Skate Wear Through the Years

The evolution of skateboard clothing has undergone significant shifts since its inception in the 1950s. Initially, skateboarders fashioned themselves in comfy and functional wear, often borrowing styles from surfers and athletes. However, as the sport gained traction, a distinctive skateboard clothing style emerged, blending comfort, practicality, and a rebellious streak.

In its early days, skateboarders leaned toward comfort and functionality, sporting baggy jeans, loose tees, and sneakers. Surfing culture heavily influenced this relaxed, beachy fashion, enabling skateboarders to move freely while pulling off tricks. 

By the 1970s, skateboard clothing began taking on a recognizable form with baggy jeans, oversized tees, and comfy footwear dominating the scene. This loose attire allowed skaters to manoeuvre freely, unfettered by tight clothing.

In the 1980s, skateboard clothing embraced a more rebellious, counter-cultural vibe. Skateboarders adopted elements from punk rock and hip-hop, mixing baggy jeans and oversized tees with leather jackets, studded belts, and combat boots. This edgier style epitomised the DIY spirit and anti-establishment attitude of the era.

Moving into the 1990s, skateboard clothing underwent another transformation. The looser styles of the '80s shifted to more fitted attire, with skaters experimenting with vivid colours, graphic tees, and bold designs. Brands like Vans and Thrasher gained prominence, becoming synonymous with skateboarding attire.

As the 2000s rolled in, skateboard clothing transitioned into a more commercialised realm. Skate brands launched their clothing lines, and skaters began sporting streetwear labels like Supreme and Stüssy. This shift coincided with the rise of professional skateboarding, leading skateboarders to become influential figures and trendsetters.

Today, skateboard clothing remains dynamic, embracing various styles. While baggy jeans and oversized tees persist, skateboarders incorporate graphic tees, baseball caps, hoodies, and sneakers into their wardrobes. It's a reflection of the ever-evolving and diverse culture within skateboarding.

Skate Wear Brands

In the world of skateboarding, clothing isn't just fabric — it's a statement, a culture, a lifestyle. From the gritty streets of the 70s to the modern skate parks, certain brands have etched themselves into the history of skate wear, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Vision: Defining Skate Fashion in the 70s

In the early days of skateboarding, Vision Street Wear emerged as a trailblazer. Founded in the late 1970s, Vision was more than just a clothing brand; it was a movement. Known for vibrant graphics, bold colours, and functional designs, Vision captured the essence of the rebellious skate culture and are believed to have coined the phrase 'street wear'

Vans Skateboard Clothing: The Iconic Evolution of Skate Shoes and Apparel

When discussing skate wear, Vans deserves a spotlight. Originating as a shoe brand in the 60s, Vans expanded its horizons in the 70s, creating apparel that resonated with skateboarders. The brand's signature checkerboard pattern, durable denim, and comfortable tees became staples in skate fashion, evolving alongside the sport itself.

Santa Cruz: Blending Art with Skate Wear

Santa Cruz Skateboards not only influenced skateboarding hardware but also left an undeniable impact on apparel. Famous for its artistic flair, Santa Cruz incorporated eye-catching designs, bold graphics, and innovative styles into their clothing lines. Their fusion of art and skatewear elevated the aesthetic of the sport.

DC: Bridging Performance and Fashion

The late 90s saw the rise of DC Shoes, a brand that seamlessly blended skate performance with streetwear fashion. Initially renowned for their footwear, DC expanded into clothing, offering a fusion of functionality and style. Their clothing lines incorporated technical elements suitable for skaters while maintaining an urban, trendy appeal.

Other Influential Skate Wear Brands: Carhartt, Thrasher, and more

Apart from the big names, several other brands left an enduring legacy in skate wear. Carhartt, with its durable workwear, found a place within the skate scene for its ruggedness. Thrasher Magazine not only chronicled skate culture but also introduced a line of apparel that became synonymous with skateboarders worldwide.

Embracing Skate Heritage Today

In the present, these pioneering brands continue to shape the skatewear landscape. Their influences are evident in the modern designs, materials, and culture embraced by both skaters and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Whether it's the nostalgia of Vision's graphics, the timeless appeal of Vans, the artistry of Santa Cruz, the performance-oriented style of DC, or the durability of Carhartt, each brand has played a pivotal role in defining what skate wear means.

A Skate Wear Legacy, Embracing the Future

As skateboarding evolves, these brands remain foundational pillars, bridging the gap between function and fashion, heritage and innovation. Their legacies endure, influencing the next generation of skate wear, keeping the essence of rebellious creativity alive on and off the board.

Embrace the spirit of skate fashion—imbibe the heritage, celebrate the innovation, and ride into the future with the timeless style that these pioneering brands have imparted.

The Vines honours this legacy by offering a curated collection that pays homage to these influential brands. Explore our range and embody the spirit of skate culture every time you step out. The history of skateboard clothing embodies innovation and transformation. From the early days of comfort wear to the rebellious styles of the '80s and the current fusion of commercial streetwear, skateboard clothing mirrors the sport's cultural ethos. As skateboarding evolves, so too will the skate wear that shapes its identity.