Juan GutierrezSo you want to go to a ska show. Or maybe you want to start a ska band. Good for you! Now the question is: What should you wear? Because, nothing will identify you as an impostor faster than a wack outfit.
The first thing to know: Since ska is derivative of many other musical genres, ska fashion is also a mishmash of styles. Ska arose in early '60s Jamaica, combining elements of jazz, rock, swing, and other snippets from U.S. radio. But it soon moved around the globe, and after a heyday in white America in the '90s it's now quite popular in Latino L.A.
Ska fashion, meanwhile, ranges from the classic two tone styles of the British skinhead scene to the dapper wears of L.A's backyard punk scene. Let's take a closer look.
Credit: The Specials
Shirts
What to wear: Fly Blazer
When it comes to shirts, styles include the basic white tank top, flannels, band shirts, or even that nice checkered v-neck sweater your grandmother gave you. To tell the truth, most any hipster clothes will do.
Pants
How to wear them: Roll up the cuffs
Cuffed pants reflect the influence of old rock 'n roll, and tight trousers — even ripped jeans — will fit in great. You can even class it up with some slacks a la the two-tone style of The Specials.
Shoes
What to wear: Kick ass boots
Actually, acceptable footwear can range from classic Vans and Chucks (preferably checkered and black and white) to boots, loafers, Doc Martens eight-hole boots or Gibsons — plain black, oxblood or cherry red.
Credit: Fishbone
Hair Styles:
How to stylize your hair: Buzz cut
Long hair can be found in ska, along with punk-influenced spiked hair, or a short buzz cut. Hell, even dreads. Bands like Viernes 13, Sublime, and Fishbone changed the style and gave ska some punk flavor.
Credit: Flickr: Matamoska
Accessories:
What to wear: Suspenders
Nothing is more ska than suspenders. Other acceptable headgear at ska shows include trilby hats, pork pie hats, scally caps, bowlers, and knit caps. Elsewhere, you'll want your wallet chains, glasses, stud belts, and maybe even a bandanna.
Got it? Good — you're now ready to skank!
Follow us on Twitter @LAWeeklyMusic, and like us at LAWeeklyMusic.
The Ten Best Reggaeton Songs of the Past Half Decade
What's Wrong With Los Angeles' Latin Music Scene?
Top 20 Sexiest Female Musicians of All Time
Top 20 Worst Bands of All Time
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.