Softcore style is one of the styles of dressing in which everything is simple and normal. People who follow the softcore style do not follow the trends of the day and do not want to stand out in the crowd. Do you want to know what softcore style is? Read this article.
What is the aesthetic history of softcore style?
The term “normal to core” is not new and has been around for a long time. However, it has been seriously trending for a while now. This concept is rooted in the philosophy of “aesthetics” which is more than 100 years old.
Many believe that the term softcore was invented by K-Hole in 2013. The New York-based trend forecasting company described the softcore style in its third PDF, Youth Mode. However, they were not the first; Because the description of softcore style can be seen in the comic book “Templar, Arizona”, written by Charlie Spike Troutman, which was published in 2008.
At first, no one took this style seriously and considered it a kind of joke in the fashion industry. After all, wearing ordinary clothes without any special features, how could it be a style?
However, the softcore style was soon able to stand up against the styles that went with the trends of the day. When, in 2014, Vogue magazine devoted some of its pages to examining softcore aesthetics, the fashion industry could no longer take it as a joke.
What is the exact definition of softcore style?
As we said, softcore comes from being normal or normal. However, everyone’s interpretation of the word normal is different. For some, wearing clothes from expensive brands that cost millions of Tomans is normal. For others, it’s normal clothes made by cheaper brands.
The first category considers the clothes of the second category worthless, the second category says why should we spend days researching about a dress and pay a lot of money for it. Therefore, the word normal is always relative; Especially about style. So what is the exact definition of softcore style?
From the point of view of the fashion industry, softcore style is somewhere between these two categories. To describe this style, the following three points are necessary:
1. Being the norm around the world: Softcore style items are accepted almost all over the world. Clothes that are worn by a high percentage of people in the society and there is no sense of individuality and uniqueness in them. For example, you may see many women in society wearing jeans; But do you see as many denim skirts?
2. Being genderless: The aesthetics of softcore does not know any boundaries in terms of gender rules; Clothes of this style are genderless and are worn by both men and women.
3. Comfort of clothes: The third point in describing the soft style is the comfort of the clothes. Because many people prefer comfortable clothes.
From Steve Jobs to Mark Zuckerberg
To better understand softcore aesthetics, it’s good to get to know some of the world’s famous people who follow this style.
Two of the most famous people in the world who are full-length mirrors of softcore style, one is Steve Jobs and the other is Mark Zuckerberg. The late Steve Jobs, the genius entrepreneur and one of the founders of Apple, always appeared in public with a fixed style consisting of a simple black turtleneck, jeans and sneakers. Zuckerberg, the owner of Meta (formerly Facebook), is also one of those people whose wardrobe was full of gray t-shirts.
Both of them came to the conclusion at some point in their lives that if they are going to think every day about choosing the right clothes and matching them with other items, they have wasted their time and energy for no reason. Therefore, they decided to always wear one type of clothing that does not require a choice. Both Steve and Mark had a style that was consistent; But in the whole world, it was considered normal.
Another popular icon of the softcore style was the character of Chandler Bing in the Friends series, who unfortunately died last week. Chandler’s iconic vests were quite plain and simple and did not follow the trends of the day.
Another person who strongly adheres to softcore style and we can’t leave him out is Cillian Murphy. Despite being one of the most fashionable actors in cinema, Keelyn often wears clothes that are considered normal.
The personality of people with a soft-spoken style
People who follow the softcore style often have an introverted personality and like to choose clothes that do not make them stand out in the crowd. They prefer clothes that are standard and what our mothers or fathers wore decades ago. Mom-style pants and knitted vests are often among the clothes that are common in the softcore style. They like to be the same color as the crowd and not attract attention.
See mom style pants at Digistyle
What are the main clothes and items in softcore style?
Some of the clothes and items that are commonly used in softcore style are:
1. Plain white t-shirt
The white t-shirt, like many clothes in the fashion industry, has its roots in military uniforms. This uniform was worn by soldiers of different countries during World War II. After the end of the war, ordinary people also welcomed white T-shirts.
In the fashion industry, a plain white t-shirt with no pattern is the most comfortable thing to wear. This dress can be matched with anything from jeans and jackets to work clothes. After all, almost everyone has at least one white t-shirt. For this reason, this dress fits well with the definition of softcore style.
