Why Your Favourite Fashion Genre Sucks Now

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We can't stop talking about fashion genres, trends and aesthetics, but are they actually useful? Online search and social media has made finding information about different styles more difficult over time. Techwear, one of the best (worst?) examples, has grown particularly far away from the original use of the term. Instead, let's think about fashion genres as ways of describing outfits rather than prescribing uniforms or modes of dress.
Also talking about a few pickups - the Kavu Mini Rope Bag, Acronym J1WB-E, and Acronym P55-M
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[@lyonowens]

Thrifting is good for finding things you normally would not come across otherwise.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Totally agree

[@Kehy_ThisNameWasAlreadyTaken]

My partner and I have done the $20 Goodwill challenge as a date idea- you get $20 and an hour (or less) to make an outfit. At minimum that's a top and bottom, but it can only be of stuff in that exact store. Given the challenges finding things that will fit me, so far it's actually opened me up to options I would've never looked at before, some of which I continue to use in different ways

[@witeshade]

The actual thrift stores near me never have anything good besides blazers and t-shirts, but there are two secondhand fashion shops nearby and I pretty much only shop there now except for specific items like jeans. There are so many brands and items I'd never heard of and styles I don't even know where you'd get them new, it's been great.

[@Gnurklesquimp2]

I live in a small town, little in the way of thrifting. There's some truth to the smelly old garbage stigma. I guess if i ever want a washed out satin blazer that has apparently been digested by some creature, though, just 500 bucks

[@Blorboy]

On top of buying secondhand in thrift stores, the vast majority of my clothes were bought through platforms like vinted and grailed. Especially when looking at semi-obscure brands, it's insane how cheap some items are resold for while still in great condition.

[@m4dbr3w77]

The canonical but still very random ass slap got me bro :DD

[@ThisIsAntwon]

That clip is truly the gift that keeps on giving

[@PhillipAmthor]

Where? We need time stamps!

[@mostlycasualsometimes7062]

@@PhillipAmthor2:14

[@DiveShadow]

peak techwear is when clothes have function. like Heelys.

[@AlexHider]

Your editing just keeps getting more complex, great job

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Yooo thanks very much!

[@Gnurklesquimp2]

Personally, I'm kinda with clothes as I am with music... I love it when people NAIL a style, but the way I engage with it, I very much lean towards taking little bits from several styles without trying to be faithful/authentic to something already established down to the details. I'd say on the spectrum from going completely by the rules to (Intentionally or unintentionally) being completely chaotic in respect to norms, you can land anywhere you like on that, but the latter end is obviously gonna be less relatable. I find a nice balance of this stuff is always a + to making an outfit more interesting and personal. You can also play it safe, my bottom-line is a certain kind of chill oversized 80's/90's/2000's/beyond and modern interpretations of the past all mixed in ways that make sense to me, it's basically one rough personal style as it developed over the years inspired by various styles as those evolved and branched, a balance of something that pulls the clothes together and sets them apart. I've seen y2k people etc. basically do the inverse, successfully mixing all sorts of street and rave culture styles from the time into one, you just get the vibe when you look at it even if it's not as straightforward inside an exact box you already know.

[@stromagedon]

11:00 huge cig

[@johnlewtas6833]

looks like the cigarette juice spagett sold out for

[@Zeithri]

Switch those spikes to LCD lights and you'd be visible during the cold winter times.

[@przemysawseredyszyn1405]

Or simply get some 3M reflective tape and stitch it to a piece of velcro

[@TechwearGermany]

mr ant teaching people to be more open minded he da real one frfr

[@ThisIsAntwon]

That's what it's all about! Hope the meetup went well 🫡

[@TechwearGermany]

@@ThisIsAntwon We had an awesome time, thank you so much! I can see the day where Mr Ant joins the party 😎

[@nautica3241]

Errolson got a goth gf and his work gets influenced to match her style, kind of similar to Rick Owens' shift in style when he got together with Tyrone. I believe it's a positive thing

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Nothing wrong with taking influences from different places for sure, keeps things fresh

[@przemysawseredyszyn1405]

I love how spikes are the thing that made people see the alt-fashion inspiration in Acronym. The animal prints used by Errolson are a clear oldschool punk influence.

