A history of a short-lived, yet ever inspiring movement.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Flashback three decades ago.
You see the “cool” kids hanging around the local corner store in your suburban neighborhood. One of them is strumming an acoustic guitar, while another is smoking some pot. The last is doing tricks on a skateboard and chewing gum. They’re dressed in ripped jeans, beanies, and oversized t-shirts, what many people of the time referred to as “slacker” clothing.
This scene may be a bit stereotypical, but it perfectly captures the retro grunge aesthetic that peaked in the 90s when Kurt Cobain was still alive, and punk rock was taking over classic rock n’ roll.
So, where did it all go? Well, for the most part, grunge music fell out of style, which is understandable. Music changes over time, and while the genre still has a niche following today, it’s more or less a dying art.
But that doesn’t mean it’s going away forever.
Although the music may have stopped, the aesthetic still lives on today, particularly through fashion and social media, and it has a special, immortalized place in American pop culture.
What is Grunge? And is it Really Dead?
Grunge is a genre of music that started in Seattle, Washington, and had amassed a widespread audience by the mid-late 90s. It takes elements from alternative-rock styles such as punk rock and heavy metal to create its own unique sound.
As is the case with most derivatives of rock, a standard grunge band is composed of an electric guitar, vocals, bass, and drums. The most commercially successful example of this is Nirvana, with the iconic Kurt Kobain at the forefront.
To put things in perspective on how successful they were, Time magazine recognized Cobain as “the John Lennon of the swinging Northwest” in a 1994 publication.
Of course, grunge isn’t just a genre of music. It’s a lifestyle. The grunge aesthetic, in particular, takes into consideration all aspects of the movement, including the music, fashion, beliefs, and cultural significance. We’ll get into this more down below.
The History of 90s Grunge
The roots of grunge can be traced back to the underground music scene in Seattle, Washington, in the mid-1980s. Bands such as Green River, Soundgarden, and The Melvins were among the early pioneers of the genre. These bands incorporated elements of punk, metal, and indie rock, creating a distinctive sound that would later be identified as "grunge."
Origins of the Word “Grunge”
The term "grunge" itself was not widely used until the late 1980s. In Clark Humphrey’s book Loser: The Real Seattle Music Story, Humphrey believes the word was coined by Mark Arm, the lead singer of Green River, who used it to describe the dirty and unkempt appearance of the musicians and their fans.
The term stuck and came to represent the entire musical movement.
Nirvana: The Forefront of Grunge
The biggest breakthrough moment for grunge came with the release of Nirvana's second album, "Nevermind," in 1991. The album's lead single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," became an unexpected hit, and its music video received heavy rotation on MTV. "Nevermind" marked a shift in popular music, as it brought grunge to the mainstream, and the album went on to become one of the best-selling records of all time.
Following the success of Nirvana, other grunge bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains gained significant popularity. Each of these bands had its own unique sound and style, but they all shared a common rejection of the polished and glamorized aesthetics of the 1980s hair metal bands.
Grunge's rise to prominence also coincided with the emergence of the "Seattle sound," a term used to describe the distinct musical style of the region. The media often portrayed grunge musicians as disaffected youth, disillusioned with the mainstream and seeking authenticity in their music.
Unfortunately, the grunge movement faced its share of challenges and tragedies. Nirvana's frontman, Kurt Cobain, who became an icon of the grunge era, struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues. His tragic death in 1994 marked a turning point for the genre, and many consider it as the symbolic end of the grunge movement.
While grunge's popularity waned in the mid-1990s, its impact on music and culture has endured. Grunge brought alternative rock to the forefront and paved the way for other alternative and indie acts to gain mainstream recognition. Many grunge bands continue to produce music and tour, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless contemporary artists.
The Grunge Aesthetic Today
Although traditional grunge bands are gone, the pop-culture penomena still lives on through what social media calls “the grunge aesthetic”.
What the grunge aesthetic is, in reality, is just an all-encompassing term for every aspect of the genre and the emerging subcultures. While it’s not quite as popular as it once was, it still has a fairly large niche following.
Social platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are prime examples of where this aesthetic truly shines and have been quite efficient at keeping the movement alive over the years.
Let’s break down some of the elements of the Grunge aesthetic.
Grunge Fashion
Grunge fashion was an integral part of the larger grunge movement and played a significant role in defining the style and identity of the genre. It emerged in the early 1990s as an anti-fashion statement, characterized by its casual, unkempt, and non-conformist aesthetic. Grunge fashion was a direct rebellion against the polished and glamorous looks of the 1980s and was influenced by the music, culture, and social climate of the time.
The origins of grunge clothing can be traced back to the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Seattle, where the grunge music scene was thriving. As grunge music gained popularity, the musicians and fans began to adopt a distinctive style that reflected their DIY ethos and rejection of mainstream fashion norms.