In the framework of the softcore style, the simple white t-shirt is placed in front of the clothes that are printed with logos or complex patterns from avant-garde designers.
2. Blue jeans
Jeans are one of the basic clothes in the soft style. Of course, not every pair of jeans can be used in this style; For example, today’s tight or baggy jeans are not suitable. Usually, the best choice is a stone-washed blue jeans that are neither too tight nor too baggy.
Currently, the stone washing process is done using chemicals; But in the past, jeans were washed with stones. This traditional technique fades the indigo color of the jeans and softens them. The reason was that jeans were originally for workers and they used dry and strong denim fabric, which was not comfortable for daily use. Therefore, the stone washing technique made slightly faded jeans in the softcore style.
3. Knitted or woolen jacket
We said that the white t-shirt is one of the most basic items of softcore style; But this dress cannot be worn in cold weather. So, what is the alternative to this dress in softcore style?
In autumn and winter, there are woolen knitted jackets that replace t-shirts. You can wear these jackets over a t-shirt. Depending on how cold the weather is, you can either use the jacket itself as a top layer or wear a coat, overcoat or raincoat over the jacket.
4. Single color sweatshirt or hoodie
Sweatshirts and hoodies are also widely used in the softcore style. Especially if they are monochromatic, they never go out of fashion and because they don’t deal with current trends, they are compatible with the definition of soft-core style. You can layer it over other clothes and use it as a top layer, or wear a thicker coat or jacket over them. Place the hood of the hoodie and sweatshirt (if the sweatshirt has a hood) outside the collar.
5. Simple sneakers
Simple sneakers became popular in large part thanks to Steve Jobs, who made sneakers a constant part of his style. Of course, I don’t mean today’s sneakers; Softcore style underwear should be simple and voluminous. Two important points about these underwear are that, firstly, they are an old model and secondly, they are very comfortable. However, if you have other sports shoes that are relatively simple and do not have a special design, they can be suitable for this style.
For example, Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, Nike blazers, and even Adidas Campos, which were fashionable decades ago but are still produced, are good because they are not trendy.
6. Hat without simple logo
If you are a hat wearer, choose hats that are not of today’s style. For example, plain brimmed hats without logos or graphic designs or plain knit hats without patterns are more appropriate. Of course, it’s hard to find hats that don’t have designs on them. If you can’t, pick a hat that has the smallest possible logo or the design is the same color as the fabric or texture itself.
Dressing in soft style
Now we come to this part, what is the way of dressing in soft style?
If you want to make softcore style for yourself, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Choose the right jeans
First of all, you need a pair of blue jeans. If you are a lady, choose a mom style jeans. These jeans were worn by mothers in the 1990s. No one would have guessed that these pants would become fashionable again. Mom style jean makes the upper body appear longer and instead, the legs are not shown stretched. The first thing you do is to rip and remove the logo tags on the back of the pants.
If you are a man, the faded blue jeans are suitable for you. It should not be zapped and the amount of rock salt should not be too much. A pair of jeans in the denim worn by Steve Jobs is perfect. If you don’t want jeans, replace it with a pair of khaki chinos or classic gray sweatpants.
Second step: pair a simple t-shirt with it
Next, wear a plain t-shirt and tuck the ends into your jeans. All neutral colors are suitable; But a plain white t-shirt without any logo or army is more suitable. If not, wear a striped t-shirt.
Its collar should be round, but if it is not suitable for your face shape, choose a round collar. Are you not a t-shirt person at all? Okay, wear simple plain shirts. If the weather is cold, you have two options: either you can go to the next step and use the layering technique, or instead of a t-shirt and shirt, wear a simple black turtleneck like Steve Jobs.
Step 3: Use the layering technique
In softcore style, layering is one of the most important techniques. A knit vest like the one Chandler wore on Friends, a zip-up jacket like Kaelyn Murphy’s, open-front tracksuits, windbreakers, oversized coats, and the like can be great for cold days. For hot days? Yes, you can still use the layering technique. Just wear a simple men’s shirt or light summer vest over a t-shirt.