[@nautica3241]

@przemysawseredyszyn1405 that is still influenced by his gf

[@przemysawseredyszyn1405]

@@nautica3241 I'm not disagreeing with you (don't know too much about Errolson's personal life). I'm just saying those influences were there much earlier than this season, but people are acting like spikes are a sudden and drastic change in Errolson's design language

[@DragonzBMX]

Loving the new style of videos, the outdoor segments and going out to prove the point you're making! Love the videos!

[@mac54123]

This video is the exact problem I ran into back in 2017, Antwons channel is actually the first fashion yt channel that I came across with great information about a genre that I was interested in, although I don't wear anything techwear coming across this channel was my first step in developing a style of clothing that I enjoy wearing everyday. Great video!

[@Jedwoods]

Funny to see Stephen from MyLifeOutdoors when his video today is also about echo chambers and repetitive gear lists in outdoors KZbin circles

[@ThisIsAntwon]

I'm not surprised every niche basically has similar problems! Seen a few of his videos now and it's always good stuff

[@karlenglewood8940]

Those spikes aren't useless. They're meant to prevent cougars from snapping your necks or skulls with their love bites. /s

[@RextonWendell]

LOL

[@aphrodieMonkey]

The spikes are fuckin sick, they make that jacket all the more appealing to me by a large margin. I think punk is just great tho. I also think its kinda silly to bash something for being "useless" when already clothes like Acronym are quite consciously made to be "high-fashion", obviously. Form follows function but form can still stand in its own right. Form without function is always a bit of a luxurious/appealing detail, a flex. (though I know plenty of trash clothes these days are void of function & quality and are basically shallow vanity [fast fashion]. I'm more referring to conscious & thoughtful, well-crafted pure-aesthetic detailing)

[@JohnHenderson-qm4ng]

super well thought out and carefully considered view on this. I've noticed that about a lot of your other more recent videos antwon but thought I'd chime in this time just to say so.

[@Shadowtepller333]

I actually do enjoy these grass touching videos, I'd love to see more vlog-style content if you have any plans to do more in the future or I'm not sure if you have a second channel for it or not?

[@zombieluka]

Definitely would check that out if he did

[@NMN]

Agreed it's good when you have settled into a 'style' and can pick something off a rail in a store that you might have passed by a year or two earlier and think, 'I can make this work' - Yesterday, my eye caught a white shell jacket in TKMAXX and I got the spider-sense feeling; it's a GOLDWIN 'Double Weave Gill Vent Hoodie' in PERTEX (I had to Google it as well), bought for about a quarter retail, thankyou very much. With a black longsleeve under, some dark baggy tech pants and white kicks, I have a new favourite thing :) edit: a bit of researching, this having a black contrast zip marks it as a Japan-only release version, lord knows how it ended up in my local TK in the UK.

[@tenfootalice]

Fresh idea for a video & well put-together from where I'm sitting. Certainly gave me food for thought. Arse-slap a definite bonus! 😄

[@ghosteh._6416]

I'm so happy that you talked about this, I love your hairstyle right. You just got compliment double-whammied

[@zombieluka]

Ive only seen a few of your videos but the editing this is really good! Great vid too :D

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks so much!

[@GuzziHeroV50]

I praise and curse you for introducing me to Fabric Of The Universe. I love their gear! I've had many compliments while wearing it. Just a shame I am not 'street' enough to back up the style!

[@MalakaiDerg]

💀

[@RextonWendell]

Honestly, love the fact that this video is so authentic on its own, people so far have been chasing certain trends & going for a certain "look". It's like if u incooperate a piece outside of the genre in it, it won't tick the boxes LOL i have the same mindset myself but is slowly moving out of it. REAL QUESTION, Anyone know where to get that chain necklace, been seeing it around quite often but can't seemed to find one with that size, finishing & length

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks! Really appreciate that. The chain is the transit chain from Vitaly - had it a couple of years now

[@RextonWendell]

@@ThisIsAntwon appreciate the reply man, love videos like this 👌🔥

[@klaustrophobic3643]

Im one of the "bad" techwear wearers (i mix it with goth cannot help it) i prefer dysfunctionality so i can be a sithlord and do my groceries without being hit by people wanting to be social. But i love your videos❤❤ very informative!

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Nooo not the bad techwear wearers! Sith lord inspo gets a pass in my book, I want some Vader drip

[@klaustrophobic3643]

@@ThisIsAntwon Hahaha Yay :D I wear that Pass with honour :p

[@RextonWendell]

Damn, really curious in how your fit looks like. Are u a fan of Alyx, C2H4, Heliot Emil kinda stuff?

