How to Dress Like a Real Skater

Co-authored by Amber Crain

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Skater fashion is very popular, but a lot of the trendier stuff isn’t ideal for most real skaters. While real skaters definitely care about their looks and styles, they are most concerned with clothing that is functional and practical for skateboarding. The most authentic skater fashion incorporates both style and practicality.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Clothing for Comfort and Performance

1
Choose pants that aren’t restrictive. Most skater styles emphasize very tight pants or very loose-fitting pants. Both of these look great, but they can hinder you when you’re trying to pull off a trick. Go for pants that are somewhere in between.^{[1]
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- If you really want to wear an extreme fit, make sure you road test them on your board before attempting to publicly pull off a trick in them.
- If you’re more interested in wearing skater styles and not actually skateboarding, choose the extreme fit that you like best.
2
Wear low maintenance graphic t-shirts of all kinds. T-shirts are by far the most comfortable and popular shirts worn by skateboarders and they wear them in every fit imaginable, with the most popular being over-sized, basic and slim-fit. They are usually screen printed with a graphic design of some kind.
- Thrasher t-shirts have always been iconic and still enjoy immense popularity today. However if you aren't a good skateboarder and can't do fairly decent tricks, you will get called a poser.^{[2]
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- Thrasher t-shirts are manufactured by Thrasher skateboarding magazine and are typically very affordable, making them all the more popular.
- Oversized hoodies that zip up look casual and they will keep you warm while fitting neatly into the classic skater style. Toss one on over your t-shirt.^{[3]
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- Plaid flannels over t-shirts is another popular look.
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3
Wear flexible, flat-soled shoes with good grip. Skaters need lots of grip on their shoes to keep them on the board while performing tricks. Shoes also need to offer plenty of flexibility and flat-soles are a must. Wearing shoes without these key elements will not look authentic.
- Don’t worry about keeping your shoes shiny and new looking. A real skater’s shoes will get ripped up and beaten up from use.
- Look for shoes made specifically for skateboarding. These will include all of the authentic-looking features and keep you on your board.
- You can’t go wrong with a classic skater brand like Vans. Choose versions that you can slip on. If you get Vans with laces, go for those with the fat laces that don’t actually require you to tie them.^{[4]
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4
Get a hairstyle that best suits your general style. Basic skater hairstyles vary widely, ranging from bowl cuts to mohawks.^{[5]
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Research source} Tony Hawk's hairstyle, which is a New-Wave inspired short cut with long bangs in the front, is still one of the most recognizable skater hairstyles of all time and very popular.
- Many skaters sport an alternative look with brightly dyed hair in colors like blue, red, and green.
- Dreads are a classic look, as well.
5
Buy skate brands. Not just because they look cool, but get them because clothing made specifically for skateboarding will feature all of the authentic elements that a real skater needs.^{[6]
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- They offer skater style along with the practicality and functionality required to rock your board.
6
Follow the pros. If you aren’t sure what skater style you like best, check out what the pro skateboarders are wearing. They usually have endorsements from skateboard brands, so they will publicly sport the newest fashions in whatever style they like best.
- If you see a pro who’s style you really like, try getting a few similar pieces and building your wardrobe from there.
- Reference skateboarding videos for additional ideas.
7
Keep it simple. A real skater is most concerned with clothing that won’t get in the way of doing tricks and performing. Don’t overly concern yourself with trying to impress others. Go for a casual look that doesn’t give the impression of trying too hard.
- Skateboarding is an extreme sport and will be hard on your clothing. It looks normal and authentic to have ripped, stained and faded items.
- In skateboarding, clothing style is important. But it’s not more important than landing your tricks and honing your craft.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing in the Punk Style

