Grunge Fashion
Marc Jacobs sent plaid shirts and Doc Martens down the Perry Ellis runway in 1993. Everyone in the fashion world gasped. It was messy, stores didn’t get it, and Jacobs eventually lost his job, according to the editors.
Yet, what seemed like a short-lived artistic rebellion ultimately became a lasting sign of authenticity in the culture. There are still teenagers on TikTok who are wearing pants that are torn. In the year 2025, they also wear T-shirts from an old band.
This fashion choice gives off the same “I don’t care” vibe. Grunge is back. It’s redefining the way we talk about personal style, sustainability, and disobedience. This happens in a world where everything is so carefully chosen.
Table of Contents
What is grunge Fashion in Reality?
Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden played a crucial role in the grunge fashion movement. This movement originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the Seattle music scene.
Grunge highlighted disarray, roughness, and rawness. It stood in contrast to the polished appearance of power suits or glam rock from the 1980s.
Key parts were:
- Oversized flannel shirts, which are often found from thrift stores
- distressed denim and ripped tights
- Doc Martens and combat boots
- layering—hoodies under flannels and slip dresses over t-shirts and dark, muted hues.
The cultural historian Rebecca Arnold believes that “anti-fashion” groups make a comeback every twenty to thirty years.
They emerge as a reaction to the polished patterns that are prevalent at the time. According to Fashion in Motion Archives and the V&A Museum, grunge looks like it’s making a comeback.
The 2025 Revival: Why Now?
What makes grunge come back in 2025? The quick explanation is that nostalgia and rebellion go hand in hand.
- Fashion trend study shows that TikTok brings back tiny trends every 18 to 24 months. “GrungeTok” has 1.3 billion views now.
- The DIY ethos of grunge is in sync with thrifting, second-hand marketplaces like Depop and Poshmark, and upcycling.
- Economic Pressure: When things are unclear, it seems like sumptuous simplicity is beyond of reach. Grunge is popular with young people since it’s easy to find.
The 2025 Resale Report from ThredUp says that 63% of Gen Z buyers bought secondhand items last year. This is like how people who liked grunge used to shop at secondhand stores.
The most important features of grunge style are
There are still certain main things that make grunge what it is:
What You Need in Your Closet
- Big plaid shirts
- Ripped or loose jeans
- T-shirts from old bands or thrift stores
- Combat boots or Converse Dresses with layers
How to Style
Layer Imperfection: Everything looks like a mess.
Play with genderless silhouettes: Grunge doesn’t care about how your body looks.
Ripped fabrics, knits, and leather coats all have different textures.
Twist 2025
Tech-wear (cargo pants, utility belts) and accessories that everyone can wear are part of the grunge style nowadays.
The Grunge Authenticity Matrix is Framework 1.
I built this framework to help people tell the difference between true grunge and cosplay.
Axes
X: Originality vs. Reproduction
Y: Personal Intent vs. Trend-Driven
| Quadrant | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Authentic | True to roots, thrifted, mixed with personal touch | Flannel from thrift + band tee from concert |
| Mainstream Trend | Mass-market version | Zara “grunge collection” plaid skirt |
| High-Fashion Repro | Designer reinvention | Balenciaga torn denim |
| Costume Grunge | Overdone, feels forced | Head-to-toe Hot Topic kit |
This helps readers figure out if they are being rebellious or merely going along with a less strict manner.
How TikTok Made the Comeback Happen Again
The algorithm on TikTok works best with visuals that look true but are also exciting. Grunge looks awesome.
- As of September 2025, #GrungeTok has more than 1.3 billion views.
- Popular types of content include thrift hauls, “before and after” glow-downs, and copying Courtney Love’s appearance.
- Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” made a comeback on TikTok’s popular sounds in 2024.
For instance, @venusvintage, a 19-year-old artist, rose from 50,000 to 1.2 million followers by posting videos of how she turned clothing from thrift stores into grunge-inspired outfits.
