How Gamer Trends Conquered the Fashion Industry

What with the rise of transformative digital technologies over the past few years, gaming has truly entered the mainstream. Gaming culture is no longer confined to obscure online forums; it’s out in full view, loud and proud! 

Not only is the industry one of the most popular hobbies in the world—it’s even providing bona fide professional career paths for some—but it’s also developed an aesthetic that’s influencing runways, streetwear and even luxury fashion. What was once considered niche is now a global force, blending bold graphics, tech-inspired functionality, and nostalgic nods to retro consoles. 

Gamer style has evolved, and its influence is undeniable…

The History of Gaming and Fashion

Fashion has long been an evolving dialogue, which is constantly shaped by culture, and,right now, gaming is playing a key role in its shifting landscape. While this may come as a surprise, the two industries actually have a long history that predates the digital gaming era. 

Humanity has been playing games for as long as it has had conscious thought, but as societies evolved and certain games became associated with high class pursuits—think casino games like blackjack and roulette, table games like backgammon etc—there sprang up a culture of aesthetics and fashionability around them. 

Centuries ago, the European elite would flock to newly opened gaming parlours and casinos, not only to play the games on offer but to show off their finest garments. Of course, today the world of casino gaming has expanded into the virtual realm, with players just as likely to participate in digital versions of traditional variants like blackjack, but the tradition of dressing for the casino remains. If you’ve ever visited a venue like the opulent Casino de Monte Carlo, you’ll know just how important sticking to a dress code is. 

A New Take on Streetwear

But, back to video gaming’s influence on fashion here in 2024! 

One of the strongest influences that gamer aesthetic has had in recent years is on the streetwear scene. They both already share plenty of common ground, in that they appeal to youth culture and feature a distinctly DIY ethos. No wonder, then, that the two worlds have collided to create some of the most interesting fashion crossovers of the last decade.

Balenciaga’s collaboration with Epic Games’ Fortnite is an example of this movement, bringing virtual fashion into the real world. Their collection featured oversized hoodies, distressed denim, and sleek accessories with the unmistakable imprint of the game’s visuals. 

It’s not just the high-end collaborations driving this shift. Brands like Supreme and Nike have long flirted with gaming culture. Supreme’s Mortal Kombat capsule collection and Nike’s limited-edition PlayStation sneakers cater to fashion-conscious gamers and streetwear devotees alike. 

The Rise of Techwear: Functional Meets Futuristic

Gaming has also found a natural ally in Techwear; a fashion movement defined by sleek, functional garments. Many a gamer, particularly those with a penchant for dystopian aesthetics, are drawn to the idea of clothes that don’t just look good but also serve a purpose. Think Cyberpunk 2077—functional, tech-savvy, and futuristic.

Designers like Acronym are at the forefront of this movement, with their water-resistant fabrics, multiple pockets, and urban-ready aesthetics. These pieces feel as though they’ve been taken from the storyboards of games like the Fallout saga.

The Retro Revival

Nostalgia is a powerful tool in pretty much any community or culture but gamers, in particular, have quite the soft spot for days gone by. It’s not a coincidence that some of the most enduring characters in video gaming originated back in the 1980s and 90s. The Super Mario Bros., Sonic The Hedgehog, Pac-Man…these characters are still just as meaningful today, hence the popularity of re-issues and revivals. 

Streetwear brand UNIQLO has fully embraced this retro revival, releasing a series of Nintendo collaborations of graphic tees with vintage gaming prints back in 2017. Moschino also dipped its toe into the world of vintage gaming with its Tetris-inspired Cubism collection. Bright colours, geometric prints, and blocky designs effectively brought the classic game to life on oversized sweaters and quirky accessories.

Flush the Fashion

Editor of Flush the Fashion and Flush Magazine. I love music, art, film, travel, food, tech and cars. Basically, everything this site is about.