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Subculture Series: How Gen Z is Keeping Skater Culture Alive

YPulse’s Subculture Series shares deep dives into some of Gen Z and Millennials’ ever-evolving list of subcultures. This month, we’re taking a look at how skater culture has evolved into one of the most popular fashion trends of the century—and how the aesthetic remains on top by continuously reinventing itself…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Jul 19 2023
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The ‘90s and ‘00s are the two decades that made skater culture for Millennials and Gen Z what it is today—and those looks are still highly favored by teens now
Skateboarding heavily influenced modern streetwear and Gen Z loves to romanticize both the culture and the fashion on social media
Brands can reach teens part of this subculture by connecting with its long history within skate culture and the industry’s obsession with ‘90s style

The grunge aesthetic, rebranded by Gen Z into “skatercore,” emerged as a cultural phenomenon in the ‘90s and gained significant popularity in the ‘00s. Skateboarders have always been known for their distinctive style, characterized by baggy clothing that allows freedom of movement when performing tricks (and just overall feeling comfortable) and the lifestyle aesthetic that comes with it is evolving from what it once looked like to Millennials to now cater to Gen Z’s likings. And of course, skaters or not, fashion lovers on social media have served as drivers to keep the look alive—making it more appealing for brands...