How to Become a Hipster

Hipsters are individuals who enjoy fashion, music, food, and activities that break away from mainstream trends. If you're keen on adopting the hipster lifestyle with independent music labels, vintage clothing, and artisanal coffee, the following suggestions will help you explore this style in a comprehensive way.

Dress like a hipster. Fashion is just as important as musical taste. While many hipsters opt to shop at vintage fashion stores, this isn't a requirement, nor does it have to be a staple in their wardrobe.

• Avoid purchasing items from branded stores with famous logos (this is not considered ethical consumerism). Instead, seek out independent retail shops, as supporting lesser-known sellers is "truly authentic." For example, buy clothes from mixed fashion stores near where you live.
• Make sure you can evaluate the clothes you wear. Are you into layering styles? Do you buy locally made clothes? What are the defining colors or styles of the current season? Are you sporting a hipster-style graphic or logo on your T-shirt?

Wear skinny jeans, especially light-colored or patterned ones. This piece of clothing can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. Men often have a slim build, similar to women.

• Note that men are more likely to wear skinny jeans than women (women tend to prefer leggings).
• Additionally, women can also wear high-waisted jeans (often called "mom jeans").

Wear glasses. Hipsters love oversized glasses like shutter shades, chunky plastic frames, Buddy Holly-style glasses, and, most commonly, Ray-Ban Wayfarers in a variety of colors.

• Some even wear glasses despite having perfect vision (20/20). In this case, you can opt for frames without lenses or wear glasses with no prescription lenses.

Wear unique shirts. When it comes to shirts, here are some good options: band shirts from Pink Floyd, Metallica, Van Halen, etc., plaid shirts, cowboy shirts, flannel shirts, and any style with gingham, checkered patterns, paisley prints, or floral designs.

• Many hipsters even wear shirts with fabric patches, animal prints, forest scenes, characters from children's TV shows, sarcastic slogans, or even book covers.
• A well-fitting hoodie is also a great choice.

Adopt a vintage style. You could wear a classic lace dress or a floral vintage dress. Your grandmother or mother's wardrobe is likely to have many such items, but you'll need to know how to alter and redesign vintage clothes to make them fit your style.

Find the right shoes. Hipster footwear includes cowboy boots, combat boots, vintage shoes, quirky shoes, and a variety of flat shoes.

• Converse shoes are no longer popular with hipsters. While they’re stylish and versatile, since everyone wears them now, hipsters have moved on from Converse.
• If you’re into sneakers, try Classic Reebok instead.
• High-heeled shoes should have at least a 12cm heel, and ankle boots are also very popular. Cute sandals, Keds (sneakers), classic boots are all practical and give off the vibe that you didn’t spend much time thinking about your outfit (though you might have spent hours picking the perfect pair of shoes).

Accessorize. There are plenty of accessory options such as large floral headbands, neon nail polish, hair clips, brightly colored belts, black nail polish, bird-shaped necklaces, and colorful patterned leggings...

• Don't forget items like piercings, buttons, and random scars from woodworking or similar crafts.
• Quirky yet fitting accessories are a must, like those school supplies kids often carry, such as lunchboxes with animal shapes.
• Another essential item is a messenger bag (no backpacks), preferably from Freitag, to carry your laptop, mobile phone, and vinyl records of your favorite band (no CDs).

Embrace layering and spontaneous outfit choices. Layering and putting together spontaneous outfits is a hallmark of the hipster style. However, achieving that "I don’t care" look does take some effort until you get used to it.

• Remember, a hipster's appearance never needs to be overly polished, especially at the beach—keep things as they are to showcase your unique personality.

Ignore comments about poor hygiene. Some people mistakenly equate hipsters with hippies and assume they don’t shower or practice proper hygiene. This is a misconception. While some hipsters do engage in campaigns against shampoo (but remain clean), most still practice regular hygiene using eco-friendly, handmade soaps.

• Though hipsters shower and brush their teeth frequently, they avoid spending money on haircuts, spas, manicures, or expensive makeup as it aligns too closely with mainstream beauty standards.
• Many people think hipsters aren't interested in "maximizing their potential," but hipsters view their whole self as their strength; from a self-esteem perspective, this is a healthy view.

Keep your hair natural. Messy hairstyles are completely fine. Long, tousled hair that looks like you just woke up and haven't used any styling products is perfectly acceptable.

• Blurring the gender boundaries with your hairstyle and overall look is also part of hipster culture.
• Only a few hipsters accept greasy, oily hair. That doesn’t mean you have to be spotless or smell like perfume, but a little bit of messiness in your hair is just right.
• For men, thick beards and/or groomed mustaches aren’t mandatory, but if you can, you should try growing one.
• Some people even like to dye their hair with bold, vibrant colors.

