Traditional ("trad") skinhead clothing is the late-1960s British working-class look: a Ben Sherman or Fred Perry shirt, Levi's or Sta-Prest trousers, braces worn over the shoulders, and Dr. Martens boots or loafers, often finished with a Harrington or MA-1 bomber jacket. It's a sharper, harder descendant of mod style, born around 1969, and tied to a love of Jamaican reggae and ska.
What do traditional skinheads wear?
The core trad-skinhead wardrobe, top to bottom:
- Shirts: button-down Oxford shirts (Ben Sherman, Brutus, Relco) or Fred Perry twin-tipped polos, in plain colours, checks, gingham or stripes.
- Trousers/jeans: Levi's 501s (often turned up to show the boots) or Sta-Prest sta-press trousers.
- Braces: narrow braces (half-inch to one-inch) worn over the shoulders, originally a display of working-class credentials. Colour can carry meaning in the scene, so plain is safest.
- Footwear: Dr. Martens boots (8-hole and up), brogues, or loafers for a smarter look.
- Jackets: Harrington jacket, MA-1 / MA-2 bomber, or a Crombie-style overcoat.
- Accessories: braces, button badges, and a pork-pie or trilby hat for the ska-leaning look.
Where did the skinhead look come from?
Skinhead style grew out of the "hard mod" scene in London as mod culture faded after 1966, becoming a distinct subculture by around 1969. It kept mod's neatness but stripped it down and toughened it up, cropped hair, boots and braces replacing the mod's scooter-and-suit elegance. The early scene was multicultural and built around Jamaican reggae, rocksteady and ska, which is why so much skinhead clothing carries that musical heritage.
What's the difference between skinhead and mod clothing?
Mod is the parent; skinhead is the harder offspring. Mods favoured tailored suits, parkas and scooters; skinheads took the sharp shirts and clean lines but added work boots, braces and a more aggressive, working-class edge. Both wear Fred Perry and Ben Sherman, the difference is in the trousers, footwear and overall attitude.
Related guides: Best Skinhead Clothing Brands (UK, 2026) and What Is Mod Clothing?
FAQ
What shoes do traditional skinheads wear?
Dr. Martens boots are the classic choice, alongside brogues and loafers for a smarter, ska/rude-boy look.
Why do skinheads wear braces?
Braces (suspenders) worn over the shoulders signalled working-class pride and were part of the functional, no-nonsense look adopted from work wear. Narrow braces in plain colours are the safe, traditional choice.
When did skinhead culture start?
Around 1969 in Britain, evolving from the late-1960s "hard mod" scene. Its roots are working-class and multicultural, tied to Jamaican music.
Where can I buy traditional skinhead clothing in the UK?
Oxblood Clothing offers traditional skinhead, ska and two-tone tees, polos, braces and accessories online, while heritage shirts and polos come from Ben Sherman, Fred Perry, Relco and Merc London.
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