinguishing attribute is the presence of red shoelaces on coarse military boots.
- Traditional skinheads are apolitical. Representatives of the movement promote the ideology closest to the concepts of the first British skinheads of the mid-60s. Despite this, traditional skinheads are quite aggressive personalities. They demonstrate an open hatred of street beggars, people of non-traditional sexual orientation, as well as individuals who have a shocking dressing style.
- SHARP - skinheads (girls and boys) who advocate for the eradication of racial prejudice in society. The movement began to develop in the United States in the 80s of the last century.
- RASH - Anarchist skinheads. The movement originated in the 90s in Canada. Local skinheads expressed dissatisfaction with their identification with the extremely aggressive representatives of the Red Skins subculture. Therefore, they created an alternative, more liberal current.
- Gay skinheads are skinheads who openly advocate for the rights of sexual minorities. Representatives of the group are organizing public initiatives against homophobia. Similar views among skinheads are prevalent mainly in Western Europe.
Hairstyles
At the dawn of the development of the subculture, skinheads stood out from the crowd with a carefully shaved head. However, not all ideologists of the fashion movement were inclined to such a style. For example, skinhead girls preferred to get rid of hair only in the nape of the neck or above the ears, leaving long locks on the top of the head and forehead. Some guys created high Iroquois who painted in all kinds of colors of the rainbow in protest against the existing foundations in society.
As for modern skinheads, most of them shave their heads with an electric machine. At the same time, wearing a mustache, sideburn or a thick beard is allowed.
Trousers and skirts
Skinhead clothing involves the use of straight-cut jeans with tucked-in cuffs. This is done to create an emphasis on powerful army shoes, which should frighten ill-wishers. Skinheads often treat the denim with bleach so that stains appear on its surface, somewhat resembling a camouflage pattern.
Short skin shorts with sloppy cropped edges are popular among skinhead girls. They can also be seen in plaid or camouflage skirts. Combine these outfits with fishnet stockings on garters.
Skinhead outerwear
Most skinheads prefer to wear coarse military coat. In the warm season, representatives of the subculture switch to strict jackets, popularly known as “bombers”. The latter must be black or olive shade.
Skinhead girls love to use worn leather jackets, sheepskin coats, and plaid coats. In combination with rude boots, a zipper hoodies or pullovers look like a worthy reflection of style.
Knitted shirts with checkered motifs are usually worn under a jacket or coat. It is allowed to wear a knitted sweater over such a shirt with a neckline in the form of the letter V or the same zipper sweatshirt. As an alternative to such clothes, skinhead girls often prefer buttoned cardigans.
Suspender
Skinhead clothing is often complemented by suspenders. Many skinheads wear them over a shirt or sweater. Black or red suspenders, as well as combinations of these tones, are preferred.
Footwear
As already noted at the beginning of our material, the first skinheads were ordinary hard workers, representatives of the working class. For this reason, rough leather shoes with massive soles to this day remain the traditional shoes of youth, which associates itself with this subculture.
To buy suitable shoes, today it is not necessary to visit a specialized skinhead store. It is enough to pay attention to boots or boots of such brands as “Doctor Martens”, Steel or Camelot. Among some groups, wearing old bowling shoes is also welcome. In the case of shoes, there is no difference between male and female options.
Symbolism of skinheads
Next, I would like to consider the main characters with which the subculture of skinheads is associated:
- Posse Comitatus is a sign that confirms a man’s willingness to take up arms in order to help law enforcement officers to capture criminals and restore public order. The symbol looks like an American sheriff’s star, which contains the corresponding inscriptions.
- Anarchy Sign (red letter “A” on a black background) is a symbol of skinheads and anarchists who are violently opposed to power, because part of their ideology is the belief that secret Jewish organizations rule the world.
- Boot Symbols - a symbol in the form of a rough boot with a metal insert on the toe, which skinheads often use as weapons that can cause injury. It is a sign that should scare away enemies.
- Crucified Skinhead - an icon in the form of a shaven-headed crucified on the cross, which is an attribute of traditional representatives of the subculture.
- Hammerskins - two crossed hammers placed on a contrasting background that symbolize the pride of the working class. The sign is often seen as the logo of a racist current in the subculture.
- American Front - the letter "A", encrypted in the crosshairs of the optical sight. He is a distinctive sign of American skinheads from Arkansas, who openly promote communist ideals.