Key elements of grunge fashion
Flannel shirts: Perhaps the most iconic symbol of grunge clothing, flannel shirts were a staple in the wardrobes of both male and female grunge enthusiasts. These plaid, oversized shirts were often worn unbuttoned over T-shirts or layered with other clothing items.
Distressed jeans: Grunge fashion embraced a rugged and worn-out look. This was reflected in the popularity of ripped, torn, or faded jeans, often paired with combat boots or Converse sneakers.
Oversized clothing: Grunge outfits also embraced loose and baggy clothing, in contrast to the form-fitting styles of the previous decade. Oversized sweaters, cardigans, and jackets were commonly worn by both men and women.
Layering: Grunge wear was all about layering different clothing items to create a relaxed and eclectic look. It was common to see flannel shirts, T-shirts, and sweaters all worn together.
Beanies and knit caps: To complement their laid-back style, grunge enthusiasts often wore beanies or knit caps, even indoors, as part of their signature look.
Dr. Martens boots: Grunge fashion frequently featured sturdy and comfortable footwear, and Dr. Martens boots became a popular choice among grunge enthusiasts.
Minimalist accessories: Grunge favored simplicity when it came to accessories. Simple silver jewelry, leather bracelets, and chokers were commonly worn to complement the overall look.
Unkempt hair: Grunge fans seemed to adore a messy and undone hairstyle, often characterized by unkempt and unwashed hair, reflecting the rebellious and carefree attitude of the movement.
Origins of Grunge Fashion
Grunge fashion gained mainstream attention and popularity following the success of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, who became major influencers of the style. As grunge music became more mainstream, major fashion designers and retailers began incorporating grunge-inspired elements into their collections, leading to a brief period of "high fashion grunge" in the early to mid-1990s.
However, this commercialization of grunge fashion was met with mixed reactions from the grunge community, as many felt it contradicted the DIY and anti-establishment ethos of the original movement. As the 1990s progressed, grunge fashion began to fade from the mainstream, but its influence continued to be felt in alternative and streetwear styles for years to come.
In recent years, grunge fashion has experienced a resurgence as vintage and retro styles have become popular among new generations. The nostalgic appeal of grunge, along with its emphasis on comfort and self-expression, has ensured its place as an enduring and iconic fashion subculture.
Grunge Beliefs
While you can enjoy the music and wear the clothing of grunge, you don’t necessarily have to fall in line with its beliefs.
That said, the messages within grunge music and pop-culture had inspired a certain set of beliefs and mannerism to go along with the movement.
Keep in mind that these elements are merely generalistic and lack the nuance of every individual band’s message, so it’s fair to say that these categorizations are not stereotypes, but rather summarizations.
Mannerisms of Grunge
Casual and Relaxed Body Language: Grunge mannerisms were marked by a lack of pretense or affectation. People involved in the grunge scene often displayed a casual and relaxed body language, which complemented the overall laid-back attitude of the movement.
Slouching and Nonchalant Posture: Enthusiasts of the genre were often seen slouching or adopting a nonchalant posture, which further conveyed a sense of indifference towards societal norms and expectations.
Minimalist Gestures: Minimalistic gestures and expressions were king. People in the subculture often eschewed overly enthusiastic or attention-seeking behavior.
Apathetic Demeanor: Grunge mannerisms were sometimes associated with an air of apathy or disinterest in mainstream culture or the pursuit of traditional success. This was reflected in the way grunge enthusiasts carried themselves and interacted with others.
Genuine and Unfiltered Speech: Grunge culture valued authenticity and sincerity, similar to punk rock. This often included speaking honestly and openly, without pretense or a desire to conform to societal norms of politeness.
Anti-Consumerist Attitude: Attitudes of the movements following often reflected a rejection of consumer culture. Many enthusiasts were less concerned with material possessions or displaying wealth and instead embraced a more minimalistic lifestyle.
Rebellious Streak: Grunge behaviors were sometimes marked by a rebellious streak. The movement was seen as a rejection of the mainstream, and this attitude could manifest in grunge enthusiasts' behavior and actions. Once again, this is strikingly similar to punk rock.
Empathy and Understanding: Despite the anti-establishment and rebellious aspects, grunge mannerisms also promoted a sense of empathy and understanding. The movement encouraged people to be compassionate and accepting of others, especially those who may be struggling or marginalized.
Emphasis on Community and Unity: Grunge communities fostered a sense of togetherness and camaraderie. This could include a supportive and inclusive approach to social interactions, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared experiences.
Final Thoughts
Grunge was a transformative music movement that emerged from the underground in the Pacific Northwest during the late 1980s. Its raw and authentic sound, combined with its rejection of mainstream culture, resonated with a generation of music fans and left a lasting impact on the music industry. Despite its relatively short peak of popularity, grunge's legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered in the annals of rock history.