4 Global Style Tribes Influencing American Fashion

Men in the 21st Century pay a lot more attention to their style. Part of this is because of certain aspects of toxic masculinity gradually fading out over recent years. We don’t really know who first came up with the idea that dressing up can’t be masculine. But we are guessing it started with someone who just couldn’t find their sense of style and fashion in the time they lived in. Luckily for you, there are plenty of style tribes today that you can become a part of. The best part is, you don’t have to be a fashion aficionado or a style geek to do so. Read on to find out more about the best style tribes in the US in 2021.

The 4 Best Style Tribes to Follow in 2021

Social media has proven to be an unprecedented force in terms of style and fashion. With ideas and inspiration available from every corner of the world, we see styles and trends changing very rapidly. The average Instagram feed is full of posts from celebrities, influencers, fashion brands, and even musicians. These social platforms offer ready access to styling inspiration that may not have been as easily available otherwise. Perhaps this is why we see several styling tribes, sporting clothes ranging from men’s shorts made in the USA to something right off a K-pop concert stage. And the best part is, everybody (including men) is more open to joining these style tribes while making their own individuality stand out.

Don’t believe us? Here are 6 of the most iconic style tribes that you should be looking at in 2021:

1. The Grown-Up Grunge Skater

2. The Classic American Traditional

3. The Cynical War Core Expression

4. The K-Pop Popper

Let’s have a closer look at these style tribes below.

The Grown-Up Grunge Skater

Anybody who grew up in the 90s is familiar with the skater tribe and what they wore. Popularized by figures like Tony Hawk, the skater style was a powerful identity statement in the mid-90s. Adopted by many big names of the time, including Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, the skater look was common in nearly all of urban America.

Two decades later, however, many of these rebellious teens are now in their 40s. If you’re one of them, you’re probably struggling to adapt your dressing to something more appropriate to your age. But do you really need the feeling of hypocrisy that comes with donning sensible knitted sweaters and dad pants? Sure, you may have a family, or even kids, of your own now. But you don’t need to trade in the identity that helped you get through some of the toughest times in your history. Enter: the grown-up skater style.

This style doesn’t really depend on huge, vibrant logos and top-shelf brands. True to grunge originality, the core focus is on how the clothes fit, instead of who designed them. The trick is to add a subtly mature touch to the classic baggy jeans, well-worn sneakers, and a dark hoodie. For example, a chunky knitted sweater may make a good touch. Your parents-in-law will never figure out you spent an hour at the skatepark on your way for a family dinner. And you’ll still hang on to the good days when style and lifestyle went hand in hand.

The Classic American Traditional

Formally known as Ametora, this style first emerged in Japan. Adding their own take to classic American fashion since the 60s, Japanese fashion has developed a style that unique in its own right while still paying homage to the original. Ametora has made its way across borders, and even back into the US, where it originally gets inspiration from.

The style essentially reworks classic American looks ranging from bikers to cowboys to the modern hip-hop scene. Currently focusing on classic Hawaiian prints, the look employs artisan-reworked denim, knitwear, and even workwear. This style heavily relies on blending textures and colors in modern representations of some of the most classic outfits that are a core part of American culture. The biggest advantage of adopting this tribe is freedom in terms of individuality. You can pair a subtly worked black or brown biker jacket and riding boots with a well-fitting pair of the best men’s khakis you won for a look that is both unique and classic at the same time.

The Cynical War Core Expression

Maybe it’s our obsession with a post-apocalyptic landscape. There are plenty of TV shows and movies that have given us blueprints on what life might look like then. Maybe we just like our guns, because plenty of Americans like to spend time hunting or at the shooting range. Or maybe, we just like the idea of looking like a “military” guy. Whatever the reason, you’ve probably seen members of the war core tribe on the streets. It may be an expression of the cynicism that defines millennials, but the soldier-of-fortune style is everywhere you look.

The look is typically characterized by a military look, but it needs to be done subtly. Otherwise, you may well look like you just airdropped to the club from an Apache attack helicopter. Crafting the perfect look for you may take a little time or effort, but the basic ingredients will be the same each time. Think of an everyday outfit, but with a hint of camo prints, combat boots, and buckles or utility vests. It’s an eclectic mix between workwear, battle gear, and style. Thick buckles, chunky cargo pants, and even dark khakis can be all you need. Society may crumble, but you’ll be dressed for the part when it does!

The K-Pop Popper

K-Pop is a singular phenomenon, and not just in music. Those beautiful, almost-otherworldly faces, outrageously dyed hair-dos, chunky blazers that hint at the 90s, and skinny jeans of more recent times. They all come together to create some of the hottest pop sensations the modern world has ever known. Originating in Korea (hence K-Pop), the music genre has evolved to become a lifestyle statement for Gen Z and younger millennials. This isn’t surprising, since grunge music effectively did the same a few decades ago. But the scale of the following that K-Pop has gathered is much larger. And the world is a very different place as well. Individuality is not just encouraged but applauded. People are generally nicer, with random passersby offering compliments about edgy streetwear that boost confidence.

In other words, there is no better time to experiment with K-Pop inspired styles. The best and worst thing about being a member of the K-Pop tribe is that there are no sharp ends to the style spectrum. An over-the-top form-fitting tank top will work just as well as men’s dress shirts if the outfit is configured correctly. The style also focuses a lot on hair (not just color but style). K-Pop is all about individualism, but with a firm foundation resting on groupthink. Think of yourself as part of a particularly stylish alien species. One that has evolved beyond individual boundaries, but still has a single consciousness.