[@clawhands44]

I feel like this has been bleeding out of my head for a few years now.. everyone entering some fashion scene and asking "is this techwear? Or "how do I buy techwear" - 'genres are descriptive, not prescriptive' - well said! This really puts things back into perspective when explaining anything to the unstylish plebians.

[@GuidoChiabrera]

I like denim/workwear/military inspired garments. I know what I like and it never goes out of fashion. Blue jeans pants + Type 3 Trucker jacket + M65. You can't go wrong.

[@markchang5285]

Haha I spotted the Oakley Eye Jacket. I still have mine from the 90s XD

[@sleepy_chronotype]

I know I’m 10 years late but I always found tech wear intriguing. Love the look and practicality. Maybe I get into it now that I found your channel

[@nomenklatakura]

another great video, thank you friend ^-^

[@legopeaces]

Very interesting. Guess I'll have to mix and match pieces for the true techwear look. Cheers

[@aphrodieMonkey]

Great video, this is the sort of discourse that's always been quite obvious to me, and that I feel quite passionate about.. alas, there are too many people caught up in the thick of trends; social media exacerbated this by tenfold, of course. Pause from the deafening sound of everyone else & just listen to yourself for once! Also, I was trying to find if you tagged the shoes you're wearing at 10:05; they look great, comfortable, & practical, would love to know what they are.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment🙏 They're a pair of Merrell Moab 2 wool slides - I mentioned them in my sneakers video a couple of weeks back, but I've been enjoying them as indoor shoes

[@mitcheldenhartog1886]

I will never stop recommending thrifting to people, growing up on the poorer side but loving many alternative styles it continues to be the best option compared to risky online purchases. I been buying second hand in Sydney for well over 14 years and it is a challenge but some of my best and favourite pieces came from st.vincents and other second hand stores. Another wonderful option in thrifting is T.K Maxx which have started appearing more and more across Australia this decade. Im finding higher fashion brands at spectacular markdowns, all it takes is ambition, patience and a good eye.

[@sbu960]

well said!

[@karlexceed]

Heck yeah, I've always liked the look of those Kavu bags.

[@DarkFire515]

I actually think the metalhead-style spikes synergise perfectly with the post-apocalyptic aspects of techwear.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Yes, and having them removable is reminiscent of the DIY approach in media where they're added into clothes later

[@shi_503]

You got the new acronym? Wanted that so bad!

[@PhillipAmthor]

Acronym makes really cool stuff but i miss a picatinny rail on their clothes

[@nicolasmancuso6564]

Nice bike Antwon!

[@RoboLenin]

I think we are reaching the micro trend saturation point. It reminds me of the streaming wars, people are getting so overwhelmed with needing to choose that they are leaning more into personal style, at least I am. Like you said, fashion genres are useful for describing styles, and I use them to form my outfits sometimes as a way to tie things together, but beyond that they are more of a hinderance than anything.

[@CoreyHague]

Props for finally letting me know how to pronounce Nepthenes. Meanwhile if I was in the UK I would just go to This Thing Of Ours and get a second mortgage for all of their amazing stuff. Great stuff as always mate.

[@pidgy]

I really love the addition of spikes in the latest Acronym release. It feels really fun and irreverent to me. As much as it originally drew me when I was first getting into fashion so many years back, for the longest time I've felt the "trad techwear" look is really boring. Incorporating technical clothes with unique cuts and materials into aesthetics where they typically "wouldn't belong" is the natural progression of the style in my opinion. And it's really refreshing to see choices being made just because it's cool. It makes me excited for the future

[@Fahad05]

I’m I’m I’m

[@sh36]

Fast fashion + SEO has basically ruined online shopping.

[@jesussamurai8433]

Guess it depends what I’m doing if it’s just a touch grass day it’s a sports outfit. If it’s a go out to a fancy restaurant or dressy type occasion it’s time to bust out the Colombian drug lord in Miami look.

[@holdenmendez7320]

A simple branding shift in how we discuss Fashion Genres can go a long way, akin to your saying 'Genres are descriptive, not prescriptive'. In this vein, I like using a method where we say 'Genre Suggestions' in leu of saying 'Genre Conventions'. Many genres come with, as you mentioned, rigidly predetermined notions and tenets. Following these to the letter is, as you also mentioned, a recipe for disaster. Simply referring to the genre classifcations, hallmarks, and identifies as Suggestions to be taken into consideration, rather than Conventions to be religiously adhered to, will make waves.

