It is not a new thing for the fashions of the youth to be criticised by the previous generations and for young people to be stereotyped by what sort of clothes they are wearing. This problem is especially prevalent for the way people look at young men and the way they choose to dress. The iconic piece of clothing that has faced the brunt of peoples criticisms for how people dress is the hoody. Any teenager seen wearing a hoody, is automatically tarred as a chav, a hooligan and an all round trouble maker.
Criticism of Modern Menswear is not a new thing however, everyone is aware of the clash of the subcultures in the 1960’s between the Mods and Rockers who’s contrasting fashion sense and cultural touch points was know to culminate in violence and riots between these two groups.
UK Mens Fashion was also a huge part of Casual Culture in the 80’s and 90’s, which was seen as going hand in hand with the violence that marred the English football terraces up and down the country between young men. At the very centre of this culture was mens designer fashion and how being seen in the right clothing was one of the most important elements of being a part of these groups. Being seen in the right brands like Stone Island, Fred Perry, Lacoste and Victorinox were and are a huge part of growing up in the UK and young men who are seen in these brands does not mean that the young men are automatically football hooligans or trouble makers. Many of these clothes are in classic styles that are far smarter than the sportswear that so many young men choose to wear. A Harrington jacket, button up shirt and desert boots are far smarter and respectable than what many youths choose to wear and is never the cause of the intimidation and public damage that is caused up and down the country.
Speaking from my experience of growing up in an urban environment and wearing these brands, I can speak candidly about the misguided and unfair stereotyping faced by people of my age. Many young men between the ages of 16-21 are interested in men’s vintage fashion and the higher levels of disposable income that comes with being this age means that young men will look to buy designer brands and high quality menswear.
Overall if people in general were to look deeper than the brands or garments young men are wearing to how they behave and fit into society then more young people would grow up far less defensive.