This was originally going to be a video on my YouTube channel, but I wasn't feeling the whole docu-video-essay vibes. Figured this is a good place to put all the info I researched! :") Skateboarding is mostly about putting in the time, but a lot of skaters will tell you, when you look good, you feel good, you skate good. Confidence is pretty essential in skateboarding- won't get very far without it.
Skater fashion has a lot to do with practicality, decade, type of skater, and even the music said skater listens to… we are going to touch base on all of these. Hopefully discussing what skaters wear and why can help somebody who is new to skating, or even just teach you something new about skate culture. I also recommend if you’re just getting into skating to immerse yourself in skate media: movies (I am going to share some of my favorites), skate part videos, magazines, youtube videos, video games, and even just going to the skate park. Doing so can also inspire you to get out and skate, which is the most important thing.
70s: When I think of 70s skateboarding, the movies “Dog Town and Z boys” (2001) and “Lords of Dogtown” (2005) come to mind, both about Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, Jay Adams, and the rest of the Z boys. I love "Lords of Dogtown!!1! It is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (director of the first Twilight film), and written by Stacy Peralta. The film follows a blend of southern California surf and skate culture- drained backyard pools, hopping fences, skating bowls, the like. Heath Ledger stars in it and Tony Hawk cameos!
The skate fashion of the time was shorter shorts, fitted tanks and tees, slim pants, longer hair, striped shirts and tube socks. Stacy peralta worked with vans, other skaters of the time are seen wearing converse as well. Some others wore baggy chinos and flannels as a nod to Los Angeles Chicano culture. Skate fashion overall was very dictated by various California cultures.
80s: