Ever reached down to grab something off the floor, only to wince in pain or get stuck halfway down? If so, tight hamstrings are one of the possible culprits — and you might benefit from learning how to stretch your hamstrings.

There are several causes of tight hamstring, but the number one culprit is, you guessed it, sitting with your knees bent all day. Thankfully, performing hamstring stretch exercises can help relieve any tightness or stiffness, as well as elongate and stretch your hamstrings so that there’s less tightness in the future. After all, underuse is another cause of tight, short muscles, so a few weekly stretch sessionsare a great way to combat this.

Even the best hamstring stretches won’t have the biggest impact unless you learn how to stretch your hamstrings properly. The best way to do that: hinge from the hips as you move through a stretch, rather than arching and rounding your lower back. Since your hamstring muscles are connected directly to your pelvis, this is important for making sure you’re stretching the actual hamstring muscle, and protecting your lower back from injury.

Read on for more information about why hamstrings can get so tight, plus personal trainer’s recommendations for the best hamstring stretches. Get ready to feel sweet, sweet hamstring relief.

What Causes Tight Hamstrings?

There are a variety of things that can make your hamstrings feel tight, says Chris Gagliardi, ACE-certified personal trainer. Injury and prolonged sitting are common culprits of tight hammies, as well as immobilization after injury, faulty motor control patterns, and potential genetic predisposition.

Grace Taylor, PT, DPT adds that weaknesses from other muscles like your quads and glutes can also cause tight hamstrings, since those weak muscles force your hamstrings to work harder. Conversely, underuse can lead to shortening of the muscle fibers, which in turn leads to overall muscle tightness.

Prolonged sitting stays on the naughty list, but that doesn’t mean we can’t undo its effects on our hamstrings.

Why Is Having Flexible Hamstrings Beneficial?

“Having tight hamstrings alters the way your body moves and functions,” says Gagliardi. “The hamstrings need the ability to shorten and lengthen in order for your knees and hips to move properly.”

Tight hamstrings reduce your ability to reach the ground, which can place more stress on your back if you’re frequently bending over or lifting heavy objects, adds Taylor. As noted earlier, your hamstring muscles also attach directly to your pelvis, so if they’re tight, they can negatively influence the position of your hips and spine. Both trainers agree that this can affect your posture, and Gagliardi adds that tight hamstrings can also impair your athletic performance, particularly speed, agility, and power.

Best Hamstring Stretches

Movement is crucial for opening tight hamstrings, says Gagliardi, and so is reducing the amount of time you spend sedentary. Muscles have a tendency to tighten from overuse or from underuse, adds Taylor, so it’s beneficial to mobilize the tissues (with massage, a foam roller, massage gun) and static and dynamic stretches.

Gagliardi and Taylor provided recommendations for the best hamstring stretches, ahead. In terms of how stretch your hamstrings safely, make sure to only stretch to the point of slight discomfort. Never push past that point to where you’re feeling pain.

Static stretching is most beneficial when held for 30 seconds, and it’s better to stretch twice for 30 seconds instead once for 60 seconds, says Taylor. Both trainers recommend aiming for two to three stretch sessions per week. Keep reading to find the best hamstring stretches to incorporate into your workout routine.

The post 7 Best Hamstring Stretches, According to Personal Trainers appeared first on Mind Body Look.

A woman inside the theater got footage of Zendaya and Holland’s reunion and shared it on her Instagram Story. The couple kissed and hugged in the clip since posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. You can watch it here. Holland matched Zendaya’s white Thom Browne dress in a white outfit of his own.

Another attendee at the premiere revealed that Holland whistled when Zendaya came onto the stage.

More Deep Dives on Zendaya

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Zendaya’s Best Looks Over the Years

Zendaya and Holland have never walked a red carpet together as a couple. However, they do not hide the fact that they are dating—and they are vocally supportive of one another and their work.

For example, Zendaya spoke about Holland’s Romeo and Juilet role in an interview released earlier this week: “[I] could not be more proud. I’m going to try to see as many shows as I possibly can,” she said.

The actress spoke to ELLE last summer about how she tries to balance what is public and private about her and Holland’s love story. She had been asked whether the public liking her and Holland as a couple makes it easier to accept the attention they get.

“Parts of my life, I accept, are going to be public,” she replied. “I can’t not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. But also, I do have control over what I choose to share. It’s about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist. You can’t hide. That’s not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now.”

The post Zendaya and Tom Holland Were Filmed Kissing at the London Challengers Premiere appeared first on Mind Body Look.

In addition to adding “mom” to her list of titles, Richie is also the face of hair care brand Nexxus’s new Styling Collection, designed to help you replicate her iconic hairstyle or create your own signature style. If following every TikTok tutorial of her signature slicked-back bun hairstyle hasn’t yielded the results you desire, it turns out the effortless look demands the right technique and products. This line is your savior; the 11-piece set is powered by the brand’s innovative StyleProtect Technology technology to fortify the strands against any threats to your style (humidity, heat damage, we’re looking at you). It includes a bevy of formulas to take you from Sofia’s famous bun to beachy waves, including a blow dry frizz cream, three hair sprays, dry shampoo, hair oil, heat protectant, and more.

The crown jewel of the collection? The Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax, a nod to Sofia’s iconic bun and undoubtedly the star of her beauty arsenal. As she navigates impending motherhood and her bustling career, Richie understands the importance of an effortless, low-maintenance routine—all made possible by her trusted Nexxus essentials.

Ahead, everyone’s favorite “it girl” dishes on pregnancy’s effects on her hair journey, healthy hair tips, and the genesis of her recognizable slicked-back bun hairstyle.

What was your relationship with your hair when you were younger versus your relationship with it right now?

My mom is Greek, so she has very, very long hair and has always been very anti hair dye—she’s all about conditioning treatments and masks. Growing up, I used to go with my mom to her hairdresser once a month and we used to do deep conditioning treatments. So, my entire childhood, I was very pro-health for your hair and all about having long hair. I used to cry when I would get haircuts.

Then, when I hit my teen years, I was so deprived of doing anything to my hair. I had girlfriends getting highlights and haircuts. I really went for it in a wild way, with probably not a great understanding of how harmful certain ingredients could be for your hair. So I definitely learned a lot in my teen years, experimented and played around, which has brought me to where I am now. I’ve been on such a serious health journey with my hair for the past five to six years, definitely leaning back on my mom’s [tips] and everything I learned as a child.

Now that you’re months into your pregnancy, is there anything interesting you’ve noticed about your hair—for better or worse—during this time?

Yeah, it’s interesting. When I first found out I was pregnant, my hair actually started shedding, and I was like, Oh, God, because everyone tells me that my hair grows so much. Here, I am having the reverse effect. Then, into my second trimester, that’s when I really started noticing new hair growth, thickness, and a bit of a shine, and I’m still experiencing that now. I’m definitely aware of postpartum hair loss and the journey that most women go down. I’m ready emotionally and all the things because it’s a part of being a woman, a part of pregnancy. I’m going to go down with a fight, using all of my treatments and oils and nurturing my hair back if I experience postpartum hair loss.

Speaking of, if you were to create a new mom basket using some of these Nexxus products, what would your new mom recommendations be?

I would say it’s super personal, because, for me, I can throw my hair into a bun in two minutes. When I think about my new mommy beauty routine, especially in the first six months of my child’s life, I’m probably thinking of what is my easiest, quickest go-to, something that I can throw up in two seconds. If I were to make a basket for myself, it would definitely be the Slick Stick, the anti-humidity spray, and an oil. I always use oil when I even do my buns. It would be what’s easy, what’s quick—that’s what I think of with early mom life.

During Hotel Nexxus, your stylist, Kathleen, demonstrated how to achieve your bun. What tips and tricks have you learned from her in all of the years that you guys have been working together?

I have to be honest with you. Before Kathleen, I didn’t even know how to do anything to my hair other than put it into a messy ponytail. She is my fairy godmother of hair. Not only that, but she’s also one of my very, very good friends. So, she’s taught me pretty much everything when it comes to styling my hair. When I first met Kathleen, I would say it was when my hair was at its worst. It was completely fried. I had a bob, I had hair extensions in that bob. It was a nightmare, and she guided me down the road of, “Let’s turn this journey around for you. I’ll come and do your hair twice a week, and you don’t touch it.”

She really helped me find a routine. Then, when I took the hair extensions out, that’s when the slick bun really started for me. There were so many uneven parts to my fried hair. Kathleen taught me everything I know, especially down to styling and heat protection, like if I’m going to blow dry, I have to use some sort of spray or cream that’s going to protect my hair from heat and humidity. She’s taught me, I would say, everything I know. All credit to Kathleen.

How do you just maintain the integrity of your hairline and restore your hair back to its health after doing the slicked-back bun so many times?

I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t notice the corner edges of my hairline thinning. I went to Kathleen, and said, “I am concerned about this hairstyle. It’s helping the overall health of my hair because of the products that I’m putting into it, but how can I keep the integrity of my hairline?” That’s when I leaned towards deep conditioning treatments, but mostly rosemary oils, coconut oils, and natural oils, and not making the bun as tight as you normally would. My buns aren’t actually as tight and slick to my head as most people probably think. So I’m mindful; I don’t tug, I don’t pull, and I definitely use a lot of deep conditioning treatments, especially across my hairline, to make sure that I’m keeping the integrity.

Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax

Nexxus Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax

Of all the products in this collection, which ones would be in your starting lineup? What do you feel like is the sleeper hit?

The current place that I am in my life right now, my bun is the hairstyle that I feel my absolute most confident in. That being said, I have been doing my slick bun pretty much, if not every day, every other day. I would say the Slick Stick is my number one. I would say that for the days that I wear my hair down and let it air dry, I will use the anti-humidity spray. Those are the two that I bounce off of the most.

I feel like the anti-humidity spray is vital, especially for me. I have very textured hair, so I can’t just air dry my hair and walk out the door. I definitely need something to help control. For me, that’s the product that maybe people may be looking past, but again, it’s really personal to your hair texture and what you have going on.

What do you make of the term “it girl” and the responsibility it holds?

I’m very flattered that people think I’m an IT girl. It’s a concept that I still wrap my head around, to be completely honest with you. But for me, knowing that people look to me for tips [makes me] really just want to work with brands that I genuinely use their products. I had a team meeting at the beginning of the year, and I was like, “I’m not really interested in partnering with brands that I wouldn’t go and tell my followers about in an authentic TikTok. It feels unauthentic to me and unauthentic to my brand.”

It’s about finding a balance where my followers feel like I’m still being real with them and being honest ’cause I think that’s how I connect with people on social media. They feel like I’m being honest with them. I’ve done a few partnerships this year, Nexxus being one of them, and I really am a fan of their products and have been for many years. It felt really true and authentic to my brand and to me, and it was something I was comfortable with sharing with my audience.

Trends are pretty much assigned to celebs, but if there was one trend that you could make yourself the poster child of, what would it be?

Whoa. Let me think. I can only really think of what I want to represent, and I think it’s embracing your beauty—the less is more approach. I feel like people connect with that right now. I don’t even think I’ve started it personally, but I’m happy to be on the bandwagon of clean, simple beauty.

The post Sofia Richie Grainge on Being an ‘It’ Girl, Pregnancy Hair Loss, and Nexxus Partnership appeared first on Mind Body Look.

I’ve been wearing X’s coat almost every day since, pathologically reaching for it when I go to work events, media dinners, and industry parties. I haven’t seen him since he moved out eight months ago, but I still live in the home we built together—between the walls and the cabinets he painted, the furniture he assembled, the photos he took, the dimmer switches he installed, amidst his shoes, his books, and his mail. I live with a ghost.

I’m seeing someone new now. We were going down the elevator one day after he had slid on a roomy sweatshirt of mine. I casually gave the backstory of its gargantuan size—it belonged to a hulking rugby player I used to kiss in college. He went back upstairs and changed. Did he overreact? Or was I the pathological one—some creepy Talented Mr. Ripley cycling through the skins of people, unbothered by the souls they once contained? I decided to take a poll and speak with other women about reclaiming their ex’s clothes—other writers and creatives in media and fashion who, perhaps, had their own stories to tell.

Nina Renata Aron, the author of Good Morning, Destroyer of Men’s Souls: A Memoir of Women, Addiction, and Love, keeps two garments from her ex: A Necros (’80s hardcore punk band) T-shirt and a sweatshirt that says “You are dead” on the front and “Los Angeles Straight Edge” on the back. They’re from a boyfriend with whom, she deadpans to me, “I had such a tempestuous relationship, I had to write a whole book about it.” She used to crave his scent, too. “I’d keep his hair pomade and just huff it all the time. It wasn’t even his. I went out and bought the brand he used.” Her current partner helped her destroy the pomade, along with the rest of his stuff (save the shirt and sweatshirt). Her ex was an addict, and she’d felt she owed it to him to watch over his possessions until he got better. Years passed. He was never coming to retrieve anything. “My new boyfriend, a few times, gently suggested, ‘If you’re ready to get rid of this stuff, I’ll help you,’ and finally we did.”

It brings me back to a conversation I had with the new guy I’m seeing. Late one night, I told him, flat-eyed, that I was living in a haunted house. He thudded on my door a few days later, arms straining full of potted plants and a vibrant bouquet of flowers. “I’m bringing in new life,” he said.

When talking with Aron, another interesting theme surfaced: co-opting cred. “The clothes are such markers of authenticity to anybody who knows about punk’s history, so wearing them feels like borrowing some of the authority that this ex had, the swagger.” It parallels screenwriter Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz’s black cashmere sweater, taken from her first serious boyfriend. “It represented a certain sophistication that I was adopting. Zeke had better taste in clothing than I did. I admired that about him.” The sweater symbolized the beginning of her aesthetic cultivation. “I always trusted Zeke when I was putting together an outfit. I learned to ascertain what looks good and what doesn’t for my body through him.”

While Martin-Berkowicz’s ex shared his tastes and world with her, Aron’s kept her out. For her, there’s satisfaction in claiming something from a group that excluded her. “I always felt kept out of those punk circles. He wielded his power among those people, and so I think I was already determined to change the meaning and make it mine. I was like, ‘This doesn’t belong to those assholes. This belongs to me now.’”

X never gatekept a world from me. What I wanted to leech from him were traits that felt gifted by God. He was good at everything, hyper-capable and deft in a manner that felt superhuman. Cool and unflappable, he had a quiet stillness exemplified by the sound of his voice. Like pours of warm honey, it never went above a whisper. I once took him to the party of a mega-famous actor, and as cameras flashed around us, the celebrity lavished him with compliments on his looks—the health of his hair and the quality of his skin. “Should we take a selfie together?” the actor asked, between adulations. It was a display of whimsy more than anything, yet something that would have gotten me mildly flustered had I been the object of such attention. X looked like he’d just woken from a nap.

