🖤 Grunge Is Back: How Gen Z & TikTok Are Reviving ’90s Fashion with a DIY Twist

Move over clean girl aesthetic — grunge is back, and Gen Z is bringing it with a vengeance. On TikTok, thrifted flannels, ripped tights, oversized band tees, and smudged eyeliner are the new (old) cool. But this isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a modern rebellion with a digital twist.

Let’s break down why grunge fashion is trending in 2025, how Gen Z is making it their own, and how you can get the look.

🔁 What Is Grunge Fashion?

Originally born in the late ’80s and made iconic by early ’90s bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Hole, grunge was:

Anti-glamour
Raw and real
Heavily influenced by thrifted, worn-out clothes
About authenticity over aesthetic

Today’s version keeps the heart of the style, but adds a layer of TikTok-driven individualism, DIY fashion, and gender-fluid expression.

🔥 Why Grunge Is Trending Again

📱 1. TikTok Nostalgia Cycles

The ’90s are trending again — and TikTok is obsessed with:

“Grunge girl aesthetic” tutorials
#thriftflip and #diyfashion content
Vintage fashion hauls with a rebellious flair

🧑‍🎤 2. Identity + Rebellion

Gen Z uses fashion to say “this is who I am — take it or leave it.” Grunge allows for:

Non-conformity
Androgynous styling
Raw self-expression (especially post-pandemic)

♻️ 3. Sustainability Meets Style

Thrifting is cool and conscious:

Reduces fast fashion waste
Feeds the DIY + upcycle culture
Supports small creators and vintage shops

🧵 Grunge Fashion Essentials (2025 Edition)

Item	Style Tip
🧥 Oversized Flannel	Layer over band tees or crop tops. Bonus if it’s from a thrift store.
👕 Vintage Band Tee	Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins. Faded, torn = better.
🩳 Ripped Denim or Cargo Skirts	Pair with tights or combat boots.
🧦 Fishnet Tights	Go classic black or layer under shorts for a modern twist.
🥾 Chunky Boots or Converse	Think Dr. Martens, platform soles, or worn-out Vans.
🧢 Beanies or Messy Hair	Imperfect is the vibe. Grunge doesn’t do polished.
🎨 DIY Details	Safety pins, patches, handwritten slogans, bleach stains = 🔥

📸 Grunge Girl Aesthetic on TikTok

Trending Grunge Hashtags:

#GrungeTok
#GrungeOutfit
#ThriftFlip
#AltStyle
#SoftGrunge

Popular TikTok looks:

Flannel + mini skirt + platform boots
Oversized hoodie + ripped tights + eyeliner
Plaid pants + studded belt + cropped tee
Denim jacket with custom patches & pins

🎨 How to DIY Your Grunge Look

You don’t need a designer budget. Just:

Thrift oversized flannels, old denim, vintage tees
Distress clothes with scissors, sandpaper, or bleach
Add personal flair: hand-draw art, lyrics, or rebel symbols
Layer chaotically: messy is the aesthetic!

🛍️ Where to Shop Grunge Fashion (Online + Thrift)

Store	Vibe	Tip
Depop	Vintage + DIY	Support Gen Z sellers
Urban Outfitters	Grunge-inspired newwear	Look for their ‘Reworked’ section
ThredUp	Thrift online	Affordable basics + hidden gems
Etsy	Indie + handmade	Pins, patches, custom flannels
Local thrift stores	True grunge	Check men’s section for oversized fits