Opt for eco-friendly foods. Consider growing your own produce or adopting a vegetarian diet. Use organic fertilizers when possible. Meat consumption is not the norm in the hipster community, and many individuals prefer vegetarian or vegan diets. If you do eat meat, you should defend your choice as a superior option for protecting the environment, compared to less effective efforts from the vegetarian crowd.

• Fruits, coffee, and Asian foods are popular among hipsters.
• If you lack the space to grow your own food (perhaps you don’t even have a balcony or windowsill), purchase from specialty stores selling organic products.
• Hipsters are typically food enthusiasts who love cooking delicious meals. If you’re not skilled in the kitchen, buy a cookbook today to start honing your skills.

Master the art of reusing. This blends thriftiness, a respect for the past, and the desire to show that new items don’t define you. Naturally, this may conflict with the love for new Apple products or the latest fashion trends from certain brands—common traits of true hipsters. However, everyone experiences internal conflicts, and the sooner we acknowledge and accept them, the better we become.

• Common old-school items associated with hipsters include: Parliament cigarettes (with a disregard for smoking regulations), Pabst beer, vintage clothing (often from antique shops), fixie bikes (commonly used for clubbing), analog cameras, and a knack for recycling and repurposing nearly everything (accompanied by cleverness, resourcefulness, and joyfulness).
• Learn to play an instrument, preferably one that’s more challenging. For example: ukulele > guitar, and mandolin > piano. Consider playing an instrument as no big deal when others are amazed by your skills.

Reject mindless consumerism. Hipsters prefer "unique consumerism" instead. If your shopping habits benefit local retailers, the environment, family-run businesses, and street artisans, you’re a true hipster.

Keep in mind that most hipsters exist within a certain age range. Hipsters are typically in their youth to their 30s. They belong to the era of the "extended youth" now, where existential crises, searching for purpose, and questioning the meaning of life are common.

• Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t be a hipster later in life, but as you age, you’ll care less about how the world functions, which might result in: a) you not wanting to label everything, b) not needing to belong to any cultural group, and/or c) becoming less angry than you once were. You might also be busy guiding your teenage children through their "issues" and don’t feel the need to adopt those behaviors yourself.

Visit places frequented by hipsters. Hipsters often gather in cities and are globally connected through the internet. In the U.S., you can find them in large urban centers where there are "no rules". Check out spots with art galleries, movie theaters, live bands, and independent people.

• You can go to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, and especially Brooklyn, the Williamsburg area (known as the unofficial global capital of hipsters). Venues like Glasslands and Pianos are also great. Los Angeles is acceptable, but be careful not to get drawn into California's culture.
• If you live in the suburbs of the U.S., you can visit student-heavy areas; in some states, these might be the only free-spirited places, such as Austin, TX, or Lawrence, KS.
• In the UK, London is the epicenter of hipster culture, in Canada, try Montreal, in Australia, Melbourne is the spot, and in New Zealand, head to Wellington.
• Don’t feel pressured to live in or visit these places or countries just to be a hipster. It can be expensive (especially if you live in the opposite hemisphere), while you can easily be a hipster where you are now. One advantage of living somewhere where people aren’t familiar with hipsters is that you’ll likely avoid discrimination or judgment. And remember, the internet is always your best friend.

Be well-educated. Aim for a higher education, as hipsters are typically knowledgeable in fields such as liberal arts, graphic design, mathematics, and sciences.

• Read extensively, even if you have to spend time in a bookstore reading books you don’t plan to buy. If you're still an undergrad, strive to pursue further studies.
• Visiting libraries (especially smaller local ones) is a great choice, as you won’t need to pay and can return books after reading them. Plus, they won’t mind if you just sit and read without borrowing books—it’s common at libraries.
• Hipsters tend to use their brains more than others in society, which is why many of them choose careers in music, art, or fashion. These fields aren’t mandatory but are often the natural outlets for their creativity.
• Education allows hipsters to tune out the opinions of others; they know that those opinions are just history repeating itself or, simply, nothing serious.

Be a trendsetter. Hipsters are the ones who notice interesting things before they become mainstream trends. Many bands only gain popularity after hipsters attend their obscure shows. Fashion trends have been pioneered by hipsters before well-known designers promote them. Many tech gadgets have been used by hipsters before they became widely popular.

• Of course, the irony of being a hipster lies in the fact that once a trend or item becomes popular, they immediately shift to something newer and less well-known. That’s the challenge of an independent spirit; once the path you’re on becomes a well-worn one, you immediately veer off in a different direction.
• If you’re particularly good in a field like mathematics, physics, pharmacy, psychology, political analysis, ecological awareness, etc., you may make groundbreaking discoveries that others will only acknowledge years later. You "know" deep down that you’ve understood something incredibly important and rational, but others may dismiss it as a "great mystery". Stay calm and confident in your knowledge because one day, others will understand your discovery.

