Controversial trend: With Warcore it's fashionable to go to the war zone My 20 minutes

Warcore describes a fashion style that draws heavily on elements of militaristic clothing. These are, for example, bulletproof vests, harnesses and balaclavas. Anyone who regularly scrolls through Tiktok may have even discovered the clothing style at some point.

Warcore is a subculture in the streetwear scene. The clothing style includes elements of tech and dark wear. Techwear, however, is more about the functionality of the clothing - we think of cargo shorts with many pockets that offer great freedom of movement:

And darkwear is more about monochrome looks in black, which also make use of avant-garde elements:

Cyberpunk is also an aesthetic that plays into the Warcore look: Garments with lots of pockets, buckles and chains are also in demand there:

What distinguishes Warcore looks from the other styles are the militaristic elements that make the wearer look like they are in "Call of Duty" or in the post-apocalypse of "Mad Max".

Militarism in fashion

It's nothing new that tactical and militaristic elements are creeping into fashion. Bomber jackets and aviator sunglasses have become fashionable basics today, but they used to be part of the outfit of US military pilots. The currently popular balaclava is also an accessory with a militaristic background: the headgear was first worn by British soldiers in the Crimean War to protect them from the cold. Later it was also part of the uniforms of other elite military units.

Warcore goes one step further: For the outfits, elements such as bulletproof vests - or even firearms and swords for the Insta-Post are integrated:

«People are getting nervous»

Of course, a look like this also attracts questioning looks. “Sometimes when I go into a shop, the whole shop is quiet – people get nervous. Especially when I go to the checkout to pay,” says Tyler, who posts his Warcore looks on Tiktok under the name Trxtn.x, to “Vice”. "Sometimes when I go near a large group of people, they take their children by the hand or walk away," he adds. According to his own statements, he also goes to school in full Warcore gear.

At a time when shootings and rampages in schools are on the rise, especially in the USA, it is understandable that the Warcore look can also trigger fear in everyday life. As with so many looks, it also depends on the environment: the Warcore look is probably suboptimal for opening a new account in the bank, but the outfit appears in a completely different context at a techno rave.

Shock factor attracts stars

With a trend that has so much potential shock value, it's not surprising that Kanye West is also stepping onto the scene: the rapper has become in again and again in recent months Balaclavas photographed. For his listening party for his album "Donda", Ye put one on top and showed up with a balaclava and bulletproof "Donda" vest:

The American rapper Zillakami recently showed up like this on Instagram:

Warcore in high fashion

Warcore elements are also becoming more visible on the catwalks: the luxury label Vetements keeps flirting with pieces in this style:

Some Warcore influences can also be seen at the Spring/Summer 2022 show by American designer Rick Owens, who is known for his dark aesthetic. For example in the form of chunky XXL combat boots:

Warcore has been seen on the catwalk in the past. Prada showcased harness breast pockets for its Fall Winter 2018 show:

At the time, «Vogue» asked itself whether «Warcore will replace Normcore?» The author also cited the Warcore-inspired show by Austrian designer Helmut Lang. In 2003, he displayed these "to help his army of supporters stand tall in the face of geopolitical collapse."

Almost twenty years later, the situation in the world does not seem to have eased - on the contrary. One can only hope that it remains only fashionably dystopian.

Fashion ignorance or the answer to a broken world? What are your thoughts on the Warcore look?

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