10 Trends That Hipsters Think They Came Up With, But Didn't

It’s well known that hipsters often find themselves the target of ridicule. However, what truly defines a hipster is still up for debate. Being a hipster is often linked with an intense effort to be unique. From how they prefer their caffeine to their choice of transportation or clothing, there’s no shortage of variety. But what unites these individuals is their determination to stand out from the mainstream.

A key way hipsters try to escape mainstream trends is by inventing their own. But the reality is, many of these so-called 'hipster' trends are far from new. In fact, they have existed for decades—or even centuries. Perhaps if the hipsters spent less time mingling with Instagram influencers and more time delving into the Bible, they might have come across the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 1:10: 'Nihil sub sole novum' (nothing new under the sun).

10. Almond Milk

Though almond milk gained popularity, it remained a luxury item, unaffordable for many on a daily basis due to its steep price. Most people likely only had access to almond milk during illness, as medieval physicians recommended it for its healing properties, especially for those in need of an energy boost after being bled. Almond milk was primarily consumed by the wealthy during medieval times, but today, lower prices make it more accessible, allowing people to enjoy it in their coffee, cereal, or on its own without the need for a fortune like Warren Buffett's.

9. Coffee: A Beverage Worth Dying For

Though John Adams himself may not have been fond of coffee, many individuals were so passionate about it that they risked their lives to consume it. Under Sultan Murad IV's rule in the Ottoman Empire, drinking coffee could lead to execution. Murad IV's relentless crusade against the beverage included disguising himself as a commoner to personally execute those caught drinking coffee. His successor made drinking coffee a capital crime if caught a second time. The reason rulers feared coffee was its ability to stimulate independent thought without the numbing effect of alcohol. Just as coffee has become a daily staple for millions today, it was once a key factor in the spread of revolutionary ideas. Saint Drogo be praised!

Related: 10 Creative Ways To Enjoy Coffee Beyond Just Drinking It

8. Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

In the 4th century China, Taoist and Buddhist nuns and monks followed vegetarian diets, excluding eggs. Thinkers from Ancient Greece, such as Apollonius of Tyana, Plotinus, and Pythagoras, also embraced diets that reduced or eliminated animal products. While many people throughout history avoided meat for spiritual reasons, today, more individuals are adopting vegan and vegetarian diets due to ethical concerns rooted in secular beliefs rather than religious motives.

Related: 9 Reasons To Reject Vegetarianism

7. Sugar Alternatives

Sugar cane alternatives were developed for economic reasons as well. During the Napoleonic wars, the British blockade cut off France's access to sugar cane, leading Napoleon to adopt sugar beet as a substitute sweetener at the advice of French scientists. He promoted the domestic cultivation of sugar beet, which lowered sugar prices and made sweets more accessible, shifting them from a luxury to an everyday indulgence. In the 19th century, sugar consumption in Europe surged by almost 300%. Today, maple syrup is hailed by some as a 'natural' sugar alternative, while sugar beet has fallen out of favor as a trendy option.

6. Alternative Currencies

Although cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are commonly linked to supporting libertarian values, alternative currencies in Ancient Rome were more likely used to promote cohesion within local communities. In Pompeii, bronze coins were often favored over denarii for low-cost, everyday transactions. In Ancient Egypt, during a coin shortage, lead tokens served as an alternative currency, similar in purpose to the bronze coins in Pompeii. While the idea of alternative currencies isn't new, cryptocurrencies stand apart due to their decentralized nature.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Bitcoin Will Fail

5. Collecting Antiques

During the Renaissance, wealthy individuals began curating private collections of art, leading to a revival of Greek art's popularity. Over time, private collections gave way to public ones, as monarchs allowed the public to view their collections. Some even chose to donate their collections for public enjoyment. Today, anyone can browse antiques on eBay or visit a museum, meaning we don't need to be either hipsters or millionaires to appreciate art from the past.

4. Socks paired with sandals

Romans were accustomed to wearing socks, so it’s reasonable to assume that their soldiers also did, wearing them with sandals. This combination would have provided warmth for their feet and protection from thorns. While wearing socks with sandals today might be considered a fashion faux pas, Roman legionaries likely found it a practical way to ensure their feet stayed battle-ready.

3. Hipsters themselves

Hipsters are hardly a new phenomenon. Throughout history, there have always been individuals who challenged societal norms, and hipsters are simply the latest group to draw the ire of mainstream culture. While today’s hipsters face widespread mockery, the hipsters from the 1930s to 1950s have largely faded from popular memory. The term ‘hipster’ originated from the word ‘hip,’ used to describe those who were passionate about jazz, before it eventually became a noun. The earliest hipsters, largely white men from privileged backgrounds, were inspired by Black jazz musicians to rebel against mainstream conventions. These early hipsters embraced nihilism and focused on socially distancing themselves from society.

The resurgence of hipster culture was even more impactful than its original emergence, sparked by 1990s youth who longed for a past they had never personally experienced. As the hipster aesthetic blended into mainstream culture, alternative music and art either became popular or faded away. Today's hipsters are a far cry from their predecessors, much like how almond milk is used in ways that were not originally intended. While many aspects of hipster culture are adopted from other sources rather than created, they do play a role in reviving old trends and making them fashionable again.

The image above shows Allen Ginsberg, the legendary 1950s hipster poet. As you can see, modern hipsters have lost their distinct look — even their style is a mere copy of the original hipster aesthetic, from denim and plaid to beards and thick-rimmed glasses. For a real treat, here's a video of Ginsberg reading his controversial poem *Howl*, which was so provocative it resulted in an obscenity trial! *Howl* is one of the defining works of its time.

2. Anti-Capitalism

In a similar vein, the Greeks, both internally and externally, were often criticized for their markets and merchants. In ancient Rome, thinkers like Cicero vilified merchants as dishonest, and playwrights such as Plautus mocked them. Early Catholics and Protestants also condemned merchants, with John Calvin even comparing them to prostitutes. Throughout history, greed has been regarded as sinful, and by framing market-driven economies as fueled by greed, thinkers have critiqued capitalism long before the term itself was popularized. It’s no surprise, then, that anti-capitalist sentiments persist today. Of course, no one can ignore the irony of a hipster wearing a Che Guevara (“chay” – pronounced like “chain,” not “shape”) t-shirt while sipping a Starbucks drink and browsing on their iPhone (though perhaps the hipster himself remains oblivious).

Related: 10 Reasons Why Communism Sucks

1. Leggings