Don’t label yourself. One key trait of a hipster is avoiding being "labeled". Don’t make your identity too obvious; doing so would make you just like those who are eager to categorize everything.

• The moment you make your identity too obvious is when you start to stagnate and draw attention. That’s why many hipsters deny their "hipster" label whenever possible.
• To avoid mockery, some hipsters ironically mock themselves by admitting and making fun of the hipster community (for example, wearing a T-shirt that says "I hate hipsters"); by mocking themselves first, they prevent others from doing so (accepting the negativity).

Stay connected to the hipster community. Hipster culture is highly community-oriented. If you want to discover the latest up-and-coming bands or find a cool new coffee shop, always stay connected with the community for the best tips and to stay ahead of trends.

• When a rising band makes it to Pitchfork magazine (ideally before that happens), you should already know about them.
• Make it a habit to check out music sites like Brooklyn Vegan (even if you’re not from Brooklyn), Stereogum, Gorilla vs. Bear, and Hype Machine frequently, but don’t overdo it and check every five seconds.

Read classic works for hipsters. What you read matters because it connects you to other hipsters, updates you on cultural issues, and helps expand your mind. There's so much to read, so pick wisely and focus on the most important works. Recommended reading includes:

• Hipster magazines like Vice, Another Magazine, and Wallpaper. Foreign magazines are also great.
• Books and poetry by authors like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Norman Mailer. Any book that speaks to you is great. Any magazine or weekly publication works; it’s the habit of reading that sets hipsters apart. Visit the political science, anthropology, and sociology sections at your local bookstores and libraries often.
• Follow blogs of other hipsters. You may also get inspiration to start your own blog.

Attend hipster movie screenings. Watch foreign independent films and attend indie screenings like Ann Liv Young’s programs. You can also enjoy films by directors like Wes Anderson, Hal Hartley, and Jim Jarmusch.

Listen to emerging indie music. Indie music plays a vital role in being a hipster. Look for updated lists of indie musicians, especially in genres like nu-rave, minimalist techno, indie rap, nerdcore, Elephant 6, garage rock, classic rock (usually from bands like The Beatles), and punk rock. Remember, they don’t need to be famous to make great music. Check out amateur videos on YouTube, and you might discover your next favorite style.

• Notable hipster artists include Lana Del Rey, Grizzly Bear, Marina & The Diamonds, Pink Floyd, Stray Kites, The xx, Nirvana, La Roux, M83, Neon Indian, Neon Neon, King Khan, and The Shrines. Imagine Dragons and Bastille, however, are not considered hipster bands, because real hipsters listen to bands no one’s heard of yet. Instead, try listening to Days n Daze, King Krule, Mitski, Ikea Graveyard, Waxahatchee, Dollar Signs, Spoonboy, Not Half Bad, or Pope.
• Music blogs like Gorilla vs. Bear, Indiehere, /mu/, and Stereogum can help you discover great bands. Meeting others who like those bands will help as well.
• The most popular site for hipster music is Pitchfork Media. If they give an album a good review, it’s probably worth a listen.
• A true hipster artist is someone your friends have never even heard of.
• Feel free to explore music from other countries, as most of this decade’s biggest hits have come from the U.S., UK, and South Korea.

Using Social Media. Hipsters are fond of platforms like Blogspot, Tumblr, Instagram, WordPress, and Ello. They also love capturing dreamy, vintage-style photos with their Holga cameras. Social media is a great way to discover new trends before they hit the mainstream.

Dating other hipsters. The main reason for dating another hipster is the deep connection you can share over common interests. The muscular models or the sun-kissed, blonde bombshells aren't likely your type. Instead, you'll find compatibility with someone within your own community.

• Note: If you're already in a relationship, you don’t have to break it off just because your partner isn’t a hipster. However, if you’re searching for someone new, keep in mind that having a partner who shares your hipster interests will bring you much closer together, as you’ll find a lot of common ground to bond over.

Start Dancing. If you're trying to spot a hipster at a music event, look for them gathered in the back, discussing the latest film or sipping on Pabst Blue Ribbon. Sometimes, when the music or vibe is just right, you might even catch them on the dance floor.

• The hipster style of dancing, when done right, avoids hip-heavy movements and focuses instead on the upper body and arms. Hipsters love nodding along to the music, but only do so if you’re bold enough (and remember, as a hipster, you shouldn’t care about the gossip).
• While it’s rare to see hipsters dance at large concerts, they thrive at smaller dance parties, where the tunes are more in tune with the hipster groove.

