The Shift in Modern Punk and Alternative
I have always been intrigued by the significance of fashion in punk and alternative communities. It differs depending on who you ask, but most punks will agree that fashion is a staple in self expression. OG punk fashion was very intentional and backed by a lot of meaning. “In the punk scene the fashion is backed by a lot of meaning like liberty spikes and the color coding of laces” (Keavon Burns, friend from the scene). However, fitting this visual aesthetic is not necessary to participate in alternate spaces.
Online shopping and social media have led to many changes in the punk sphere. Modern punk leans less on the specific ‘look’, and more on the ideology behind the movement. Though many people still lean into alternative styles, most hardcore punks would tell you that they are more likely to accept someone into the community that does their best to avoid unethical sources like Shein, Temu, Tiktok shop and Amazon. According to metal music enthusiast and local punk scene expert Keavon Burns, “The goal is individualism like to be yourself in a way that no one can copy.” With the rise of availability of fast fashion on the internet, the emphasis on thrifting or altering clothing has only grown. The motto of punk fashion is almost synonymous with the age old “reduce, reuse, recycle”
The problem lies in how fast fashion allows for people to imitate the aesthetic of alternative fashion. Many fast fashion companies see the popularity of alternative styles and sell scores of alternative looking clothing.
Caroline Carr, a Tiktoker who gained popularity for her alternative looks and cosplays,has faced many controversies throughout her Tiktok career. In July of 2023 , Carr accepted Shein sponsorship after Shein sponsorship. She lost popularity in most alternative spaces because of her clear lack of commitment to the individualist and environmental attitudes of punk. Because of this, she is now struggling to get her alternative music career off the ground.
Modern punk focuses on thrifting and being conscious in terms of sourcing. This allows for more variety in modern punk fashion, leaning more into the ideology than the punk look.
“Now punk can be seen in so many different ways considering the melding of our cultures over time. Now nothing and everything is normal” (Keavon Burns).
The accessibility of the internet has given a platform for anyone to create, but also criticize. While complete avoidance of unethical sellers is nearly impossible—most people, including those in punk communities, occasionally purchase from sites like Amazon—the focus remains on conscious consumption. Thrifting is widely regarded as a sustainable option, but it has also sparked debate. Some critics argue that altering thrifted items removes them from the pool of options available to others, despite the likelihood that these garments might otherwise go unused or end up in landfills. The conversations surrounding sustainability in punk circles reflect a deeper commitment to the values of environmental responsibility and individual expression, even as the community navigates a rapidly changing consumer landscape.
Sites like Depop, Poshmark and even stores like GoodWill have started upping their prices to take advantage of the spike in second-hand shopping. There seems to be a divide in newer alternative spaces that want to save money, but also express themselves in the punk sphere. There has been an increase of mindless purchasing with things like Tiktok Shop. People have become willfully ignorant of where these cheap items are coming from. However, while websites like Shien and Temu take a stronger hold on society, the movement against what these sites represent tries to remain strong.
It may seem like whatever people do to reduce their participation in fast fashion, someone is always going to be mad but there is still a clear effort in punk spaces to reduce strain on the environment. Though not exclusively punk, refurbishing clothing and turning it into something more attuned to one's personal style has become a very popular practice on social media.
Punk has always stood for rebellion against “the machine” and I don't think that attitude will change anytime soon. Punks today have a strong hatred of AI generated content. As an artist myself, I have always loved the punk style specifically in my art. Modern punk and alternative movements are not as restrictive as these movements have been in the past. Though punk movements have never been particularly exclusive, they are more inclusive than ever. In a time of widespread commodification and automation, the punk community continues to push back—focusing on authenticity, resistance, and creative freedom.
Written by: Genie Pretorius
Cover Design: Brenda Diaz