[@GoufinAround_]

For me, I got into wearing workwear because Carhartt was the best shirts for fit and handling genuine abuse and lasting 4-5 times longer, on average for me, than other shirts I've owned. I also was able to take stuff from my Dad, I have a jacket from the 80's that I found in a closet and just took lol

[@URG2003]

I just go after lowkey brands with decent quality like rockstar original hoodies i live in america but they are stationed in the uk so it takes a while too ship but i like to think that the quality is worth the time plus they have a plenty of sales which tells me that not many people have this stuff so i grab it and make my own fashion sense of it as far as name brands the only thing i really like is polo and northface fleece hoodies not too many expensive tastes of mine that actually fits my style but i do love early 2000s stussy ive always been into the bigger bottomed shirts because i live in Atlanta Georgia where big shirts and big oversized pants and a snapback were the biggest thing ever lovely era.

[@cuttinaboot]

My brother got me a kavu tee for Christmas and it’s super comfortable, bag looks decent

[@karidyas00]

Damn the spikes are on velcro... Even the addition of form is functional. Love that. Not my style, but who knows if that will always be the case.

[@xenofyl1]

How come you did not cop that kitchen sink joint though? Sh’s goated FR 🤤

[@vangle3106]

Hey, whats the length and thickness of your chain? Looks great!

[@bonniestar7583]

just got a bike that matches my aesthetic and needs, love it so much

[@blockwearingman]

the thing i like is that when you look up the genre you will get things that you want

[@Ayshafr]

People should learn to just like the things they like :) personally I think spikes good.

[@MakinaDeMuerte]

I have found acg, adidas outdoors, carhart, random goretex stuff at... Burlington coat factory and ross dress for less.

[@doofy3111]

Same, I copped the 2018 acg 3 in 1 poncho for around $100

[@philippeholthuizen]

The velcro spikes are somewhat similar to the removable heelclips of the nike/acronym shoes. But I feel it’s a bit too optimistic about how many people will actually put an effort in 😅

[@Patrick_Hession98]

ACRNM Spikes goooooooood.

[@iamkablam8096]

I have several items from Fabric of the Universe, Machine56, and HolyGrail. Are they made of super high quality material? Not really (excluding a pleather HolyGrail jacket that’s made of decent pleather). Do they have the cyberpunk/sci-fi look I enjoy? Most definitely. I am fully aware they are not techwear brands and I know what actual techwear is. I just wear them cause I think they look cool and I can incorporate them into my style.

[@0r1zuru]

0:34 A wild The Anix cameo appeared!

[@AscensionAerial]

6:19 Jacket brand is South2 West8

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Yes, that whole section is South2west8 and they have a bunch of nice stuff. Also a fair bit of Engineered Garments downstairs

[@intranexine8901]

This isn't jsut fashion this is happening to literally everything atm, enshittification of the internet in the terminal stage.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

So true, I hate it here

[@knight_lautrec_of_carim]

I actually prefer the "fake" techwear. The loud, unncessarily complex "cyperbunk" style like fabric on the universe or holy grail. my gf is into old goth and it's very unique pairing when we go out 😅 but I'm also into FPV drones and VR so this "hyper cyber" aesthetics just reflects my interests better than the more faithful interpretation of techwear

[@unfortunatelyrob2635]

Niches are often expensive because the market is small which makes them 1) easy to undercut if you cut out literally everything but the minimum aesthetic and 2) easy to SEO hack because again the market is small

[@youwin_fits]

What lapel mic are you using for the bench shot?

[@Slamdeath]

The acronym spikes are very heavy metal, and as a heavy metal enthusiast I think they are great

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Yes! Totally up for more varied inspiration within techwear

[@servidig483]

Do a vid on the probability of future fashion being only virtual due to convenience and impossibly cool drip

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Digital fashion conceptually is super interesting to me - I don't think we're there yet but who knows what'll happen in the next few years

[@veianreyes9713]

Biking and techwear in one video.... eating good this week

[@Jesus_Wojak]

Fjallräven makes pretty good gorpcore pants.

[@faisalsalik5595]

where's your black t - shirt from?

[@trillwill93]

Those Steeltoe clogs sent me on an odyssey

[@ThisIsAntwon]

They were so good! I didn't show everything but they had some nice shoes downstairs also

[@Homeslice130]

I found my look Chuck Taylors Levi Jean blank tee then I’ll add to it or change a pice

[@lainbed]

Genuine question: What kind of shoes are those?