While I’m small and half-Asian, X is 6’2” and Scandinavian. I think his stature, his whiteness, and his sheer maleness made me feel more legitimized entering certain spaces. He traveled with me as I reported on a story across Lake Como. Hotel staff would heartily greet him with my last name: “Mr. Mancini! Welcome!” They assumed him to be the journalist coming to visit. And why not? His very build—broad-shouldered and lean, with this unerringly straight tread—radiated authority and elegance. When it came to his athleticism (skilled in everything from riding motorcycles to snowboarding), the sky was the limit. Well, not even. A skydiver, he most recently got his pilot’s license. Then there was the herculean control. We were carrying furniture once, and the corner of this monolithic wardrobe slipped and fell squarely on his toe. Flushing red with pain, X didn’t make a sound; rather, he lifted it back up. “Keep going,” he breathed, bleeding. I was horrified. I was awed.

Our biggest difference: X was never scared, not of the world nor of his own mind. At any given moment, I was thinking about the perils of dying, accidentally stabbing myself in the eye with a knife while chopping, tripping on a curb and knocking my teeth out, or how horrible it would be to get raped. At any given moment, X seemed to be thinking of concepts that structure podcasts—things like innovation, the future of AI, or fusion energy. X embodied everything I lacked, and everything I longed for.

“These relationships do reveal to us our own deeply-held beliefs, about who we are and the supremacy of certain qualities,” Aron reflects. The idea has made me question the dichotomy I’ve created between X and me: his superiority, my inferiority. I recognize an internalized sexism and an internalized racism. And yet, I wear his coat and fantasize about the transference that could occur, if transference were real. What if I, too, could be scared of nothing? An invulnerable machine? I’m not talking about aligning myself with cool styles or groups. I’m talking about his human makeup. What if we could leech the lifeblood we most desired, like vampires?

This idea of subsuming arises in how some women style their ex’s clothes—a signifying of male provenance, yet encased within ultra-femme juxtapositions. “I used to wear it on top of this sparkly mini dress with tights and booties,” says Martin-Berkowicz of her big black sweater. Model and DJ Gilly Chan would pair her ex’s oversized, plaid vintage blazer, from a jazz musician 10 years her senior, with “a tight top or a fancy dress.” Aron only wears her large sweatshirt with a long floral number. “He had many articles of clothing that probably would’ve fit me better. But these things are almost like wearing the fur of an animal you killed,” she says of donning these hard-won trophies—the plunders of a war you survived. It feels just a touch more fanged than borrowing masculinity. It’s eating it and regurgitating a remixed version.

Chan was “20 or 21” when she dated the older musician. “In retrospect, he was probably running away from a lot of internal demons, and being with someone younger was a distraction for him.” When she recalls his plaid blazer, the smell of cigarettes and the taste of martinis come to mind. She kept it “as a memento from this version of myself that no longer exists.” Another woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, also uses her ex’s clothing as a proof point. Her ex-husband’s T-shirts serve as evidence that the eight-year marriage was real. “I was dumped and cheated on. When a bad relationship happens, you protect yourself by not remembering.” The T-shirts serve as evidence she did not simply delete eight years of her life.

While she possesses nothing from her most formative relationship with a man named Paul, independent creative director Joelle McKenna says, “If I had something of his, I would keep it like a family heirloom. I wouldn’t touch it because I would want to be buried with it.” Wryly smirking at her own melodrama, her sentiment is nonetheless earnest. What she does keep are her “gifts ungiven”: a stamp with a whistle on it (her nickname for him was “P Whistle”), an 1800s copy of Poor Richard’s Almanack, phrases, writing, movies—all items accumulated toward the end of the relationship that she then lost her chance to give. He’s married now, and she wants him to be happy and free. Despite inheriting no material things, she treasures her intangibles. “My sense of humor, trust in the good of humanity, and feeling like there’s magic in the world was informed by that relationship. Paul was a minimalist. He had nothing, and gave me everything.”

The thing about killing someone you love is that, in death, they become saints. We idealize them. “It’s easier to miss someone than love someone,” journalist Eliza Dumais says to me over dinner. With that in mind, and recalling McKenna’s description of Paul, I hear myself describing X—more myth than man. I recall how I once spoke of X to the new guy I’m seeing. “He was Superman,” I said, instantly regretting my word choice.

Michelle Ochs, the creative director of Hervé Léger, is markedly joyful about her ex’s collared shirts—a time machine back to the electric start of her career in New York. “It reminds me of optimism,” she describes. “The world was open. He was starting in his career as a finance guy. I was starting in mine. I remember the energy of the city, getting ready together in the morning, leaving together.” I ask if she still thinks of the shirts as his. Without a beat, she laughs, “They’re mine! It’s become part of my narrative. It’s my story that he was in.” While almost every woman outlines the importance of breathing room with their ex’s things, Ochs sums it up best: “You need the time. You need the space in between to become who you are, to reflect back.”

Sitting with this, I admit I started wearing my ex’s coat too soon. Because I’ve had no interaction with him as a man who’s no longer mine, it’s as if he’s just been on a very long business trip. Perhaps it’s why I haven’t gotten rid of his other stuff. In this other life, he’s still coming home. But people are never frozen where you left them. They move on. The starkest reminder of this is the appearance of a beautiful girl on his otherwise quiet Instagram stories.

Sloane Crosley, who most recently authored the memoir Grief Is for People, makes me chuckle at how un-tortured she is on the topic of her ex’s clothes: “I’m not that weepy about the item!” The item in question is a long-sleeve baseball T-shirt from a guy who worked for The Criterion Collection. “Their softball team was called ‘The True Foes,’” she shares. The graphic: “A sketch of an angry anthropomorphized ball.” She has zero memory of its provenance, “no recollection of stealing it or of it being given to me. It’s just here.” She lightheartedly questions its ownership: “Is it ‘mine’? Or has it just been unwittingly on loan for a decade or two? Who can say?” She’s still friends with the ex in question.

A few weeks later, I sit beside chef Camille Becerra at another dinner. We discuss the point of memoir, the act of returning to things we’re not meant to return to. “At the very least,” she muses, glowing in the candlelight, “it’ll help somebody else.” Several of my closest friends ended their relationships this year, a few more recently than I did. I’d love to say time heals all, and happiness erases sadness, but I’ve come to find the happier I feel in my new relationship, the deeper my grief grows for the man I left behind. Like when you realize a door has been shut for so long, it no longer opens.

I bought a new coat recently, off the street. The day was blindingly sunny, crisp, and cold. Amidst racks of vintage styles, I spotted a brown fur. “Mink,” the salesman explained. It shimmered richly in the afternoon light, like an oil spill. I brushed its sleeve to my cheek, goosebumping at the supple, silky texture. It felt like me in its darkness, its drama, the mild taboo of its material, and the fact that someone probably died in it. Perhaps all the best things are haunted. Perhaps that is the condition of living. McKenna asks me if I “ever commune with X,” explaining how she dialogues with Paul’s memory from time to time. The fact that they’re not physically together is irrelevant. Her question gives my story context—I’ve been communing. Ghosts will always walk among us. Soon, I hope, I can learn to live with mine.

