Nu Metal

aka Late 90s Metal, Mall Metal, Rap Metal Fashion

revival

"Suburban angst in baggy pants"

A late 90s-early 2000s aesthetic from nu metal music scene, featuring baggy pants, band tees, and rebellious casual wear.

Atmosphere

The sensory world of Nu Metal

Mall hangouts, Warped Tour, mosh pits, band posters, suburban bedrooms, chain wallets clinking

Philosophy

Music is identity. Baggy is comfortable. Rebellion is casual. Malls are meeting grounds.

Who Lives Here

The character archetypes that embody Nu Metal

The Mall Kid

The Nu Metal Fan

The Suburban Rebel

The Angsty Youth

What It Rejects

Nu Metal exists in opposition to:

Preppy culture

Tight clothing

Mainstream pop

Parent approval

Daily Rituals

The practices and behaviors that define this way of living

Concert going

Mall hanging

Band tee collecting

CD buying

Mosh pit attendance

Origin

Emerged from nu metal music scene in late 1990s through bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park.

Era

1998-2006 (Original), 2023-Present (Revival)

Regions

Suburban America, Global, Online

Trend Score

68

Key Elements

Key Garments

  • Baggy jeans
  • Band tees
  • Chain wallets
  • Studded belts
  • Cargo pants
  • Hoodies
  • Skate shoes
  • Beanies

Silhouettes

  • Baggy
  • Oversized
  • Casual

Color Palette

Aggressive casual in dark tones

Primary Colors

Black
Grey
Red

Secondary Colors

Camo
Band graphics

Accent Colors

Metal chains
Studs

Key Brands

Hot Topic
streetwearcore
Dickies
heritageadjacent
Band merchandise
indiecore

Materials

DenimCottonChainsMetal accessories

Cultural Context

Late 90s suburban angst, mall culture, nu metal music identity, and teenage rebellion.

Associated Music

Nu MetalRap MetalKornLinkin ParkLimp Bizkit

Core Relationships

Influenced By

Grunge
Hip-Hop fashion
Skate culture

Influences

Nu metal bands
Skate culture
90s mall culture
MTV

Related Cores

Grunge
Skater
Emo
Last updated: January 17, 2026