BTS Is Redefining Boy Band Fashion

Boy bands have long been a pop culture staple, but they’re often the subject of cultural scorn. Whether it’s the butt of a joke or the target of sexist double standards, these groups of industry producers tasked with creating and marketing musical acts geared toward teenage girls are often criticized for their maudlin music and unwieldy style choices. But, like it or not, these groups have made a significant impact on boys’ fashion trends over the years. In fact, their influence is so strong that we still see evidence of them today.

The ’90s saw the rise of boy bands such as Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync, whose coordinated outfits were the stuff of legend. They introduced the era of fusion style, a merging of streetwear with a more tailored aesthetic that saw boys embracing denim-on-denim looks and frosted tips to mimic their idols’ signature styles. Later, emo bands such as My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy took over with skinny jeans, band t-shirts and the DIY aesthetic that would eventually lead to the emergence of athleisure in the early 2000s.

More recently, BTS has been making waves, becoming the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the 2021 American Music Awards and appearing on a Louis Vuitton spin-off fashion film alongside designer Virgil Abloh, where they modelled original pieces from the label’s autumn/winter menswear collection. Continuing to break barriers, they were also named special envoys to the United Nations in 2021.

Founded in 2013, BTS is spearheading a fresh adaptation of boy band cliches with their expressive color, pattern and trim combinations. They’ve reworked tailored looks with wide sleeves and neck ornamentation, while still maintaining an element of individuality that allows their fans to identify them.

Ahead, we explore how this South Korean band is reshaping the image of contemporary masculinity and showing that boy bands are here to stay.

In this editorial from FHM Collections China, stylist Aeri Yun brings together a team of models to create a stylish boy band. Photographer Shxpir and stylist Aeri capture the boys’ coordinated outfits in a series of nostalgic locales, from the 1960s to the present day. Check out the gallery above to see the stylish BTS look for yourself.