Today I am going to be exploring the rock climber aesthetic and going into depth about its history and more specifically, what has changed in the last 50+ years to reshape this aesthetic. Rock Climbing began as a sport in the 1800s with the introduction of mountaineering. At the time, the sport was very risky and the safety equipment used was primitive at best. In the 1930s, the invention of the quickdraw was made allowing for climbers to now safely attempt climbs.

This invention and continued growth in the sport as more and more people choose to take up the hobby allowing more areas to be safely accessible. Around this time, the “Rock Climber Aesthetic” was born: eccentric, thrill seeking people who loved to problem solve and test the human limits. Some would call them adrenaline junkies, but for many it was the escape from reality to go out into nature. This aesthetic came with a feeling of unparalleled freedom. For many rock climbers including maybe the most famous climber of all time (Alex Honnold), they love the sport because when you are climbing, it is just you and your mind vs the wall. Everyone is an equal on the wall.

In the 1900s, this aesthetic was controlled by what the rest of the world would have called a “dirtbag.” There was little emphasis put on how you look, what kind of clothes you wear, and general hygiene. These people did not care what anyone thought of them and their mindsets were focused on rock climbing and nothing else. When you are rock climbing, especially when testing the human limit, you cannot be distracted. 100% focus must be achieved, so the people who were a part of this aesthetic did not have time for worldly possessions. The men often sported long hair with a bandana to keep it out of their eyes. Torn and dirty clothes or eccentric outfits were worn and there is no technology present.

https://www.gq.com/story/stonemasters-rock-climbing-oral-history

https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/features/the_height_of_fashion_-_why_designers_are_hyped_about_climbing-12287

At the time, the sport was nearly entirely male dominated until climbers like Lynn Hill and Catherine Destivelle began to change this perception. They pushed the limits of what a climber could do and were the first step in a transition of rock climbing as a sport and an aesthetic. 

https://www.climbing.com/people/free-soloistst-catherine-destivelle-reflects-on-her-climbing-career/

The sport of climbing exploded in the late 90s but even more drastically in the early 2010s. Back in the day, there was little access to climbing gyms if none so all climbing and training was done on real rock outside. As gyms became more popular and higher quality, the sport completely blew up and began to be commercialized. While climbers once wore a pair of ripped jeans and no shirt, climbers are now dressed in brand name gear like REI or North Face. While climbers once went outside everyday and avoided civilization, climbers began to train in gyms for large competitions which brought cash prizes. As more and more money is funneled into climbing as a hobby, the rock climber aesthetic has transitioned and now the climbers care of the perception of themselves. Now climbers still seek comfortable outfits which allow them to move freely and be confident, but also look for high quality good looking clothes. Many of the high level athletes are also getting sponsorships which were previously unavailable.

https://lafabriqueverticale.com/en/how-improve-climbing-enjoy-rest-days/

For the women, this aesthetic is often achieved with tights and a crop top, while the men wear carpenter pants or shorts with either an oversized tee or no shirt. For cold weather, the aesthetic is puffy jackets and sweatpants. Many of the same things that were true about this aesthetic in the 1900s is the same now such as long hair, but many things are changing and adapting as time passes.

Old Gym:      

CBJ Homewall of the Week

https://climbingbusinessjournal.com/hwow-24-100-year-old-bouldering-bar

New Gym:

https://www.richardsonsclimbing.com/unpopular-opinion-a-canadian-climbers-disdain-for-the-worlds-best-climbing-gym/

1 Comment. Leave new

  • Matt, as a climber myself, I selfishly can not wait to see what you create! I think this is a fantastic idea to explore this aesthetic and you have so much to choose from with respect to the clothing aesthetic, the gym aesthetic, or even the new aesthetic of the comp style climbing itself. If you ever climb at G1, check out the PT clinic there; I actually designed that and used a lot of old climbing gear to liven up the space.

    As for you project, do you have a specific aspect of climbing which you seek to represent? I think delving in to the aesthetic of holds could be really cool, especially considering how comp climbing problems is more or less an art in itself. If you have instagram, check out Lainyontherocks, she is a comp setter who not only demonstrates art in the actual use of holds, but in the movement her problems require as well. The fluidity of movement, the geometry, color, and texture of holds all together create this incredible dynamic artwork wherein the human is a piece of the art as well.

    Cant wait to see your final concept!

    Thanks,
    Andrea

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