Netflix’s Original series “Squid Game” has become the streaming platform’s most successful show, capturing global attention with its intense critique of capitalism. Beyond its gripping narrative, the show has made waves in the fashion world with its unique costuming.
Tracksuits have never been more popular since they were in the 1990s, and they’re now easier to wear reminiscent of the 1970s. The show also brings back the sheer joy of playground games like we saw in the 1980s. Elements of “survivalist chic” are on the rise, possibly influenced by the ongoing global pandemic. This revival is mirrored in fashion, with classic children’s books and vintage magazines fueling new wardrobe choices sparked by the show’s impact worldwide. But what’s next for the fashion trend? Just how far can the craze for flannelette tracksuits, boiler suits, plain t-shirts, and white slip-on sneakers go?
The normcore fashion trend, with its unisex and relaxed look, has been around for quite some time. Though it has never meant much beyond comfort, “Squid Game” adds a new twist by mixing it with elements of prison uniforms. The show delves into the backgrounds of its participants, who come from various walks of life—like migrant factory workers, doctors, gang members, and investment bankers. Each character is given a number and a standard teal tracksuit. Combined with their mysterious intentions, they contrast sharply with the dark, pink-suited guards. This blend of normcore and dystopian aesthetics may continue to be popular for a while.
The distinct colors used in “Squid Game” are deliberate. The art director, Chae Kyung-sung, explained that the teal and white for contestants and the hot-pink and black for guards were chosen early on to create a stark contrast. Traditionally, pink is a playful color with feminine connotations, yet the guards’ uniforms are a darker shade, suggesting danger. Meanwhile, teal typically symbolizes peace and healing, which is ironic given the contestants’ constant brush with danger. The question arises: will they finally find peace after the games?
The tracksuit is a central element in “Squid Game,” worn by all 456 participants initially. Having twice made its mark on mainstream fashion, tracksuits first entered the scene in the mid-1970s. Brands like Adidas, icons like Bruce Lee, and the advent of color television turned what was once simple athletic gear into vibrant sports fashion. Despite the 1980s fitness craze, tracksuits retained their style from the previous decade. The 1990s brought about the shell suit revolution, where hip-hop and rap artists like Jay-Z and Run DMC embraced the oversized, shiny tracksuits, bringing them into the mainstream.
Today, tracksuits, along with slip-on white sneakers as seen in the games “red light green light” and “marbles,” have become a symbol of cozy, indoor fashion—perfect for the isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. As “Squid Game” mixes real-world experiences with its suspenseful narrative, it serves as a reminder that K-style is here to stay. So, are you ready to create your own K-pop-inspired look?