The post Should I Stop Wearing My Ex’s Clothes? appeared first on Mind Body Look.

Here’s where to get yours.

In the summertime, everyone must have at least one good linen dress on constant rotation. (We don’t make the rules.) With their lightweight and breathable fabric and always-soft-feeling finish, they emit the effortlessness we strive for in warmer months.

And like linen shirts and crochet tops, they belong in your closet this season.

How to wear a linen dress this year

Available in flattering maxis, cute minis and button-up tunics, linen dresses come in all forms. Because they can vary in length, cut and colour, they are brimming with styling possibilities.

A shorter hem could pair beautifully with sneakers or flat sandals, while a tea-length A-line silhouette could be dressed up with kitten heels. The biggest beauty of this breezy fabric is that it revels in being simple. If you want to take the guesswork out of styling, opt for a pick with a subtle design focal point, like a ruched bustier or asymmetrical draping.

Throw on your favourite gold jewellery, tote bag and sandals, and your summer serve is ready.

Our fave linen dress styles for summer 2024

Best overall

Amazhiyu women’s linen halter maxi dress

A halter-cut with hidden pockets and an easily adjustable silhouette? Consider us sold. This 100 per cent linen maxi dress has quiet-luxury-approved simplicity with a flowy fit that cascades to your calves.

Featuring a ruched neckline, it can be tightened for a closer fit or loosened for a breezy effect. It also comes with a linen tie, so you can cinch the waist as you please.

Pros

• Available in three colours
• Easily adjustable silhouette
• Comes with pockets

Cons

• Some reviewers note that it felt stiff at first, so give it a few wears to soften up

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Best budget

​​Amazhyu linen V-neck summer dress

The perfect airy mini dress, this spaghetti-strapped number is a grab-and-go staple for uniform dressing when temps rise. Made of 100 per cent linen, it has a super soft feel with a skin-friendly finish and organic make.

With a cascading silhouette and adjustable straps, it can stand on its own or be layered underneath a white T-shirt. Plus, design elements like the high-low hemline and the subtle side slits add extra airiness.

Pros

• Available in five colours
• Perfect for layering
• Doubles as a loungewear/sleep dress

Cons

• Runs small

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Best rated

Miessial striped linen dress

Nothing says summertime sweetness like an adorable fit and flare dress, and this one is a standout favourite with over 2,000 ratings on Amazon. Made of a cotton-linen blend, it’s soft and breathable with just the right amount of stretch. Featuring a smocked bodice, ruffled short-sleeve detailing and hidden pockets, this A-line design is the best linen dress for practical everyday wear.

Pros

• Available in two colours
• Elastic bust and waist design crafted to fit you perfectly
• Fit and flare silhouette that can be dressed up or down

Cons

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Best luxury

Frame gathered seam lace inset dress

Refined simplicity reigns supreme with this midi-length style by Frame. Available in a creamy white hue, it is the perfect treat-yourself splurge to start summer right. The ruched bustier, asymmetrical hem and cap sleeves rejuvenate the classic linen image with a standout sophisticated aesthetic.

Pros

• Smocked detailing adds a romantic finish
• Flowy asymmetrical fit for guaranteed comfort
• Linen-blend that promises breezy wearability

Cons

• Only available in one colour

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Best sleeveless

Frank and Oak The Pocket Shirt Dress

Plenty of pockets give this rich chocolate dress edge, while the removable waist belt gives the option for a cinched final look. Made of linen and Tencel Lyocell, it boasts a fluid fabric that cascades down and hits just below the knee for a refined finish.

Pros

• Relaxed fit with professional-appropriate elements like a defined collar
• Made of a blend of environmentally conscious materials
• Suitable for machine wash
• Wear loose or cinched at the waist

Cons

• Only available in one colour

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Best organic

Everlane linen oversized puff-sleeved dress

Made of 100 per cent linen flax, this linen fabric frock uses flax fibres that have been sourced in a sustainably-minded way, using no GMOs and full mechanical processes for zero-waste operation during extraction.

Stylistically, it shines in its oversized fit, perfectly puffed sleeves and V-neck cut. Pair it with black flats for the perfect day-date ensemble.

Pros

• Environmentally conscious dress made of 100 per cent flax linen
• Available in three colours/styles
• Suitable for machine wash

Cons

• Some reviewers note that it runs large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

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Best plus-size

The Drop Fiona relaxed midi dress

A classic button-down linen dress is an easy styling choice. The button-down detailing acts as the focal point, while the chest pocket gives it charm.

This long-sleeve dress is designed to drape comfortably over your body for a one-and-done piece that you don’t have to think too hard about. Available in up to a 5X, it’s a size-inclusive option.

Pros

• Available in seven colours
• Size inclusive sizing up to a 5X
• Collar neckline and cuffs add a professional feel to the laid back linen look

Cons

• Runs large

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Best short

Billabong mini sundress

Front patch pockets, a sporty box silhouette and ultra-thin spaghetti straps make this pick the sweetest summer go-to. Billabong’s linen-blend version of an LBD is the perfect short dress to elevate to your wardrobe repertoire.

Pros

• Made of viscose, linen and cotton for a soft fit with some give
• Easy to dress down with sneakers or dress up with kitten heels
• Available in four colours/patterns

Cons

• Only suitable for hand-wash

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The post Linen Dresses Are *It* This Summer appeared first on Mind Body Look.

This style, known for its muted color schemes and vintage-inspired pieces, reflects a deep appreciation for intellectualism and the arts. It stands as a compelling expression of both personal and stylistic identity, appealing to those drawn to the elegance and romanticism of scholarly pursuits.

In this article, we explore all that dark academia fashion has to offer, from its evolution and history to how to wear it today.

What Is Dark Academia Fashion?

Emerging in the late 2010s, Dark Academia fashion transcends clothing to embody a lifestyle that cherishes intellectualism and the arts, setting it apart from similar dark-themed aesthetics like goth through its focus on academia rather than rebellion.

Its adaptability allows for a seamless blend of historical influences with contemporary fashion, making it a versatile and enduring choice for those drawn to the elegance and romanticism of scholarly pursuits.

The Evolution of Dark Academia Fashion

The evolution of Dark Academia fashion is a captivating narrative of adaptation and enrichment, reflecting the changing landscapes of culture, society, and fashion. This aesthetic, rooted in the intellectual and literary, has grown to encompass a broader spectrum of influences, deepening its allure and complexity.

Scholarly Beginnings and the Embrace of the Past

Dark Academia’s inception is deeply tied to the reverence for academia and the arts, with fashion choices mirroring the intellectual pursuits of their wearers. The early 20th century laid the groundwork, emphasizing garments like tweed blazers, wool trousers, and leather accessories that symbolized a dedication to scholarly endeavors.

This period highlighted an affinity for the past, drawing inspiration from historical figures and eras renowned for their contributions to literature, philosophy, and the arts.

The Post-War Era: Intellectuals and the European Influence

Following World War II, there was a noticeable shift in Dark Academia fashion, influenced by the intellectual circles of Europe. The style became more defined, incorporating elements from French and British intellectuals who favored a mix of utility and elegance.

This era saw the integration of berets, scarves, and tailored coats, pieces that offered a nod to European literary and philosophical traditions while maintaining the aesthetic’s academic roots.

The Digital Renaissance: A Global Community of Enthusiasts

The advent of the internet and the rise of social media platforms marked a significant turning point for Dark Academia fashion. Online communities formed, dedicated to exploring and expanding the aesthetic beyond its traditional boundaries.

