This has to be the most stereotypical, pathetic part of the punk lifestyle. Many a time punks are determined through the way they dress, or classified as what type of punks they are. Here are some typical examples:
Typical anarchist punks want to wear black all the time (not goth-style, just black) with big boots, just in case there could be a riot suddenly, they don't want their feet tromped on. Boys and girls alike. Eco-punks obviously would never wear anything leather (duh, most of them are vegans) but otherwise they look like the average peace-loving laid-back hippie. Boys and girls alike. Skaterpunks have their one spiked bracelet, skate shoes, baggy pants and wallet chains (compulsory) and sometimes dyed hair. Oh I forgot the punkrock band hoodies. Again, boys and girls alike. Though, the skaterpunk girls wear tanktops or baseball tees quite often. Then there's the old-skool-hardcore type punk, who of course, metal studs all over (or spikes, depending if they have the extra money for it) and tight leather pants, and of course the haircuts are usually absolutely ridiculous. Example: Local punks here have mohawks so high it can sweep the ceiling and after 5 minutes of pogo-ing (worming, to be exact)..they run out of the gig where there is a 'hair-dude' who is there with glue and clay. The sweeper-punks then sit in one row and let the 'hair-dude' fix their hair again so it stands up nice and tall. The process repeats itself. Hilarious. The hardcore punk girls are images of crude beauty, providing they can carry it off well. Plaid skirts, boots, and such. Not forgetting most punks wear dozens of accessories. Moving on, there are the geekpunks, who wear like the old-skool-punks, minus the hair. But they look like geeks. Usually skinny and with big glasses. Another classic punk trait is having tattoos and piercings. You don't necessarily have to be pierced or tattoo to be a punk, but hey, whatever floats your boat, go for it. During the time of Sex Pistols (1976/77), Johnny Rotten made the safety pin an almost compulsory accessory. It was used to hold their ripped clothes together and for some, as piercing jewellery. Siouxie Sioux made famous the Swastika armband - used as a symbol of shock and outrage. These punk fashions from the old time influences many, many modern-day punks. Another common punk accessory would be the neck-chain with a lock on it. To symbolise security? It looks cool. Of course many punks associate themselves with the art of D.I.Y, which is one excellent way to express creativity.
The examples I gave you are purely stereotypical and usually very, very common. There are some exceptions, but they are rare. The punk uniform is such, it's sad. It completely contradicts the punk philosophy of individuality. But in this world, and to the majority of small-minded, conservative people who live in it, we are still shocking, especially those hardcore punks. Which to some is good enough. Watching an episode of Ripley's one night, I watched a man who instead of having the usual mohawk, had his implanted in his head. A metal mohawk - needles poking out of his scalp. I thought it was one of the best and most interesting concept I've seen in trying to create something new and individual in the world of punk fashion. Extreme - but that is what punk fashion is all about! May the likes of him live forever.
Written by Farida Mazlan - 2002 - Do not fucking take this without my permission! Cheers.
