Skinheads originated in 1960s Britain as a working class subculture focused on fashion, music, and football hooliganism. While initially non-racist, some British skinheads in the late 1960s engaged in violence against South Asian immigrants, earning them a reputation as racists. This minority came to define the public perception of skinheads, though anti-racist skinhead groups also existed. Over time, skinheads became associated with neo-Nazism and white nationalism through their involvement in groups like the National Front political party.

1. SKINHEADS

2. The 1960’s Subculture, Pop Culture and Counter Culture

3. Firstly...
Skinhead is not about
colour, race, religion, national
origin, or anything of the sort. It is a
brotherhood of individuals who
share the same passions...

4. In the late 1960s, some skinheads in the United
Kingdom (including black skinheads) had
engaged in violence against South
Asian immigrants (an act known as Paki
bashing in common slang). There
had, however, also been anti-racist and
leftist skinheads since the beginning of the
subculture, especially in Scotland and
northern England.

5. In the beginning...
Skinheads were seen as a non-
racist group of people who were Although ORIGINALLY they were seen as
non-racists they were later only recognised
known for their interest in
fashion, music and the “rude and portrayed in the media as violent
boy” lifestyle that came from Jamaica. racists as the subculture grew within
Although they were seen as “rowdy and Britain. Paki Bashing began and this
minority of “skin heads” who were involved
violent” by nature most of their created this negative view of skin heads
aggression was directed at the upper class. because they were the most vocal and
noticeable to the public.
Football teams were made up of the They are labelled as Neo-Nazis
“lower class” skin heads and the upper and some skin heads joined the
class kids whereby fighting kicked off and National Front Political party; a
gave skin heads their reputation. “whites only” party...
Which has now given skinheads a
stereotypical view of being violent
racists.

6. How were they identified?
Skinheads are maybe the easiest group of the past to identify. Not only do they have the haircut of a
‘skin head’ they also dress the same too, bomber jackets jeans and high boots.
In the style of a skin head these are the Tattoos have been popular
among many skinheads since
things you can do to prove you are one.. at least the 1970s revival. In
Cut or shave your hair (optional). 1980s Britain, some skinheads
Find appropriate pants or skirts. had tattoos on their faces or
Wear knit shirts. foreheads, although the
Add suspenders, or braces (optional). practice has since fallen out of
Wear a coat or a hoodie favour. Some skinheads get
Find skinhead footwear. tattoos with images or text
Add shoelaces. related to the skinhead
Wear socks. subculture in
Wear a hat.
general, bands, affiliations or
their beliefs.
In the 1960s, many female skinheads had mod-style
haircuts. During the 1980s skinhead revival, many female
skinheads had feather cuts (known as a Chelsea in North
America). A feather cut is short on the crown, with fringes
at the front, back and sides. Some female skinheads have a
shorter punk-style version of the hairstyle; almost entirely
shaved, leaving only bangs and fringes at the front.
Same as men, with addition of dress suits—
composed of a ¾-length jacket and matching short
skirt.
Same as men, with the addition of monkey
boots.

7. What brands were identified with them?
Skinheads have been known to wear long-sleeve or short-sleeve button-
up shirts or polo shirts by brands such as Ben Sherman, Fred
Perry, Brutus, Warrior or Jaytex; Lonsdale or Everlast shirts or
sweatshirts; collarless granddad shirts; V-neck sweaters; sleeveless
sweaters; cardigan sweaters or T-shirts (plain or with text or designs
related to the skinhead subculture).
Some Oi! and hard-core-oriented skinheads wear plain white tank top
undershirts, especially in North America. They have also worn fitted
blazers; Harrington jackets; bomber jackets; denim jackets (usually
blue, sometimes splattered with bleach); donkey jackets; Crombie-style
overcoats; sheepskin 3/4-length coats; short macs; monkey jackets;
parkas. Traditional skinheads sometimes wear suits, often made out of
two-tone tonic fabric (shiny mohair-like material that changes colour in
different light and angles)
Many skinheads wear Sta-Prest flat-fronted slacks or other dress
trousers; jeans (normally Levi's, Lee or Wrangler); or combat trousers
(plain or camouflage).

8. What music do they listen to?
The skinhead subculture was originally associated with black popular
music genres such as soul, rocksteady and early reggae. The link
between skinheads and Jamaican music led to the development of the
skinhead reggae genre, performed by artists such as: Desmond
Dekker, Derrick Morgan, Laurel Aitken, Symaripand The Pioneers.
The most popular music style for late-1970s
skinheads was 2 Tone, which was a fusion of
ska, rocksteady, reggae, pop and punk rock.
Most skins are politically or socially motivated and the music
they listen to is a subculture amongst their beliefs.
A LOT of people believe skin head are racist however.. Being a
skinhead does not make you a racist, its a subculture. There are
skinhead groups like S.H.A.R.P and R.A.S.H that are both skinhead
groups against racism and fascism. Just putting that out there.
Hard-core, punk rock and black metal are some genres that
skinheads listen to.