Master a New Language and Attitude. Though the culture of being a hipster is ever-evolving, there are key phrases and behaviors you’ll want to adopt:

• One classic hipster saying is: "I liked them before they were famous." Another great line for discussing recent natural disasters is: "I donated to Haiti... before the disaster happened."
• Always express your individuality. Talk about unknown bands that no one else has heard of. When your friends mention a band you’re unfamiliar with, casually remark that you’ve heard of them, but never actually listened to their music. Later, you’ll gain credibility by exploring their work.
• Be critical of most bands. If you like everything, you’ll come off as a fanatic. As a hipster, you prefer to appear discerning and selective, not just liking anything and everything.
• If you want to show off your knowledge and sophistication, this phrase works wonders: "I loved their first single, but after that, I lost interest."
• Use new or obscure words frequently. Or, you might use words that no one understands unless they look them up (e.g., pulchritudinous, cordiform, and petrichor). In Vietnam, you can refer to the Facebook page chuyenchungta for inspiration.

Cultivate your sense of humor. Hipsters are known for their sarcastic and ironic nature. When someone asks you a question, avoid answering directly; instead, respond with a hint, a counter-question, or simply make a sarcastic remark.

• Throw in a wry smile to indicate you're joking, as the other person might mistake your sarcasm for sincerity.
• For example: While watching a movie at the theater, if the person sitting next to you says, 'Wow, this is amazing! Can you see that?', reply coldly, 'No, I spent nearly 300,000 just staring at the ceiling.'
• Watch the comedies of to learn the art of sarcastic humor. If you grew up in England, you might already be naturally adept at this.
• Always keep a humorous perspective and avoid being too self-critical. Hipsters are often ridiculed, so learning to laugh at public criticism will be beneficial.

Be ready to accept criticism. Understand that hipster culture is often mocked, as many find it off-putting. You'll need to get used to the condescending attitude and figure out how to respond in a way that feels comfortable for you.

• People typically perceive hipster culture as 'inferior' to other cultural trends.
• Hipsters tend to lean towards progressive politics, so you'll occasionally encounter conservative disdain and mockery. It's best to be prepared with sharp comebacks to handle such insults.
• For those who mock your fashion choices, remind them that the trend of ripped jeans they love originates from impoverished children exploited in sweatshops. If they argue that the Apple products you use are made in similar factories, steer the conversation towards bands they’ve never heard of.
• Recognize the root of the issue. Understand that those who criticize you might feel insecure about their place in society, have confused notions about culture, or struggle to reconcile cultural elements with their lifestyle preferences. Practice empathy towards them.
• Be aware that there's an interesting dynamic between geeks (tech enthusiasts) and hipsters. While some geeks still look down on hipsters, others appreciate the crossover between the two cultures.

• Maintaining an aloof attitude toward everything will make you seem more mysterious.
• Always use the latest iPhone model.
• Coffee (preferably from indie cafes) is a staple in hipster cuisine.
• In Vietnam, there are many small shops selling handmade soaps and cosmetics. Opt for those instead of well-known brands.
• Realize that being a hipster is now quite mainstream, so following all these guidelines might make you less unique—essentially, it would just make you a follower.
• Wear outfits that are intentionally mismatched and ironic. For example, pair a yellow shirt with red and white checkered pants.

• Don't treat this guide as a one-size-fits-all blueprint. Instead, view it as a set of suggestions to selectively apply what suits you best. Hipsters take pride in their ability to stand apart from trends and be independent thinkers.
• Sometimes, though just sometimes, you might feel confused when others don't understand what makes your music, fashion, and lifestyle choices interesting. Let it go; you'll never see, hear, or experience the world the way they do, as everyone is a unique individual.
• The goal of becoming a hipster is to appear carefree and indifferent. However, if you're a true hipster, you’re likely putting in a lot of effort to maintain this image. Accept it.
• Don't take yourself or hipster culture too seriously.
• Don't expect to become a hipster overnight. In fact, being a hipster is a process, and you shouldn't rush it.
• Negativity has influenced hipster culture, possibly as a response to the overwhelming positivity and confidence in today's consumer-driven business culture. However, negativity is not the solution—it's simply a reaction. Always strive for balance and peace in your life instead of viewing everything with a pessimistic and gloomy lens. Yes, society has many issues, but a negative attitude won't fix or change anything. A practical, pragmatic approach to making a difference will help create a better world. Remember that every generation tends to believe that things were better in the past or will be better in the future. We are finite beings, limited by time and physical constraints, and must accept our limitations while making the most of the knowledge and abilities we have. Constantly analyzing and criticizing society can lead to overthinking, meaning you just complain without actually doing anything to change the status quo.

• Hipster-style clothing.
• Striped shirts.
• Scarves (to wear year-round).
• Vintage boots.
• Tattoos (optional, but encouraged).
• Turntable and vinyl records.
• Old-school cameras (Polaroid recommended).
• Fixie bikes (bikes with no brakes).
• Your own little garden.
• Fountain pens.
• Any Apple product, always kept up to date.
• Instagram (always post high-definition photos; you're too stylish to use iPhone-quality pictures).