Step 4: Now complete your style with the right shoes
To complete your style, choose a sneaker with a chunky sole. You cannot wear sneakers in softcore style. Reebok and New Balance brands are worth trying. However, if you’re not comfortable with sneakers at all or it’s too hot to wear sneakers, clogs and velcro sandals are great.
Brands supplying products suitable for soft style
Some brands offer products and items suitable for soft-core style. We have introduced some of them below:
Breckenstock; Shoe brand
Birkenstock is a German shoe manufacturer. Before the brand’s Boston shoes, which are among the most fashionable summer shoes, made the brand famous, Breckenstock was known for its comfortable sandals.
This brand dates back to 1774. Breckenstock began producing flexible soles in the 19th century and then introduced athletic sandals in the second half of the 20th century. At that time, the comfort and quality of the soles in the sandals of this brand were very famous. In the 2000s, the Arizona shoe, with two adjustable leather straps, a cottonwood sole, and a rubber sole, became an iconic Breckenstock shoe that gained worldwide popularity.
Recently, when the softcore style became fashionable, everyone who had nothing to do with this German brand tried their best to imitate the style of their shoes.
champion Sportswear brand
The Champion brand was originally launched in 1919, but continued to operate under the Champion name in the 1930s. This brand has been engaged in the production of sports clothes for a long time and provides the clothes of many sports teams.
However, the clothes of this brand outside the field of competitive sports have been very popular among ordinary people for many years. By weaving the fabric vertically instead of horizontally, they prevent cotton fabrics from wrinkling. Many of the clothes of this brand are modeled by other brands.
Champion hoodies and tracksuits were extremely popular in the 1990s. These clothes are still suitable for soft style.
A wonderful variety of hoodie models
chat; Casual but stylish clothes
The Gap brand was established in the 1960s. However, thirty years after its establishment, it experienced the best days of its business. The clothes they produced were not formal, but very stylish for everyday use. Gap was doing an interesting thing and that was marketing classic fashion in an attractive way. The clothes themselves were no different from the clothes in the market; But the people who wore them were important and distinguished people. A style that targeted a new generation of creative people such as Spike Lee, director, Joan Didion, writer and journalist, and Whoopi Goldberg, actress and comedian.
Since the late 1980s, the Gap brand no longer sells clothes, but rather a lifestyle. Gap clothes were simple and comfortable; For this reason, they were perfect for the soft-core style.
Levis; One of the two largest producers of jeans
The Levi’s brand is one of the brands that form the foundation of softcore aesthetics. Levi’s is undoubtedly the most iconic and well-known denim brand in the world. Before producing jeans, they produced denim overalls. In the late 19th century, denim was considered one of the staples of workwear. But after the Second World War, jeans entered the mainstream culture and quickly gained an important place in various subcultures.
Two of Levi’s flagship jeans are 511 and 501. 501 pants in classic indigo color, which is slightly faded, are more suitable for soft-core style.
New Balance; Manufacturer of sports shoes
New Balance brand was established in 1906; But it was not until 1961 that he produced his first sports shoes. In the following years, the brand became one of the most successful sneaker manufacturers in the world. Based in Boston, this company has a great position as an American sports shoe brand. New Balance shoes are one of the shoes that can be easily worn in soft style. One of the most famous people who used these shoes in his style is Steve Jobs.
Patagonia; clothing brand
Patagonia is a brand that was originally founded to sell mountaineering equipment and later switched to manufacturing clothing. Since the 1970s, when it realized that its climbing hardware was damaging the rocks, the brand changed its production procedure due to environmental awareness and responsibility. In 1972, they decided to design their hardware to have as little impact on nature as possible.
Patagonia produces more expensive products than the Champion brand; But considering the durability and quality of the clothes, it can be said that it is worth it. The clothes produced by this brand are such that you can use them many times regardless of the trend of the day, and therefore it can be said that it is completely compatible with the definition of soft style clothes.
final word
In this article, we talked about softcore style and its features. We saw who adheres to this style and why they accept such a style. We also talked about the main items that make up this style, and at the end, we got to know the brands that produce products for the softcore style.
What do you think about softcore style? Do you know other people who follow the softcore style that we haven’t mentioned in this article? Please introduce them to us in the comments.
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