1
Wear skinny jeans. No skate punk is complete without tight-fitting skinny jeans, preferably in black. Look for brands that are made with elastic waists and offer some flexibility. If you can’t pull off your tricks or your feet are numb because your tight pants are preventing proper blood circulation, get something a little looser. Jeans are typically ripped or otherwise distressed.
- If super tight pants aren’t your thing, skate punks occasionally wear baggy, knee length shorts. Choose dark colors or black.
- The skater punk style takes its cues directly from the original punk style, which also favored black skinny jeans and other slim-fitting clothing.^{[7]
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- Original punk style is far more documented than skater punk style, so you can reference clothing styles of original punk and adapt it as needed. The authenticity will shine through.
2
Choose printed t-shirts with punk imagery. Look for the classic punk symbols, like skulls, or any other bold designs.^{[8]
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Research source} T-shirt colors are often neutral in color – black, white, or occasionally an aggressive red.
- Skate punk band t-shirts are also important to this style. A few classic options are Black Flag, Minor Threat, Suicidal Tendencies and JFA.^{[9]
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- The DIY spirit of skate punk also applies to printed t-shirts. If you can’t find things that you like, try creating customized t-shirts with your own designs.^{[10]
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- Regardless of what imagery you choose for your t-shirts, look for tight or slim-fitting versions.
3
Wear Vans checkerboard slip-on shoes. These have been iconic skate punk shoes since the early '80s. They are made of tough canvas and feature padded ankle collars and sticky soles that grip a skateboard really well.^{[11]
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- These shoes were loved by skate punks and also punk musicians - they were worn by members of Minor Threat and Black Flag.
- Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are another classic shoe embraced by skate punks.
- These are high-top trainers made of durable, flexible black canvas and feature the flat-soled grip that skateboarders love.^{[12]
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4
Dress in plenty of black.^{[13]
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Research source} Don’t limit your black clothing to just skinny jeans – skate punks usually opt for as much black as possible. Look for slim-fitting silhouettes in dark shades for all articles of clothing.
- Make sure you top everything off with a black hoodie that zips in the front. Many skate styles emphasize oversized hoodies, but skate punks generally go for a tighter fit.
- The skate punk attitude is very DIY. If you want to try a particular look and can’t find what you want in stores, make it yourself using thrift store elements.
5
Accessorize with studded belts and bracelets. Skate punks don’t wear tons of accessories, since practicality is generally emphasized over some of the more classic punk elements like spikes and leather. However, a studded belt is a must and won’t get in the way of your skateboarding. Look for black leather or black material with metal studs for a classic skater punk look.
- Tight-fitting arm bands and bracelets with a hardcore or spiked look are also popular.^{[14]
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- One or even a few studs in your ears will also fit well into this style and won’t hinder you on your deck.
6
Keep your hair short and spiky. Skate punks generally never go for long hair, so keep your locks short and gelled. Dark hair or dyed black is the popular look. For a bit of an edge, try a dyed stripe of bold color, like red, blue or green.
- Skater girls typically have a similar style for their hair – short, messy and dyed.^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Wearing the Hip Hop Street Style

1
Wear baggy jeans.^{[16]
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Research source} This is one of the defining features of hip hop skater style (just as skinny jeans are to skate punk style). Don’t choose baggy jeans that are too extreme, because they may negatively affect your range of motion.
- Baggy sweat pants are also stylish in the hip hop scene and are probably more comfortable and street-ready for skating.
- To create the hip hop look, baggy isn’t just for pants. Opt for oversized silhouettes for most of your clothing.^{[17]
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Choose oversized t-shirts with graphic designs. Look for prints that emphasize urban grittiness and authenticity.^{[18]
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Research source} Any color is fair game – white, black, and all the colors in the rainbow are embraced for t-shirts.
- The key element is making sure the t-shirt is loose-fitting.
- Go for t-shirts that offer a pop of bright color to achieve a popular (and classic) street style look.^{[19]
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3
Wear trainers. Old school trainers, like the iconic Adidas Superstar, are still the most popular shoe type for urban skateboarders. These classic low-tops feature a rubber "shell-toe" design championed by skateboarders and rappers alike.^{[20]
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- Hip hop crews popularized the Adidas Superstar trainer in the early '80s New York street scene.
- They are still just as popular today as they were then, with no sign of losing their edge.^{[21]
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Sport a fitted snapback cap. The snapback is another quintessential fashion item for hip hop skaters.^{[22]
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Research source} The options are nearly limitless on this, but a popular look is to choose a vibrant snapback to add a pop of neon color to an ensemble.
- Snapbacks are worn facing forwards and backwards equally, so go with what you like.
- Wear a hoodie over your snapback for an authentic and classic look.
5
Invest in bling.^{[23]
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Research source} This includes large chain necklaces (both gold and silver chains are popular), huge medallions and even grills (again, gold and silver are both popular choices). Chain necklaces are often layered, so try wearing more than one.
- Do a single chain if you are wearing a huge, blinged out statement piece.
- A big, flashy watch (that fits well to the wrist) is another great accessory for this style.
6
Choose brand names. Hip hop skater fashion highly emphasizes brand names. A few popular options are DVS Shoes and apparel, Supras, Fly Society, KR3W clothing, Famous Stars and Straps, BBC, Nike SB, Nixon watches, RS by Sheckler and New Era fitted hats.^{[24]
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- A little research will unearth a wealth of other brand name options embraced by this culture that you can choose from.

Expert Q&A

Question

What outfits can you create to wear with slip-on vans?

Spencer Shimada
Image Consultant
Spencer Shimada is an Image Consultant and the Founder of White Shoe Consulting based in the Denver metro area. He specializes in helping others build confidence through wardrobe consulting and personal styling. Spencer has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Weber State University and an MBA from The University of Birmingham.

Spencer Shimada

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Slip-on Vans are a great staple in any closet. The obvious choice is to wear them with a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. But what if you want to elevate your style? Try pairing the Vans with a fitted blazer layered with a buttoned-up Oxford shirt. Pair the look with a pair of dark denim pants and your favorite Vans.