Grunge Look

Grunge

                The grunge culture originated in the mid 80’s in Seattle, Washington. Grunge could be defined by alternative music, rock, college rock, and Seattle rock. Seattle in the early 80’s was an isolated place culturally. Major bands didn't tour Seattle, the live scene was awash with derivative bands, and it rained a lot which brings people inside together. People usually say when the weather is “crappy”; they would go into basements and let all their frustration out by making a lot of noise. ­

                Grunge evolved from Seattle’s local punk rock scene, most of their fashion was inspired by bands such as The Fartz, The U-Men, 10 Minute Warning, The Fastbacks, etc. Not only did the music style influence Seattle but it influenced the Pacific Northwest. A number of artists and music scenes influenced the grunge culture. Unlike hip-hop, grunge was anti-commerce, anti-fame, and anti-celebrity. Most of the grunge musicians weren’t comfortable with the genre’s popularity and wanted to keep things simple and local. Instead of performing their music on stage and in public, they performed in garage or basements and they also jammed in there. In the performances, they had no high lighting, no go-go dancers, and definitely no high fashion.

                Additionally, the slow, heavy, and sludgy style of the Melvins was a significant influence on the grunge sound. Because of the slow, heavy, metal punk rock, their clothing wasn’t considered “high fashion”. The grunge fashion was essentially a mix of punk ethic and outdoor wear. Most of their clothes were made from hard fabric which could last them for years; eventually their clothes would start to get holes in them and it became a trend. Their style initially started to make sense since punk has always been anti-establishment. Their clothes were inexpensive and could be found in thrift stores, garage sales, etc. Not only could they be found there but outdoor wear wasn’t expensive either. It was a good way to retaliate against the futuristic high fashion of eighties glamour pop. For example, they wore layers of clothing, flannel shirts, anything that was plaid, ripped denim jeans, baggy clothes, hoodies, combat boots, etc. During the recession, people started shopping at charity stores and thrift stores, clothes that they could alter themselves and create outfits. Their style was simple and to the point, it was inexpensive and almost gave them that homeless look they were striving for. Their hair was either dyed or bleached and most of the haircut styles were for men. Their hair styles were irregular, having their roots show more than three inches was a “grunge thing”.

                By the mid-1990s, the grunge movement in music had suffered a number of losses and hardships. Kurt Cobain, the charismatic lead singer of Nirvana, apparently committed suicide after years of physical and emotional difficulties. Other grunge bands fell apart because of drug abuse or internal strife among band members. Some of the original grunge bands, most notably Pearl Jam, have continued to perform, but their newer material does not always contain the distinctive punk and emo energy of their grunge years. As stereotypical sayings or beliefs, most people that were in bands depended on drugs and alcohol to keep them “hyped” or energetic while performing in their basement and garage concerts. Back then, smoking was seen to be the “cool” new thing, people that smoked were considered “cool”. Not only did it make them look cool but it at the same time it made them look homeless and dirty. Many people suffered from drug abuse and alcohol abuse. 

                The grunge culture hasn’t differed from the 1980’s till now. Their style of clothing may not categorize under the label grunge but in the fashion world, that is what it’s known as. People don’t realize what category they fall into but everyone has their own way of dressing themselves.