From teddy boys to skaters: the street tribes whose style ended up on the runway.
By Shreya S · Last reviewed 2 November 2026
What is a fashion subculture?
A group, usually young, that shares music, values and a distinctive way of dressing that sets it apart from the mainstream. Clothes become a badge of belonging and, often, of protest.
Which subcultures changed fashion?
| Subculture | Era | The look |
|---|---|---|
| Teddy boys | 1950s | Edwardian-style drape jackets and quiffs |
| Mods | 1960s | Slim suits, parkas and scooters |
| Hippies | Late 1960s–70s | Flares, fringe, kaftans and prints |
| Punks | 1970s | Ripped clothes, safety pins, tartan and leather |
| Goths | Late 1970s–80s | Black lace, velvet and dramatic make-up |
| Hip-hop | 1980s–90s | Sportswear, gold chains, logos and oversized denim |
| Ravers | Late 1980s–90s | Neon, smiley faces and baggy clothes |
| Grunge | Early 1990s | Flannel, ripped jeans and boots |
| Skaters | 1980s–now | Graphic tees, hoodies and sneakers, from Stüssy to Supreme |
Read on Ayerhs: How Punk Fashion Changed the Cultural Landscape · Goth Brands Shaping Alternative Fashion · How Hip-Hop Fashion Influenced the 1990s · The Birth of Streetwear
How does luxury borrow from subcultures?
Constantly. Westwood turned punk into fashion, Marc Jacobs put grunge on the runway, and streetwear entered luxury through designers such as Virgil Abloh and Demna. Critics argue the borrowing can strip subcultures of their meaning; supporters say it keeps fashion alive.
Read on Ayerhs: 2026 Is the Year of Subculture Revival · The Role of Fashion in Shaping Cultural and Social Identities