What Is This Fashion Actually Called? The Internet Can’t Agree

A Redditor recently posted a simple but loaded question: “What is this fashion actually called??? I can’t think of the name.”

Cue the internet collectively losing its mind.

The image in question? A snapshot of people rocking oversized layers, grungy textures, muted color palettes, and chunky shoes—think Y2K meets underground skater meets modern alternative. And while it’s definitely a revival of past trends, no one could quite agree on what to call it.

Is it Neogrunge? 2020s DIY? Acubi? Hot Topic Core? Buckle up—we’re diving into the chaos.

Neogrunge: The Most Popular Contender

One of the most upvoted responses came from a user who confidently stated: “2020’s DIY / skater grunge. I like to call it Neogrunge.”

And it makes sense. The look borrows heavily from 90s and early 2000s grunge aesthetics but feels slightly more curated. Gone are the days of true grunge’s thrift-store randomness—today’s version has a streetwear-meets-alt vibe, often paired with baggy jeans, graphic tees, and statement outerwear.

Another commenter added: “Neogrunge! I wanted to dress like this when I was 15… in 2001. My mom wouldn’t let me. And now I’m mom-shaped, I’m stuck in my ways with skinny jeans and black t-shirts. I like to call my look ‘reformed grunge.’”

Honestly? Relatable.

Hot Topic Core But Make It 1998

One user had another take: “It’s called Hot Topic Core… some tennis ball Vans and this shit is exactly like 1998.”

Immediately, another Redditor fired back: “Not anymore… Hot Topic is BS nowadays, lol.”

The point stands, though—back in the late 90s and early 2000s, Hot Topic was the place for alternative fashion. Band tees, oversized pants, chunky boots—it all lived there. And while the store may have lost its edge, the aesthetic clearly lives on in this style revival.

Harajuku, Acubi, and the Alternative Label Debate

Some Redditors linked the look to international influences, with one saying: “Most of it is Harajuku or 2020s alternative.”

Others suggested Acubi, a Korean fashion trend that mixes sleek, minimalistic streetwear with alternative elements. Another user chimed in: “It’s just Y2K revival.”

But then there was the counterpoint: “That’s definitely a subculture, not mainstream fashion.”

So, is this truly a dominant fashion movement, or just an online niche?

“Y2K But Make It Monotone and Russian”

And just when you thought the internet had exhausted its takes, one user delivered a perfect one-liner: “It’s like Y2K but make it monotone and Russian lol.”

Say what you will, but this hits on something. While classic Y2K was all about shiny fabrics, flashy logos, and chaotic layering, this new version of the aesthetic is often more muted, structured, and monochrome-heavy. A little darker, a little sleeker, and—apparently—a little Russian.

So, What’s the Final Verdict?

The internet might never fully agree, but the most common names thrown around for this fashion style include:

• Neogrunge – A modernized, curated take on 90s grunge.
• Hot Topic Core – A nostalgic throwback to late 90s alternative fashion.
• Acubi – A Korean alt-streetwear twist on the aesthetic.
• 2020s Alternative – A broad catch-all term for this mix of influences.
• Y2K Revival – The simplest way to describe its retro roots.

And then, of course, the wildcard: “Y2K but make it monotone and Russian.”

At the end of the day, fashion is what you make of it. But one thing’s for sure—the 2020s are proving that everything old is new again, and no one can quite agree on what to call it.

So, what do you think? What would you name this style? Drop your take in the comments!

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