[@fioredeutchmark]

The bike is nice but at €2398 euros for the belt driven model they’re positioning themselves into a price category where they are competing with some of the very best hybrid push bikes out there. In fact at that price it’s competing with some pretty decent second hand cars and motor bikes. It’s crazy expensive for what they’re offering and should be about 60% of the price. Cool sponsor though.

[@cheffpm]

you just gotta tell people to buy hamcus and watch the look on their face

[@Baor_8]

I would like to know more about brands that are affordable or used cloth selling websiet or the like. Just any way, how you can buy techwear as a normal working person.

[@doofy3111]

Try grailed or reversible

[@chaza1001]

0:43 oi that's me

[@ThisIsAntwon]

yooo!

[@sambuck8710]

I love nepenthes cause they stock many brands but some of their stuff is too colourful for me

[@Cami54554]

i think we need to rename techwear to something else. maybe 'performance wear' or something similar

[@jom4748]

W vid

[@domsnow6418]

You just don’t understand the Pigeon deterrent function of the spikes. You‘ll regret removing them when they 💩 all over you

[@aziddude2127]

for me is combining styles

[@jom4748]

How do you doto style your hair ??

[@ThisIsAntwon]

I just comb it and put some wax in and it seems to hold up

[@Nihilvidz]

I'm in a stage where my wardrobe is a fucking mess and would probably need outside help to get my shit together lol...

[@blockwearingman]

bro did an e bike add

[@ElDaumo]

They should be killer-spike. Really the only spikes to wear, if any

[@danielmironov]

What is this messenger bag you used in the video?

[@doofy3111]

Acronym 3A-1

[@blackmcbwhite2996]

I think your saddle could be a lot higher :D

[@ThisIsAntwon]

My history of riding BMX/jump bikes is showing 😅

[@gx4012]

I hate the word "core" so much now😭

[@BranMan46]

I don't know who needs to read this... but, Teach wear fashion advice should come with a warning "Don't buy if your older then 10" I understand if it makes you happy, than go for it! but I see a lot of guys in their twenties - early thirties frustrated with there romantic life, where they haven't had a partner in years and desire that connection... If that describes you... Go buy some chinos, get a pair of chelsea boots, an over coat, a neat hair cut, you can have facial hair, but its all or nothing... if its patchy SHAVE IT! Find a toast masters, attend for 3-6 months... Go to the gym! Congratulations that girl that has been ignoring you? well.... you still don't have her... But you finally look good.

[@memopinzon]

OHHH....OH MY....OH JESUS...OH GOD....I THINK....IM GOING....IM GOING TO CONSOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!! *Reciept has been sent to the email address you provided*

[@Reinturtle]

Can someone tell me why he's holding a giant cigarette at the end?

[@Hex-Maniac]

Ppl goes on low cost tech wear despite the shit quality because as you said the real one is not affordable for common ppl spe (young one) what we lack in this fashion style is the medium quality because currently its either shit or luxury

[@xenofyl1]

Buy second hand or from military surplus shops and you’ll find absolute steals, I promise. Sales are a good option as well.

[@Dazulolwarrior]

Im missing the "this is an[blank] " before your intro :(

[@ThisIsAntwon]

HOW DID I FORGET TO DO THAT WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME

[@Dazulolwarrior]

​@@ThisIsAntwon it's ok I will look forward to the next video as always

[@teno777]

I must say, I’m still calling techwear the 4235 variants of techwear that have popped out in recent years.

[@dtsiegler]

raise the seat of your bike for your knees sake.

[@i--i4933]

people put on uniforms

[@cordschlobohm7739]

Imagine removing the spikes... fml all sold out & people are making them basic

[@Androidonator]

Normalize constructionworkerwear.

[@VenkteshShivam]

Oh MY, archipelago lives in LUTON. Subscribe more please 😢

[@cbtodd8272]

"Promosm" 🍀

[@jasonbrenner7184]

These are not real. Those fashion genres are tic toc fantasies. Nobody real is worried about any of that. Been wearing those exact same clothes for decades, nobody made up a silly name for it.

[@RockerfellerRothchild1776]

2024... Hype clowns still dont get style and fashion diff things smh

[@blockwearingman]

fuck tylers new style his old style was so much better

[@CRIMSONCITADeL]

i wanna complement you for your full chested pronouncing of nepenthes, which takes a lot of guts. the acronymn spikes are cringe tho