This digital renaissance allowed for a global exchange of ideas, blending historical influences with contemporary fashion trends. It introduced a wider range of materials, patterns, and silhouettes, adapting the style to various climates and cultures while retaining its core identity.

Dark Academia Aesthetic Fusion: Types of Dark Academia Fashion

As Dark Academia continues to evolve, it has absorbed elements from various other aesthetics, including but not limited to, romanticism, gothic, and even elements of punk for a more rebellious edge.

This fusion has enriched the aesthetic, offering a more inclusive and diverse interpretation of what constitutes “academic” or “scholarly” fashion.

The incorporation of softer, romantic elements, like lace and ruffles, alongside the more traditional structured pieces, speaks to the aesthetic’s flexibility and its ability to adapt to the personal style of its adherents.

Key Components of Dark Academia Fashion for Men

Dark Academia fashion, with its rich tapestry of history and literature, is composed of key garments and accessories that are as much about their aesthetic appeal as they are about their historical significance. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the periods and personalities that have shaped them into icons of this intellectual style.

Tailored Blazers and Tweed Jackets: The Quintessence of Academia

The tailored blazer and tweed jacket are synonymous with the academic elite, tracing their origins back to the universities of the 19th century. These pieces were popularized by scholars and professors who favored them for their blend of formality and comfort.

The tweed jacket, in particular, owes much of its association with academia to the British Isles, where it was adopted by the intellectual and literary circles as a symbol of refined country elegance.

These garments became staples of the Dark Academia aesthetic, embodying the scholarly pursuit of knowledge and the romanticism of academic life.

Oxford Shirts and Knitwear: Layering Intellectualism

Oxford shirts have a storied history within university attire, named after the Oxford cloth from which they were originally made. These shirts became a staple of collegiate wardrobes for their durability and comfort, easily transitioning from classroom to casual social settings.

Similarly, knitwear such as wool sweaters and vests were essential for their practicality in the often-dreary climates of prestigious universities, offering warmth while maintaining an air of scholarly decorum.

These items were popularized by students and academics alike, who layered them for both necessity and style, seamlessly blending functionality with academic elegance.

Wool Trousers and Corduroy Pants: The Scholar’s Choice

The preference for wool trousers and corduroy pants in Dark Academia fashion is rooted in their historical use in academic and intellectual circles. Wool trousers, with their origins in formal menswear, were adapted by students for their practicality and comfort during long hours of study and debate.

Corduroy, known for its durability and warmth, became associated with professors and intellectuals who often wore them as part of their daily attire. These fabrics were chosen not only for their functional benefits but also for their aesthetic qualities, aligning with the Dark Academia ethos of blending the practical with the poetic.

Leather Accessories: Craftsmanship and Legacy

Leather goods such as satchels, belts, and shoes hold a special place in Dark Academia fashion for their blend of craftsmanship and legacy. The leather satchel, a staple of academic attire, traces its origins to the bags carried by scholars and messengers throughout history, embodying the journey of knowledge.

Leather belts and shoes, chosen for their quality and durability, complement the aesthetic’s emphasis on items that age well and carry a sense of history. These accessories reflect the Dark Academia value of investing in pieces that are not only functional but also carry a narrative of their own.

Dark Academia Hairstyles & Grooming

The Dark Academia aesthetic extends beyond clothing to hairstyles and grooming, reflecting an admiration for the polished yet understated elegance of historical and literary figures.

Dark Academia Hairstyles for Men

The hairstyles associated with the dark academia aesthetic are timeless, evoking the appearance of scholars, poets, and intellectuals from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Side Part: The side part is a quintessential hairstyle within Dark Academia fashion, favored for its versatility and classic appeal. Historically, this style was popularized by gentlemen of the early 20th century, embodying the era’s polished aesthetic.

It was adopted by academics and intellectuals for its neat appearance, which conveyed a sense of order and seriousness suitable for scholarly pursuits. The side part has been immortalized by literary figures and movie characters alike, representing a bridge between the academic world and the arts.

Textured Waves: Textured waves draw inspiration from the Romantic period, reflecting the aesthetic’s penchant for blending historical influences. This style pays homage to the poets and artists of the 19th century who often wore their hair longer and with natural waves, embodying a rebellion against the strictures of earlier times.

The look conveys a sense of artistic flair and intellectual depth, qualities that are central to the Dark Academia ethos. It’s a style that balances between meticulous grooming and a touch of the untamed, mirroring the aesthetic’s celebration of both the disciplined and the creative spirit.

Dark Academia Facial Hair: The Philosophers’ Influence

Facial hair in Dark Academia fashion is inspired by the philosophers and thinkers of the past, many of whom were distinguished by their beards and mustaches. These elements of grooming were seen as symbols of wisdom and maturity, characteristics revered within academic circles.

The style ranges from the neatly trimmed mustache, evoking the precision of the Victorian era, to the fuller beard, reminiscent of the rugged intellectualism of the early 20th century. The key is in the grooming, reflecting a balance between the cultivated and the natural, much like the aesthetic itself.

Men’s Dark Academia Style Icons: The Embodiment of the Aesthetic

Dark Academia fashion draws inspiration from a diverse array of historical and fictional icons, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the style.

Oscar Wilde: The Dandy Intellectual

Oscar Wilde, with his flamboyant yet thoughtful approach to fashion, stands as a pinnacle of Dark Academia style. Known for his sharp wit and literary genius, Wilde made fashion choices that mirrored his love for beauty and art.

His preference for velvet jackets, intricately tied cravats, and an overall air of sophisticated nonchalance has made him a lasting icon of the aesthetic. Wilde embodies the Dark Academia principle that one’s attire can be both an expression of intellectualism and a work of art.

T.S. Eliot: The Conservative Modernist

T.S. Eliot’s understated style reflects the more conservative side of Dark Academia fashion. As a towering figure in modernist poetry, Eliot had a personal style that was characterized by traditional suits, often paired with a waistcoat and a discreetly patterned tie.

His look represents the academic’s uniform, blending seamlessly into the background of university halls and libraries, yet distinguished by its craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Sherlock Holmes: The Quintessential Detective

Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, stands as a quintessential figure within the Dark Academia aesthetic, seamlessly embodying the blend of intellect, mystery, and distinctive style that defines the movement.

Characterized by his sharp deductive skills and complex persona, Holmes had a fashion—encompassing the famed tweed deerstalker hat, Inverness cape, and meticulously tailored Victorian suits—mirrors his analytical and methodical approach to solving mysteries.

Although the deerstalker hat and Inverness cape have become symbols of his investigative prowess, his overall attire reflects a Victorian and Edwardian elegance, merging functionality with an academic flair.

Holmes not only represents the intellectual and adventurous spirit of Dark Academia but also serves as an inspiration for those drawn to the aesthetic’s core values of knowledge, analysis, and a Gothic sensibility, making him an enduring icon of scholarly style.

Dark Academia Outfits: How to Wear the Dark Academia Aesthetic Today

In today’s fashion landscape, embracing Dark Academia outfits means skillfully blending traditional elements with modern sensibilities. This involves pairing classic pieces like tweed blazers with contemporary slim-fit trousers, allowing for a harmonious bridge between past and present.

