1980s: Early Rave and Acid House Roots
In the 80s, the drum & bass scene drew heavily from the styles emerging in acid house and breakbeat, two genres shaping the UK’s underground culture. Baggy jeans or tracksuits were staples, allowing for movement and comfort, and oversized t-shirts and retro track jackets were widely popular. Sportswear brands like Adidas, Puma, and Le Coq Sportif had a major influence on the look, embodying the laid-back yet rebellious feel that became a foundation of the rave scene. This was a time when sportswear and casual attire became statements in their own right, a counterpoint to mainstream fashion’s focus on polish and formality.
Accessories in this era were often experimental and practical, aligning with the free-spirited and slightly anarchic rave ethos. Bucket hats from brands like Kangol and Fila became iconic, giving ravers a distinctive look while tying back to hip-hop influences. Fanny packs by Nike and Adidas were popular, blending functionality and style, a trend that would carry through future rave fashion. Sunglasses like Ray-Ban’s aviators or Vuarnet visor shades were the perfect addition to late-night parties, adding a bit of mystique to the wearer.
1990s: Jungle and Streetwise Grit
The 90s saw jungle music take the spotlight, and with it came a tougher, more streetwise fashion that embodied the raw, bass-heavy energy of the genre. Camo prints became a signature part of the jungle look, frequently seen on oversized t-shirts, baggy jeans, and jackets. The aesthetic favored rugged yet stylish pieces that could withstand long nights in crowded clubs or outdoor events. Timberland boots and Dr. Martens were the footwear of choice for jungle fans, adding durability to the style while grounding the look with a sense of toughness.
The 90s jungle scene had its own distinctive brands that helped create its streetwise and gritty image. Carhartt, Champion, Dickies, and Stüssy were ubiquitous, their workwear-inspired styles fitting perfectly into the underground vibe of jungle. For those seeking a touch of luxury, high-fashion labels like Moschino and Versace were surprisingly popular, adding a glamorous yet rebellious twist that made jungle fashion so unique. The mixing of high and low fashion was a statement of style and identity in a genre that was unapologetically raw.
Accessories in the jungle scene were bold and purposeful, adding to the visual impact of the style. Gold chains, often thick and paired with medallions, became a popular choice, a clear influence from hip-hop culture. Bucket hats and fitted baseball caps by brands like New Era and Starter were also essential, further grounding the style in urban culture. For the rave scene itself, glow sticks and whistles were must-haves, especially as a way to enhance the high-energy atmosphere of the clubs, making the experience feel even more vibrant under the flashing lights.
2000s: Digital Era and the Rise of Refined Streetwear
As drum & bass entered the 2000s and became more globally popular, the style shifted from jungle’s gritty vibe to a more streamlined, refined look. Cargo pants, slimmer jeans, and fitted t-shirts began replacing the baggy styles of the 90s, and a shift toward darker colors and monochrome outfits became more common. Fans added hoodies and graphic tees, often featuring logos of influential drum & bass labels like Hospital Records and Metalheadz, showcasing their loyalty to the music in a more subtle yet stylish way.
Nike, especially with its Air Max and Air Force 1 lines, became a go-to brand, along with Vans and Puma, which offered comfortable, dance-ready shoes that were practical for rave environments. Supreme began to influence the scene, bringing in a more refined streetwear look that mixed well with the D&B aesthetic. Backpacks from brands like Eastpak and The North Face were practical choices, helping ravers carry essentials for all-night events, while G-Shock watches by Casio added a tech-forward accessory that matched the growing presence of digital sounds in D&B.
Accessories in the 2000s focused on functionality with a hint of style. Beanies by Carhartt and Supreme became popular, along with fitted caps from brands like Nike and New Era. Chunky sneakers and skate shoes became the footwear of choice, combining comfort with a bold look suited to dancing. Some ravers added small neon-colored accessories to nod back to the rave culture of the 90s, but the look overall was moving toward an understated yet sophisticated style, reflecting D&B’s evolution as a global genre.
2010s to Today: Techwear and a Revival of Nostalgia
The modern D&B scene blends the past with the future, embracing both nostalgic 90s pieces and futuristic techwear aesthetics. Cargo pants, bomber jackets, and graphic hoodies remain favorites, but now with a tactical twist that makes them both functional and stylish. Darker colors dominate the scene, and military-inspired gear like chest rigs and utility vests, often from brands like ACRONYM and 1017 ALYX 9SM, offer a sleek, practical vibe. Today, wearing merch from D&B labels like Metalheadz, Shogun Audio, or Hospital Records connects fans to the roots of the genre and celebrates its legacy.
Fashion brands like Carhartt WIP, Nike, Patagonia, The North Face, and Stone Island are now staples in the drum & bass wardrobe, blending durability and urban style. Exclusive brands like Stone Island and 1017 ALYX 9SM cater to those who want an edgy, high-end look that’s ready for the dance floor. For fans looking to represent D&B’s classic imagery, branded merchandise from longstanding labels helps maintain a sense of continuity with the genre’s origins, while high-tech fabrics and cuts bring a modern edge.
Accessories today have become a blend of function and style, with a nod to both the tactical and the retro. Chest rigs and crossbody bags from brands like Herschel, Patagonia, and ACRONYM are popular, allowing ravers to carry essentials hands-free while adding to the rugged, utilitarian look. Fingerless gloves and gaiter face masks contribute to the underground vibe, while LED glasses, colored lens sunglasses from Retrosuperfuture and Ray-Ban, and holographic accents bring in a bit of rave nostalgia. Footwear choices often include timeless staples like Nike Air Max 97s and Adidas Superstars, as well as functional boots from techwear brands like Salomon, blending classic style with a future-forward feel.
Today’s drum & bass fashion embraces a mix of old and new, celebrating its 90s roots while adapting to the globalized, tech-driven world of music. It’s a style that continues to push boundaries, much like the genre itself, combining innovation with a respect for the scene’s gritty origins. Drum & bass fashion has become an emblem of the genre’s spirit: bold, adaptable, and always ready for the dance floor.
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DnB History