Pulp's Enduring Vintage Style: A Timeless Influence on Fashion

In June 2025, the British band Pulp re-emerged into the spotlight with their first album in 24 years, titled "More," and a tour spanning the UK, Europe, and the United States. This revival not only brings their music to a new generation but also revitalizes their signature aesthetic—a distinctive embrace of secondhand fashion that has resonated with youth culture for three decades.

Pulp, originally formed in Sheffield in 1978, became prominent during the Britpop era of the 1990s, with standout performances like their iconic set at Glastonbury in 1995. Their lead singer, Jarvis Cocker, is particularly known for his eclectic style, characterized by vintage clothing paired with an unpretentious attitude. As noted by Miranda Sawyer, author of "Uncommon People: The Rise and Fall of the Britpop Generation," Pulp's fashion choices were accessible and colorful, setting them apart from contemporaries. "[Other bands] had a secondhand look, but Pulp made it a little bit more colourful, not quite kitsch, but on the edge of kitsch," Sawyer stated in her commentary.

Fast forward to the present, and the appeal of secondhand clothing is witnessing a resurgence among younger generations. According to a survey conducted in 2023 by the fashion platform Vinted, 64% of Generation Z consumers prefer to seek secondhand items before purchasing new ones. The motivations behind this trend are multifaceted, encompassing economic considerations as well as growing environmental awareness. Peter Bevan, a stylist and editor for Rakish Gent, highlighted that many young people today shop at thrift stores, vintage shops, and online platforms like Depop and Vinted. "Everyone I know who’s my age or younger shops in charity shops. I don’t know many people that buy loads of new things anymore," Bevan remarked.

The renewed interest in Pulp's aesthetic can also be attributed to their unfiltered approach to personal style. Cocker's sartorial choices, which often include bold vintage prints and tailored 70s garments, resonate with the current fashion ethos that encourages individuality. James Millar, a 22-year-old guitarist in the band The Sukis, expressed admiration for Cocker's authenticity, noting that his style is not merely nostalgic but rather a genuine expression of self.

While Pulp's members, including keyboardist Candida Doyle, acknowledge their roots in the Britpop movement, they resist being pigeonholed by the genre's conventions. Doyle stated, "We don’t associate with [Britpop] because of the Union Jack," emphasizing the band's distinct identity that transcends the typical Britpop narrative.

The band's longevity and their influence on fashion speak to broader cultural shifts. Pulp's aesthetic, steeped in the ethos of embracing 'misshapes, mistakes, and misfits,' aligns with a contemporary desire for authenticity in fashion choices. Sawyer noted, "Jarvis understands his appeal. He’s accentuating all the things that people have picked on him for, saying, 'I’m a tall weed or whatever you wanted to call me. This is who I am and, actually, I look great.'"

As Pulp embarks on their new tour, their influence on contemporary fashion remains palpable. The eclectic, secondhand style they championed in the 1990s continues to inspire young audiences today, marking a significant cultural legacy that intertwines music, identity, and personal expression. The band's story not only encapsulates a pivotal moment in British music history but also serves as a reflection of ongoing societal trends toward sustainability and individuality in fashion choices. Looking ahead, Pulp's revival could spark a renewed interest in vintage fashion, further embedding their legacy in the cultural fabric of future generations.