Alt Fashion Guide to Cyberpunk Fashion & Futuristic Clothing
Cristina CarreraThe world of cyberpunk and futuristic clothing is one that many people are interested in but are not very knowledgeable about. The fashion trend has been around since the late 1980s and continues to evolve into an impressive genre with different subcultures. In this article, we will review the features of these alternative fashion trends, give you recommendations on brands to support, as well as how to wear our belts with these out-of-this-world outfits.
What is Cyberpunk Clothing?
You may have heard about cyberpunk or futuristic fashion, but what exactly is it? The cyberpunk trend was originally an aesthetic movement defined by its high-tech, low-life approach to the world. The alt style pays homage to the gritty urban dystopian future found in science fiction and anime films like the Matrix, Blade Runner, Æon Flux, and Ghost in the Shell. It became a full-fledged fashion genre in the late 1980s and continues to increase in popularity as the reality we are living in inches closer to the dystopia in films.
The clothing is characterized by a dark aesthetic with punk-like qualities, incorporating high-tech materials, geometric shapes, varying textures, and incredible attention to detail. Outfits are usually shades of black or dark grey, and overall the cyberpunk aesthetic trends toward a gothic style. Fabrics tend to be more structured, highly durable, and low-maintenance.
What is Futuristic Fashion?
Futuristic fashion is a more recent development in the fashion industry that has similarities to cyberpunk clothing. It tends to emphasize individuality and experimental projects that are avant-garde and original rather than just replicating what we have seen before. Unlike cyberpunk fashion which focuses on wearing dark clothing, the future aesthetic incorporates bright neon colors and holographic fabrics into the clothes and accessories. This style takes a lighter tone than other cyberpunk styles, while retaining its cutting edge aesthetic.
What is Tech Wear?
Techwear is a subculture where people wear functional clothing made using newer techniques and materials. It is not just about wearing the latest tech gadgets or integrating technology into sci fi outfits, but rather about how these clothes work and function in our daily lives. Techwear garments are designed for people who engage in physical activity while wearing them - such as motorcycling, hiking, climbing, cycling, etc. - or to turn heads on the street.
→ Shop Obscure Belt's Space Dial Belt
→ Shop Crisiswear's Breach Knickers
At its heart, techwear fashion is a blend of edgy cyberpunk and futuristic styles focusing on extreme functionality and durability. Outfits are characterized by a plethora of hidden and visible cargo pockets, zippers, unique closures, and layering of different pieces.
Techwear fashion items usually combine different synthetic materials (like polyester, spandex, and PVC) or faux or real leather. The styles vary by designer and maker, but on the whole, pieces tend to be form fitting for performance purposes and to show off the body's curves.
Why are Futuristic and Cyberpunk Clothes so Expensive?
Cyberpunk clothing is all about the design, materials, and next-level details. It takes a lot of time and creative effort for a brand to design a new product. The best quality pieces are made in small batches by talented fashion designers, resulting in higher production and material costs being passed on to customers.
Another factor to account for when looking at the price tag is the exclusivity of this fashion genre. Most big brands do not make these styles, so you have to search for specialty makers or shop online to find items. The emphasis is on the quality of an item, not the quantity, and you definitely get what you pay for. Although the initial cost is higher, you can expect whatever you purchase to be top-notch and last much longer than something mass-produced. If you see any techwear clothing go on sale, buy it before it sells out!
Recommendations on Where to Buy Futuristic Clothing
Remember - it is all about the design and quality of the products, so stay away from mega-corporations. Plus, you should search local makers for handmade items anyway. If you spot some budget cyberpunk clothing on Amazon, just know that it's probably made with inferior materials that won't last very long.
CRISISWEAR is our #1 pick for a site to buy a new dystopian outfit from. Their team designs and makes an unparalleled collection of handmade products. Nothing compares to the quality, innovation, and style of Crisiswear's futuristic clothing. We are big fans of everything they make, but especially their pants because they look like someone time-traveled to 2077 and raided a fashion designer's secret stash. The recent addition of a brick and mortar store in Woodstock, IL means you can shop their collection in real life.
ETSY is another good option if you are in search of new gear. But buyers beware - some shops on Etsy are advertising knock-offs, so do your research before making a purchase to avoid being part of the problem. Only shop from cyberpunk clothing brands you trust.
Belts to Wear with Cyberpunk Outfits
Cyberpunk belts should be grey or black leather to complement the muted color of the fabric. They serve as a visual addition that enhances your outfit without overpowering it. Our belt designs will add the perfect vibe to your clothing and provide a high level of quality to match the rest of your wardrobe.
Fractal 2.0 Belt Buckle
The new version of our best-selling Fractal buckle is the final piece of gear you've been waiting for to complete your collection. Its angular shape and quick-release magnetic lock will satisfy the sci-fi badass in anyone. One of the things we love about it is the color. It is available in two different metal finishes that complement your favorite pair of designer pants. The off-white Stone Fractal looks great with our signature distressed grey leather, while the Black-Ops Fractal is the inspiration for an all-black outfit.
Stone Fractal 2.0 Belt Buckle
The Stone Fractal looks great worn with an all-black clothing.
We put every belt buckle through rigorous testing to ensure its long term durability.
cool design on the back of the Stone Fractal belt buckle
Black Ops Fractal 2.0 Belt Buckle
→ Shop the Black Ops Fractal 2.0 ←
back of the Black Ops Fractal
The Android Belt Buckle
Become a post-apocalyptic outer-world cowboy with the Android Belt Buckle on a Black Leather Belt. This futuristic fashion belt buckle design looks like a space age artifact from another planet. Every belt is made by hand in a range of standard sizes and custom length belts for the perfect fit. We make four different leather colors to match the outfit you are putting together - black, slate grey, distressed grey, and brown.
The Android belt buckle is made with distressed metal to give any outfit an edgy twist. Our patented belt technology operates in a different way than any other buckle. Just push the button or turn the lever to unlock your belt with a satisfying click. A hidden sizing screw protects your leather from daily wear and tear.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief introduction into the world of cyberpunk fashion, futuristic clothing, and techwear. If wearing clothes from a yet-to-be-discovered dystopian society sounds like the kind of thing you might be interested in, we invite you to shop our online store where we offer our line of absurdly cool belts and buckle designs. If not, keep us on your radar by signing up for our newsletter with your email address below.