A Case Study of a Retailer’s Grunge Capsule Collection
A mid-range US boutique (let’s call them “Urban Thread Co.”) released a 12-piece “Neo-Grunge” capsule collection in the spring of 2025.
Results (theoretical, based on real numbers):
- Units Sold: 85,000 in 8 weeks
- Best Seller: Distressed big hoodie, $68 retail
- Demographics: 71% are Gen Z, 22% are Millennials, and 7% are other
- Engagement: The TikTok campaign got 14 million views in less than three weeks.
This shows that grunge isn’t just for a few people. It can be transformed into something that many people would like and buy.
Framework 2: The 3C Adoption Model for Grunge Style
This model explains how and why subcultures become popular again.
3Cs:
- Culture—making things from scratch, music, and memories
- Commerce: stores make money and capsule drops happen.
- Community—TikTok, Depop, and Discord groups for styling Grunge in 2025 are doing well.
They are authentic from the ground up. Storefronts are simple to get to, and online communities are strong.
The Good and Bad Things About Grunge Style in 2025
Pros
- Cheap and easy to find at thrift stores
- Anyone can wear it, no matter what gender they are.
- Matches the idea of sustainability
Cons
- Risk of commercialization damaging originality
- Not appropriate for many businesses in the office
- DIY quality can seem awful if not styled effectively
- Reproductions for the mass market go against the principle of thrift.
A 2024 Business of Fashion survey found that subcultures that are highly commercialized commonly lose popularity within two years. This happens when more people join them than are legitimate.
How to Wear Grunge Every Day
3 Steps
- Step 1: Choose a major piece For instance, ripped jeans or flannel that is too big.
- Step 2: Put on layers that aren’t perfect. Wear a hoodie under a jacket. Put a slip dress over a t-shirt.
- Step 3: Find a balance with modern. Add one item of structure, like a leather jacket. This will prevent a full “costume.”
Outfit Example:
- A vintage Metallica shirt
- baggy denim
- combat boots
- A trench coat
Grunge and Other Styles in 2025
- Grunge vs. Quiet Luxury: One style doesn’t like polish, and the other does.
- Grunge vs. Preppy Revival: Preppy loves things to be neat and tidy, while grunge likes things to be untidy.
- Grunge vs. Y2K: Y2K is all about having fun and shining, while grunge is all about being quiet and honest. You can see why grunge seems like the reverse of more curated styles when you look at the two.
Questions and Answers
- What is the style of grunge?
A style that comes from Seattle music from the 1990s and comprises garments that are thrifted, layered, and worn out. - Why is Grunge Fashion so popular in 2025?
TikTok’s cycles of coming back have contributed to its popularity. There is also a growing longing for the past. Additionally, there is a growth in fashion that is good for the environment. - Is grunge style here to stay? Yes, thrifting and upcycling are healthy for the environment, but quick fashion isn’t.
- Who was the first to wear Grunge Fashion?
Nirvana and other bands made it popular, but Marc Jacobs’ Perry Ellis show in 1993 made it mainstream. - Will grunge ever be capable of being considered a professional style?
You can wear leather jackets or boots to work, but whole outfits aren’t appropriate. - Is Grunge for everyone?
Yes, larger fits and layered styles go beyond gender conventions. - What’s the difference between punk and grunge style?
Studs and bold lines are more violent in punk. Grunge is more thrift-based and untidy. - How do I find grunge clothes at bargain stores?
Keep an eye out for torn jeans, band t-shirts, and flannel shirts. Look for too-large clothing in the men’s areas. - Who are the famous people who wear grunge now?
Billie Eilish, Willow Smith, and Timothée Chalamet have all worn clothes that are inspired by grunge. - Will Grunge Fashion last?
It will probably last for two to three years before the next cycle, but its spirit will always be there.
What to Do Next
Look through your closet
- Find clothes that are too big, worn out, or layered.
- Go to Thrift Stores: Choose two or three basic grunge items, such flannel, a band tee, and boots.
- Try out different TikTok styles
- Post a look and join the #GrungeTok chat.