Identifying Hipsters
The best way to identify a hipster is to ask directly. If the person responds with a confused “What?” he or she is probably not a hipster. On the other hand, if the person says “No,” he or she is probably a hipster. No self-respecting hipster identifies as a hipster. It’s the nature of the beast.
Of course, you may not always have the benefit of candid conversation, and asking someone if they’re a hipster is a faux-pas nearly as offensive as calling someone a fascist, so you’ll probably have to go by visual cues.
Head
- Ridiculously colored plastic sunglasses – for ironic expression.
- Bed head (mad cowlicks) – supplements a nonchalant attitude.
- Cigarettes – probably Parliaments, Camels or cloves.
Neck
- Neckbeard (if male) - to look grungy. Combine with flannel.
- Scarf (called a “keffiyeh”) – used to symbolize support for Palestine. Now mostly just a fashion statement.
Torso
- Flannel button-up – to look grungy.
- Band tee – to show off taste in music.
- American Apparel – America’s premier overpriced single-colored shirts.
- Messenger bag – for carrying Dave Eggers books on one shoulder.
Legs
- Corduroy – casual and, for some reason, associated with intellectualism.
- Cuttoff jeans – ironic and grungy.
- Anything tight – to show off how disturbingly skinny you are.
Shoes
- Converse – cheap and iconic.
- Pumas – expensive and iconic.
- Vans slip-ons – laissez-faire and iconic.