Layering plays a crucial role, with oxford shirts and knitwear serving as versatile bases that can be adapted to various climates and occasions. The use of sustainable and ethically sourced materials reflects the aesthetic’s evolving values, ensuring that style choices are not only visually appealing but also socially responsible.

Accessories, from leather satchels to vintage watches, are key in adding personal touches that underscore the look’s academic roots. Brogues or leather boots round out the ensemble, combining functionality with an homage to quality and heritage with your dark academia outfits.

The post Dark Academia Fashion: Encyclopedic Guide to Scholarly Style appeared first on Mind Body Look.

From the moody gym lighting to the glass refrigerators stacked with eucalyptus-infused towels, Equinox encompasses all things luxury fitness. Still, a gym with its own spa and steam room comes at a price. Equinox membership prices have fluctuated over the years, but in 2024, the exact number depends on your location, desired access, and level of commitment. For more details on Equinox gym prices and membership tiers, we took a look at Equinox prices in several major cities, cross-referencing with members on social media to see if it’s actually worth the splurge.

How Much Is a Basic Equinox Membership?

Most of the 107 Equinox clubs are split up into four basic price tiers with various benefits and levels of access, but each one requires a 12-month commitment. The Select tier costs anywhere from $220 (Austin, Texas) to $252 a month (Downtown LA), including unlimited in-person and digital classes, access to the EQX+ app, a complimentary fitness assessment, and many enviable amenities at your selected location. According to the Equinox website, new members also receive a free personal training session, a one-on-one studio Pilates session, and two guest passes, which renew annually.

How Much Is an All-Access Equinox Membership?

Moving up in price, the All-Access tier guarantees you access to over 80 clubs across the US and Canada, including your selected location. The All-Access Equinox membership is generally priced at $310, with the exception of the larger Equinox Sports Clubs, which are more expensive. Some major areas, including Boston and Southern California, also include a Regional tier, granting membership to all the clubs in the area. So for instance, access to all Equinox gyms in Boston would run you $267 a month; access to all Equinox gyms in Southern California (with the exception of the Century City location and Sports Club LA) totals $287 a month.

How Much Is an Equinox Destination Membership?

The final Equinox membership prices give you access to even more locations, aptly named the Destination membership. Excluding the Hudson Yards location in New York City and the Century City location in Los Angeles, Destination members can go to any Equinox they’d like (including the E Clubs) for $345 a month. And since we know you’re wondering: the only available membership options for the Hudson Yards and Century City locations is $405 a month, but that membership also comes with access to all Equinox clubs worldwide. This final pricing tier was formerly known as an E membership, according to Reddit users.

How Much Are Equinox Sports Clubs?

Although all Equinox locations have high standards, Equinox Sports Clubs — like the ones in Washington DC, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Boston — have even more amenities and slightly different pricing. We’re talking pickleball courts, an outdoor track, and even a rock-climbing wall.

The pricing reflects the additional services. Pricing at Sports Club Boston, for instance, begins at the monthly $267 Regional tier instead of the Select tier. On the other hand, Sports Club LA costs $295 a month and you only get access to that specific location. In Orange County, you can pay $270 a month for Sports Club access, or $287 a month for access to every Equinox in Southern CA, but Sports Club LA is not included. As a reminder, the $345 Destination membership will get you access to almost every gym, but unless you’re paying $405 a month, the Hudson Yards and Century City locations are still excluded. The Equinox website notes that you can also purchase a Day Pass for any location not included in your membership (although it does not disclose the price of the pass).

Why Is Equinox So Expensive?

The Equinox pricing discourse isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The memberships are undeniably expensive. Your gym habits will determine whether the cost is worth it to you. As some members on Reddit explain, Equinox makes more financial sense for them considering all of their previous fitness classes and memberships. Instead of paying separately for Pilates, boxing, yoga, and/or spin class, Equinox makes it easier (and in some cases, more affordable) to access a wide variety of classes in one place. The fact that it’s so luxurious is just an added bonus.

A gym should always serve you on a functional level, but at Equinox, you’re also paying for convenience. Equinox members say the gyms are typically less crowded (although this depends on the city), allowing them to get more done without navigating a busy space or waiting for equipment. Some say the general ambience and fitness-oriented community motivates them to prioritize their own goals as well. “The atmosphere in this gym is so unmatched, and you really walk out feeling 10 times better than how you felt walking in,” content creator Maggie Cooper said after trying Equinox out for herself. With space to work, healthy food, cold plunges, and saunas, Equinox really does keep the focus on wellness, and that’s something people are willing to pay for. “What’s wrong with paying premium if you’re serious about fitness?” one Redditor wrote. “Working out has saved my mental and physical health. I’m my best investment.”

Then there are the amenities. The eucalyptus towels barely scratch the surface when you consider the luxe showers lined with fresh Kiehl’s products. “It feels like getting your skin kissed by a thousand little baby water angels,” Sydni Wynter confirmed on TikTok. That’s not to mention the steam room, saunas, vanities, and pool.

But even with all the amenities in the world, not everyone is sold. “You aren’t paying for machines, you are paying for status and showering,” one user commented on Wynter’s TikTok. Others noted that while a luxury gym like Equinox might be something to aspire to, the pricing simply isn’t realistic. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if an Equinox membership makes sense for your lifestyle. If you’re interested in learning more, you can try a complimentary class at Equinox and get a better sense of everything the club has to offer.

The post What to Know About Equinox Prices Before Committing to a Membership appeared first on Mind Body Look.

An eyewitness told Page Six that the couple looked “stylish and happy” during their visit. “They were low-key, very tall! They were with two other people.”

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Swift has been able to stay out of the public eye for the majority of her current Eras tour break, which ends on May 9. Swift will begin her European leg in Paris then.

Swift was last seen six days ago, attending birthday drinks for a friend. She and Kelce, meanwhile, haven’t been clearly photographed together in weeks. They were last seen at Nobu Malibu on March 24, fresh off their Bahamas vacation.

Kelce has been open about how much he enjoys dating Swift though, even if the couple has been more private lately.

In his New Heights podcast episode released today, he gushed about the experience of being her boyfriend. “It’s fun,” he said. “I’m having a blast in life, baby, just flying high. Enjoying it all. Bringing new lives into the football world, opening the football world up to new things.”

He added that he is still shocked that he won her over. “I don’t know how I did it, because she does not—she wasn’t into sports,” he said. “So I don’t know how the fuck I did it.”

Lil Dicky, his guest on the podcast, suggested it was because Kelce gave Swift a shout-out on New Heights back in July. Kelce then quipped, “No, I know exactly how I did it.”

The post Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Were Seen Looking ‘Stylish and Happy’ on L.A. Date appeared first on Mind Body Look.

Why Nara Smith, Beyoncé and more rely on box braids to get them through pregnancy.

This is Texture Talk, our long-running column that deep dives into the dynamic world of curly hair, from crowns of curls that are free flowing to strands that are tucked away in a protective style.

Model, amateur home chef and expectant mother Nara Smith recently ditched her signature bob haircut and debuted long, knotless box braids in a video asking followers to share baby name suggestions. While it’s not uncommon for women to change their look now and then, many Instagram and X users had suspicions about this particular aesthetic shift. After her husband Lucky Blue Smith’s sister commented “When the braids come out, I know it’s almost time!!” she seemingly confirmed what others suspected: The soon-to-be mother of three is super close to her due date.

