The Ramones were one of the first punk rock bands and their image came to typify punk clothing. Their look consisted of tight, ripped blue jeans, Chuck Taylor sneakers, and leather jackets covered in pins. It was an homage to the 1950s greaser look and the early pre-Beatles rock 'n' roll that the band loved. Leather jackets and Chuck Taylors were picked up by countless punk and rock bands to come, including bands like Screeching Weasel, The Queers and The Libertines. It's an easy look to pull off and more of a badge of honor than a cliche in the punk music scene.
Bands like Crass promoted an extreme version of punk rock, a total lifestyle immersion in anarchy and resistance to mainstream culture. Followers of this anarchistic lifestyle are known as crust punks and, while trying to distance themselves from any strict way of life, have created a distinct look for themselves. Crust punks wear a lot of black, brown and camouflage clothing. They adorn their clothes with patches that are sewn or safety-pinned on. These patches often carry political messages about anti-racism or other causes, as well as represent bands. Crust punks also wear spiked vests, jackets and belts. The crust punk look isn't intended to be a fashion statement, but a lifestyles statement. Crust punks often live in squats or on the streets and don't often wash their clothes, resulting in a dirty, unkempt appearance.
From its beginnings with bands like Black Flag and Bad Brains to later bands like Converge and American Nightmare, hardcore has been more about spreading a message than attempting to shock or look cool. Hardcore bands have stood for the common man and, for this reason, often eschew wild fashion statements for simplicity. The hardcore punk look is usually nothing more than wearing what the average Joe wears, with some attention to detail. Hardcore punks wear working-class clothing like simple T-shirts in muted colors, work shirts, Dickies, hoodies, khakis and Doc Marten shoes. Other hardcore clothing includes basketball jerseys and sportswear from companies like Puma, Vans and Adidas.