Credit: Dave Valencia under CC BY-SA 4.0
Music moves the world—especially when you consider how much it influences different aspects of pop culture. Certain decades are associated with certain types of music, for example, like jazz for the '40s and disco for the '70s. Music also plays a huge role in shaping mainstream fashion. Just look at how hip-hop popularized chain necklaces, tracksuits, and baggier clothes with the aim of expressing rebellion against modern societal expectations.
The same can be said for heavy metal. This subculture's penchant for dark tones and symbolism expressed through edgy yet comfortable clothes appeals to more than just the heavy metal crowd. Its aesthetic has been spotted on celebrities like Kendall Jenner—and it's even influenced collections from major luxury fashion brands like Balenciaga.
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But what exactly defines the look of heavy metal fashion? These four essential pieces may hold the answer.
Sunglasses
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If there's one word you can use to describe heavy metal, it's intense. That's often reflected in the lives of this genre's most successful musicians—which they then attempt to conceal so they can put on another good show. Ray-Ban's Aviators are an especially iconic sunglasses design that seems to define the look of a number of artists. Though originally designed for sun protection, their metal frames, classic teardrop shape, and extremely dark lenses mesh perfectly with the mix of blacks and studs that characterize heavy metal fashion. That's probably why you'll see everyone wearing them from Daron Malakian to Lemmy Kilmister. And, of course, you can't mention sunglasses in heavy metal without talking about Slash and his use of dark-tinted Aviators to avoid making eye contact with audiences.
Leather jackets
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Though styles in sub-genres like hair metal have arguably stayed within the decade they were popularized in; leather jackets remain eternal. The toughness, independence, and rebelliousness they symbolize mean their popularity definitely didn't originate in heavy metal—they were arguably first seen in biker culture, worn by "tough guy" celebrities like James Dean, and in genres like punk rock. It was Judas Priest who brought leather jackets to the forefront of heavy metal fashion, replacing the hippie looks of the '70s with a tougher look to match punk rock's edgier style. The Metal Gods then went on to influence other acts to do the same, cementing the leather jacket's place as a heavy metal fashion staple.
Studded accessories
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If you look closely enough, you'll see traces of Viking influences in heavy metal fashion—and that warrior ethos has contributed to the rise of studded accessories in the style this genre has popularized. Initially worn for defense, studs now grace everything from boots and jackets to belts and bracelets. One band you can thank for pioneering its rise is Iron Maiden. The band is known for its unique sound that's arguably revolutionized heavy metal and inspired other acts like Metallica, but they've been pretty influential in fashion, too. uDiscoverMusic.com credits former frontman Paul Di’Anno for further adopting biker culture into the genre with additional studded gauntlets as early as the '80s, a trend other acts began to get in on—including Motörhead, which eventually took things a step further with bullet belts.
Band t-shirts
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Though usually not worn by the artists themselves, band t-shirts are a common fixture in a heavy metal fan's attire. Usually taken from the merch sold at gigs and concerts, these shirts can be styled up, down, and all the way around to embellish the genre's heavy, dark look with pops of color from band logos and album covers. Some people even consider them so stylish that they wear these shirts without knowing a single song from the bands stamped on them—but that doesn't stop them from playing a key role in counter-culture attire. That's probably why the band tees from Hot Topic, which range from Slipknot to Cannibal Corpse, have sold so well throughout the years.
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