Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

The meaning of hipster lies behind the glasses, haircuts and flannel

Chandler Roberds, senior in human development and family studies, works at Wake Up Coffee Company. (Kenny Moss | Photographer)
Chandler Roberds, senior in human development and family studies, works at Wake Up Coffee Company. (Kenny Moss | Photographer)

What was a hipster move has turned into a mainstream trend. Contrary to popular belief, the hipster style is more than flannel, flower crowns and high-waist shorts.
"I would define a hipster as someone that makes it a personal goal not to be the norm," said Sarah Hagale, senior in graphic design.
She said she believes the stereotypical hipster style includes statement pieces such as thick-rimmed glasses, flannel, skinny jeans and graphic tees.
"I think some people think that it's trying too hard," Hagale said. "I really think it's just people expressing themselves."
Hagale said she would not consider herself a hipster, and that her closet consists of a limited color palette of black, blue, white and grey.
"I appreciate a good hipster," Hagale said, "but I don't think any hipster would call themselves a hipster."
Hagal said she recognizes the hipster trend is one that has recently become popular and goes against what she would define as a hipster. Hagale encourages students to be themselves.
"I would encourage other students to dress the way they feel comfortable," Hagale said. "You shouldn't be so affected by a trend that you think about it more than important things."
Chandler Roberds, senior in human development and family studies, works at Wake Up Coffee Company.
"I see a lot of the weird haircuts and facial hair like rugged and unkempt beards and mustaches," Roberds said.
According to Roberds, a hipster is "an individual that is wanting to be ahead of the mainstream." He describes the hipster style as trendy, independent, cutting edge and going against the grain.
In addition to the haircuts and facial hair, Roberds said he sees a lot of thrift-store bought clothing and skinny jeans, which he believes to be part of the hipster trend.
Although he said he is definitely not a hipster, Roberds said he recognizes it is a current trend.
"Maybe it's because it's new and we tend to gravitate toward new styles and clothes," Roberds said. "And it's cheaper."
Pamela Ulrich, professor in consumer and design sciences, teaches fashion from the 1910s to the present.
"I would think (hipster) is a word that has been used in different ways over time," Ulrich said.
According to Ulrich, in the 1940s, musicians' style was described as being hipster. In the 60s, popular hip-hugging pants defined hipster style. Recently, the hipster style is related to urban lifestyle and associated with young people, according to Ulrich.
"Fashion is a style that is accepted at some point in time by a group of people," Ulrich said.
After researching what the modern hipster style consists of, Ulrich said, the trend looks like hipsters are trying to be anti-fashion.
She said she doesn't see her students dressed in what she believes to be their personal fashion.
As a professor, Ulrich said she does not influence what students wear.
"Nobody in our program encourages people to dress in a certain way," Ulrich said. "Our job is to analyze it."
Whether it fits into a trend or goes against the norm in true hipster fashion, individual style serves as another way for students to express themselves.


Share and discuss “The meaning of hipster lies behind the glasses, haircuts and flannel” on social media.