Alternative Clothing

Alternative Clothing by Trash Monkey

You've heard of alternative music. Now there's alternative clothing to go along with it. Alternative clothing is, in a nutshell, a style of fashion that has at some point in time not been aligned with what was mainstream. The most prominent styles are those of the 'emo' and 'goth' fashions, but others that coincide with specific subcultures include 'cyberpunk,' 'industrial,' and even 'hip hop.' Commonly seen on individuals who want to make a statement or stand out from the crowd of people wearing whatever brand name is popular, alternative fashion plays the part of making a statement more so than being functional. The clothing might be bright and colourful, or dark and grungy – either way, something that appeals to a cult audience more so than the mainstream.

An example of an alternative clothes line that represents alternative fashion is Dickies. While popular, Dickies' overly long shorts and high socks represent the hip hop subculture more than any sort of mainstream fashion, and this sets it apart so that it falls firmly into the realm of alternative fashion.

Another example is Alice Takes a Trip. Marked by clothing with dark colours and a distinct goth feel, Alice Takes a Trip covers a wide range of personalities. With dresses adorned with forest patterns and wildlife, the clothing certainly makes a statement that won't soon be forgotten.

The company Liquor Brand is another example. Their clothing seems to come right out of a biker bar, with dark angels and skulls, flames and playing cards adorning shirts, hats, and even purses. The brand portrays a distinct sense of toughness and is reminiscent of the Hell's Angels.

Retro Rockabilly hearkens back to the rockabilly era of the 50s and 60s with its floral, high waist dresses, the large sunglasses, and the classy and elegant pearl necklaces. Anyone with this style could fit as easily in a Beach Boys video as they could in the modern day.

No matter the brand, alternative clothing has one thing in common: a burning desire to stand apart from the crowd, to be noticed, and to say “We are unique.”