Women are no strangers to pragmatic styling (see: the going out top or the subway shirt), but end-of-term pregnancy calls for even more meticulous planning and coordination. On top of packing a hospital bag and prepping the nursery, expectant mothers with textured hair have an extra task to complete before they welcome their baby: having their “delivery braids” installed.

“I just don’t want to be dealing with washing my hair or combing it out or doing anything,” Nara explains in a TikTok documenting her transition from blunt bob to long braids. “So I always get braids or a different protective style before I go into labour.”

“Delivery braids,” also know as “pregnancy braids,” “labour braids,” and “maternity braids,” are a hairstyles that many Black expectant moms opt for in preparation for giving birth. Along with Smith, celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Serena Williams and Halsey have all been pictured braided up at the end of their third trimesters.

“Often, pregnant clients will say ‘I need my hair braided because I won’t have time to style it when the baby comes,’” says Stephon John, a Toronto-based braid artist with over 20 years of experience. “A lot of people tend to get protective styles a few weeks before going into labour.”

Black women know that tending to natural hair is a labour of love, but this often requires more time and energy than a new mom can give. So, rather than worrying about refreshing a wash-and-go or sweating out a silk press, pregnant gals often opt for lower-maintenance delivery styles to free up time for other things as their routine changes. While there is no technical difference between pregnant and non-pregnant clients’ braids, this style has been playfully dubbed “delivery braids” by those online as it’s often a visual clue that a woman’s due date is rapidly approaching.

In addition to box braids, John’s pregnant clients ask for other protective styles like cornrows and boxer braids, all of which she recommends leaving in for no more than eight weeks to prevent unnecessary tension on the scalp.

As both timesavers and culturally significant beauty practices, these braided styles serve multiple functions for expectant mothers. An article by Terri Huggins refers to the braiding process as both a “calming” and “nesting” ritual in Black women’s pregnancies that helps prepare them for the lovely chaos that new babies bring. For many women, the demands of motherhood mean hair care simply can’t be a priority.

@naraazizasmith Final stretch 🥹 Comment your suggestions! 🫶🏽 #coupletok #pregnancy #babynames #marriage #fitcheck #fypシ #outfitideas ♬ End of Beginning – Djo

“Motherhood means a lot of time focusing on your newborn, so women have less time to take care of themselves the way they used to,” John says. “It’s self-care since these protective hairstyles limit how many things they have to do for themselves during such a busy time.”

Even though new moms might have less time for their beautification rituals, it would do them a disservice to deny the role that appearance plays in self-esteem, especially when dealing with the fluctuating hormones that are part of pregnancy. With so many unknowns facing women entering their fourth trimesters — the three-month period after delivery when mothers balance changes to their bodies and hormones with the demands of an infant — it’s important to prioritize self-care. Protective styles allow women to feel like themselves during the new experience of motherhood since nearly no effort is required to keep braids looking and feeling fresh.

“Those first pics with your newborn baby are memories you’ll treasure forever,” writes Kristen Bingle on the importance of delivery braids. “And if your hair is looking stylish in a stunning protective style, you’ll love the pics even more.”

The process of getting one’s hair braided also provides a connection to community and cultural practices that can be meaningfully grounding as you bring in the next generation. Many Black women can recall sitting in a braiding chair as children, and as adults, allowing someone else to take care of them. Feeling the cool metal of the tail comb on your scalp, smelling the Blue Magic grease and hearing the TV blare your third movie of the day are all memories associated with this nearly day-long beauty practice. This process is so important that during COVID it wasn’t uncommon to learn the skill to support family members when restrictions prevented Black women from reaching their stylists.

When women prepare to become the primary caregiver for a new life, they should be offered endless care and support by those around them. Through delivery braids, Black women can feel cared for by their communities, and assured that they are not alone in their motherhood journey. And they can look really cute in their baby’s first photos.

The post “Delivery Braids” Are an Act of Self-Care appeared first on Mind Body Look.

From the gritty streets of 1970s London and New York, where it first made its mark, men’s punk fashion has evolved into a diverse and dynamic aesthetic that continues to influence designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

This article delves into the rich history, key components, and enduring legacy of the punk aesthetic, exploring how it has shaped the way men dress and express themselves through clothing.

By tracing its origins, iconic elements, and various subcultures, we uncover the profound impact of punk style on the fashion industry and its role as a symbol of individuality and resistance.

What Is Punk Style?

Punk style is more than just an aesthetic; it’s a counter-cultural movement that began in the mid-1970s as a response to the perceived excesses and pretensions of mainstream society and music.

Originally intertwined with the punk rock music scene, this fashion genre is marked by its DIY ethic, anti-establishment attitudes, and distinctive styles that include ripped clothing, safety pins, bondage gear, and anarchic slogans.

Punk fashion is as much about individual expression as it is about a collective identity, allowing wearers to make bold statements through their appearance.

The Evolution of Punk Fashion

The Birth of Punk Fashion (Late 1970s)

Punk fashion emerged in London and New York, influenced by the music of bands like The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, and The Clash. Designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren played pivotal roles in shaping the early punk look, with their boutique, SEX, becoming a nucleus for punk clothing.

This era was characterized by leather jackets, bondage trousers, torn fabric, and DIY aesthetics that challenged conventional fashion.

The Hardcore Punk Style Era (Early 1980s)

As punk music became more aggressive, so did its fashion. The early 1980s saw the rise of hardcore punk, with scenes in cities like Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles adopting a more minimalist approach to punk style.

Band T-shirts, jeans, and combat boots became staples, emphasizing practicality and accessibility over the more flamboyant styles of the 1970s.

The Diversification of Punk Fashion (Late 1980s to 1990s)

Punk fashion diversified in the late 1980s and 1990s, influenced by various music genres like grunge, ska, and gothic rock. This period saw the introduction of more colors, patterns, and styles, including the incorporation of skate and streetwear influences.

The DIY ethos remained strong, with punks customizing their outfits with patches, studs, and homemade accessories.

Punk Aesthetic in the Digital Age (2000s to Present)

The internet era has seen a resurgence of interest in the punk aesthetic, with online communities sharing and evolving the punk aesthetic. Contemporary punk fashion blends traditional elements with modern influences, incorporating technology, eco-conscious materials, and global cultural elements.

Today, punk style continues to evolve, maintaining its edge while becoming more inclusive and diverse.

Key Components of Punk Style for Men

Punk fashion for men is iconic for its rebellion against mainstream aesthetics, incorporating a mix of DIY ethic, anti-establishment attitudes, and unique personal expression. Here are the key components that have defined men’s punk fashion, along with their origins and the figures who made them iconic.

Leather Jackets

Leather jackets symbolize the quintessential punk look, embodying toughness and rebellion. Punks adopted these jackets from the biker subculture and personalized them with patches, studs, and painted artwork, making each piece a unique statement.

Icons like Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols were often seen in customized leather jackets, cementing their status within punk fashion.

Ripped Jeans

Ripped jeans became a punk staple as a form of anti-fashion, a deliberate move away from the neat, conformist clothing of mainstream society. The act of wearing torn denim was both a statement of rebellion and a practical choice for many in the punk scene.

This trend was popularized by musicians and fans alike, who often added their own rips and tears to personalize their look.

Band T-Shirts

Band T-shirts served as a badge of identity within the punk community, signaling one’s music preferences and allegiance to the punk scene. These shirts were often DIY, with logos and band names either hand-painted or screen-printed.

Bands like the Ramones and the Misfits became iconic partly because of their visually striking logos, which fans proudly wore.

