The fashion industry has two main types of trends: mainstream and underground. Mainstream fashion trends are widely accepted, easily accessible, and represent conventional beauty standards whereas underground fashion trends are different, not widely available, and for niche markets. Both types of trends have their own pros and cons, but they also borrow inspiration from each other. Underground trends have the potential to disrupt the industry, whereas mainstream trends stick to the conventional norms of fashion. Both types of trends offer a unique sense of style and individuality that should be appreciated by fashion lovers.
Mainstream vs. Underground: Examining the Differences Between Popular Fashion Trends and Up-and-Coming Aesthetics
Introduction
In the world of fashion, there are two broad categories of trends that exist – mainstream fashion trends and underground fashion trends. Mainstream fashion trends are the ones that are easily available, widely recognized and worn by the majority of people. On the other hand, underground fashion trends are the opposite of mainstream fashion trends. They are the trends that are different, niche and often worn by a group of people who are adventurous and open-minded. In this article, we will compare and contrast the differences between popular fashion trends and up-and-coming aesthetics.
Mainstream Fashion Trends
Mainstream fashion trends are those that are widely available, considered ‘safe’ and popularized by celebrities and fashion influencers. These are the trends that most people follow, and they are commonly available at high street stores and online retailers. The advantage of mainstream fashion trends is that they are widely accepted and often represent conventional beauty standards. For example, during the summer season, off-shoulder tops and white sneakers were the hottest trends in the market. These trends were mainstream and loved by people of all age groups.
Pros of Mainstream Fashion Trends
- Easy accessibility
- Conventional and safe
- Widely accepted
Cons of Mainstream Fashion Trends
- Lack of originality
- Can be boring
- Mass-produced
Underground Fashion Trends
Underground fashion trends are typically the opposite of mainstream trends. They’re worn by people who want to stand out from the crowd and are often not readily available. Underground trends are not guided by conventional beauty standards and have the potential to disrupt the industry. For example, Japanese streetwear brands like A Bathing Ape and Comme des Garçons are considered underground because they’re not worn by everyone and aren’t readily available. They’re for a niche market, often sold in exclusive retail stores, and are expensive.
Pros of Underground Fashion Trends
- Aesthetic originality
- Diversity
- Brings a new perspective to fashion industry
Cons of Underground Fashion Trends
- Can be expensive
- Not widely available
- Associated with a specific subculture or ideology
Comparison Between Mainstream and Underground Fashion Trends
While mainstream and underground trends are vastly different, they do have some similarities. Both of these types of trends have become a source of inspiration for each other. For example, mainstream fashion trends have borrowed from underground fashion trends to make unique pieces. Furthermore, underground fashion trends have also taken inspiration from mainstream fashion trends and used it to make their pieces. Both types of trends have their own positives and negatives associated with them.
Similarities Between Mainstream and Underground Fashion Trends
- Borrow from each other
- Offer a sense of style and innovation
- Help define cultural or social identity
Differences Between Mainstream and Underground Fashion Trends
- Mainstream Trends are widely available and are generally associated with conventional beauty standards, whereas underground fashion trends are for niche markets, often sold in exclusive retail stores, and not widely available.
- Underground fashion trends are different, niche and often worn by a group of people who are adventurous and open-minded, whereas mainstream fashion trends are widely accepted and often represent conventional beauty standards.
- Underground fashion trends have the potential to disrupt the industry, whereas mainstream fashion trends often stick to the conventional norms of fashion.
Conclusion
Mainstream and underground fashion trends represent entirely different philosophies of fashion. While mainstream fashion trends are widely recognized and offer a ‘safe’ fashion choice, underground fashion trends bring a touch of innovation and offer niche aesthetics. In conclusion, it’s crucial for fashion lovers to appreciate both types of fashion trends as they offer a unique sense of style and individuality.