Combat Boots

Combat boots, such as Dr. Martens, were favored in punk fashion for their durability, comfort, and association with working-class identity. These boots also symbolized a readiness to stand against societal norms, and their practicality made them a staple at punk gigs.

The adoption of combat boots into punk attire reflects the movement’s blend of practicality with anti-establishment symbolism.

Studded Belts and Accessories

Studs and spikes added an aggressive edge to punk fashion, transforming ordinary clothing and accessories into statements of defiance. Leather belts, wristbands, and chokers were commonly adorned with metal, signifying punk’s embrace of the visually striking and sometimes dangerous.

This trend was as much about aesthetics as it was about creating a barrier between the wearer and the outside world.

Safety Pins

Safety pins became an emblem of punk’s DIY ethos, used not just for practical garment repairs but also as decorative elements. Their use was popularized by designer Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols.

Safety pins symbolized the punk movement’s resourcefulness and its rejection of conventional fashion standards.

Anarchic Slogans and Patches

Clothing adorned with slogans, patches, and buttons served as a means of self-expression and political statement within the punk scene. These items often featured anarchic, anti-establishment messages or band logos, turning the wearer’s attire into a billboard for punk ideologies.

Types of Punk Fashion

Punk fashion has evolved into a diverse array of subcultures, each with its unique aesthetic, ethos, and influences. This diversity in types of punk fashion reflects the broad spectrum of ideologies, music preferences, and style sensibilities within the movement. Here are some of the most prominent types of modern punk fashion.

Pop Punk Style

Pop punk style combines the catchy melodies and themes of pop music with the fast-paced, rebellious energy of punk rock. Emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s, pop punk fashion is more colorful and accessible, featuring band merch, graphic tees, hoodies, skate shoes, and slim-fit jeans.

This style is often associated with a more youthful, energetic vibe, incorporating elements of skate and surf culture. Bands like Blink-182, Green Day, and Sum 41 have been instrumental in popularizing pop punk’s music and fashion, making it a significant part of youth culture.

Modern Punk Fashion

Modern punk fashion is an in-the-now interpretation of the punk ethos, blending traditional punk elements with today’s trends.

This style is less about adherence to a specific look and more about individual expression, melding a mix of vintage and modern pieces, DIY customizations, and a diverse range of influences from across the punk spectrum.

Modern punk fashion can include everything from updated takes on classic punk leather jackets and ripped jeans to incorporating streetwear, techwear, and eco-conscious materials, reflecting today’s social and environmental concerns.

Goth Punk Fashion

Goth punk combines the dark, mysterious elements of goth culture with the raw energy and rebellion of punk. Characterized by its use of black clothing, leather, lace, and accessories featuring gothic motifs like skulls, crosses, and bats, goth punk fashion also embraces dramatic makeup and hairstyles.

This style reflects a darker aesthetic and often explores themes of existential angst, romance, and the macabre. Bands like Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees have been influential in bridging the gap between goth and punk, creating a distinctive subculture that celebrates the darker side of punk’s rebellion.

Emo Punk Style

Emo punk, or emo, emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 2000s, focusing on emotional expression and introspection. Emo punk fashion is characterized by skinny jeans, band T-shirts, studded belts, and sneakers or canvas shoes. Hairstyles often feature long, side-swept bangs, sometimes dyed in dark or vibrant colors.

Accessories like wristbands and small, subtle piercings complement the look. Emo punk fashion represents a softer, more introspective side of punk, with bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Jimmy Eat World exemplifying the fusion of emotional lyrical content with punk’s energy and DIY ethic.

Punk Hairstyles & Grooming Trends

Punk hairstyles and grooming practices are as integral to the punk aesthetic as the clothing, embodying the movement’s ethos of rebellion, individuality, and defiance.

These hairstyles are not just fashion statements but acts of rebellion against conventional norms of beauty and grooming. Below, we explore the diverse range of punk hairstyles, their origins, and how they complement the punk style.

Men’s Punk Hairstyles

Mohawks and Liberty Spikes: The mohawk, characterized by a strip of prominently spiked hair running down the center of the head, is perhaps the most iconic punk hairstyle. Originating from various indigenous peoples but popularized within the punk movement, it symbolized nonconformity and defiance.

Liberty spikes take this concept further, with the hair styled into large, stiff spikes radiating from the head. These styles were often dyed in vibrant colors, enhancing their visual impact and individuality.

Dyed Hair: Dyeing hair in unnatural colors — bright reds, blues, greens, or a mix of multiple hues — became a hallmark of punk grooming. This practice challenged traditional beauty standards and expressed a punk’s unique identity and defiance of societal norms.

The trend was embraced by both punk icons and their followers, making it a widespread symbol of the punk movement.

Shaved Designs: Shaving parts of the head to create designs or patterns added another layer of personal expression within punk grooming. This could range from completely shaved sides with a longer top to intricate designs shaved into the hair, reflecting the creativity and DIY spirit of the punk ethos.

Undercuts and Asymmetrical Cuts: Undercuts (short sides with a longer top) and asymmetrical cuts disrupted traditional hairstyles with their unbalanced, unconventional look.

These styles played with contrasts and defied the neat, uniform haircuts of mainstream fashion, aligning with punk’s broader challenge to societal norms.

Punk grooming practices emphasized a DIY approach, with individuals often cutting and dyeing their own hair or having friends do it for them, reinforcing the community aspect of punk culture.

The choice of grooming products and practices often reflected the punk ethos of anti-consumerism, with many opting for homemade or low-cost solutions.

Punk Facial Hair

Facial hair in the punk scene varied widely, from clean-shaven to fully bearded looks, each chosen for its ability to contrast with or complement the individual’s hairstyle and overall aesthetic.

Some punks opted for meticulously groomed mustaches and beards; others preferred a more unkempt appearance, all serving to reinforce the punk ethos of personal freedom and resistance to conformity.

Men’s Punk Style Icons

Johnny Rotten

As the lead singer of the Sex Pistols, Johnny Rotten epitomized the early punk look with his vibrant, dyed hair, ripped shirts, and anarchic slogans. His style was a blend of shock tactics and political statements, influencing generations of punks.

Joe Strummer

The Clash’s frontman, Joe Strummer, combined elements of punk with military and workwear influences, creating a look that was both rebellious and grounded. His style reflected punk’s socio-political roots and DIY ethos.

Henry Rollins

Representing the hardcore punk scene, Henry Rollins had a style that was minimalistic, focusing on functionality and toughness. His choice of simple black T-shirts and jeans became a uniform for the hardcore punk movement.

Punk Outfits: How to Wear the Punk Aesthetic Today

Incorporating punk style into today’s wardrobe can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. Start with staple pieces like leather jackets, band T-shirts, and ripped jeans. Accessorize with studs, patches, and belts to add personal flair.

Modern punk fashion embraces a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, allowing for a wide range of expressions from subtle nods to full-on punk ensembles.

Final Verdict

Punk style is more than just clothing; it’s a statement of individuality and rebellion. Its evolution from the 1970s to today showcases a dynamic and adaptable fashion movement that continues to influence mainstream and alternative styles alike.

Whether you’re drawn to the anarchic spirit of early punk fashion or the diverse expressions of contemporary punk, there’s a place for punk style in every wardrobe. Embrace the ethos of punk by making your fashion choices a reflection of your personal rebellion against the ordinary.

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