The development process of wallet chain
The wallet chain rose from the post-war motorcycle subculture, through punk subculture, rock culture, hip-hop culture, and all the way to today’s pop culture.
Initially, wallet chains were a product of the motorcycle subculture that developed after the war. Wallet chains were usually made of metal rings or straps that attached the wallet to a belt loop or belt. Motorcycles became a symbol of freedom for young warriors returning from the war. But riding a motorcycle also came with great risks, and wallets in the back pockets were easily stolen by pickpockets, so motorcyclists were constantly looking for protective equipment. So tough and practical wallet chains were born. Wallet chains are usually made of metal rings or straps that attached the wallet to a belt loop or belt. The chain intimidated thieves and pickpockets and prevented them from taking cash or valuables from the motorcyclist. So in the beginning, wallet chains were seen as a practical tool for motorcyclists to keep their wallets intact while testing the limits of their motorcycles.
It soon became clear that wallet chains were more than just a practical tool. Motorcyclists began customizing their wallet chains with images and symbols that represented who they were or what they belonged to. Examples included skulls, bones, crosses, wings, flames, dragons, various logos, etc.
Wallet chains were developed during the punk movement in the 1970s. In the hands of punk pioneers, wallet chains took on a new role to reflect the non-conformist values of punk rock. Punk pioneers used spikes, earrings or safety pins to wear them on their clothes in a unique and innovative way to express their punk spirit and attitude - contempt, individuality, rebellion, and anti-establishment. Wallet chains became a means of self-expression for people in the punk era.
The 1980s was an era of prosperity and interweaving of various subcultures. Among them, the Goth subculture stood out in this era with its unique fashion and style. Rivethead Goths incorporated wallet chains into their black and dramatic outfits, adding an element of intrigue and mystery to their appearance. Metal wallet chains quickly became popular among Goths and became an expression of Gothic style.
Wallet chains aren’t just popular in quirky subcultures and alternative music. Bands in the mainstream rock genre of the 1980s incorporated wallet chains into their flamboyant stage costumes. They paired wallet chains with tight leather pants, bandanas, and metal accessories. Wallet chains gave rock bands a rock star vibe during the grunge era.
In the 1990s, as the grunge movement swept through the music world, a laid-back and anti-fashion attitude took off. Grunge musicians and their fans brought a striking element to the grunge aesthetic, showcasing the nonchalant spirit of grunge, pairing wallet chains with flannel shirts, oversized sweaters, cardigans, beanie hats, ripped jeans, Converse sneakers, and more.
The rise of hip-hop culture brought a new wave of fashion influences to the 1990s. Wallet chains also found their place in hip-hop culture - a symbol of status for hip-hop artists. Therefore, in hip-hop culture, the bigger, flashier and more flashy the wallet chain, the better. They are usually made of gold or silver, and paired with baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts or jackets, becoming a means of emphasizing the affluence and success associated with the hip-hop lifestyle.
In the late 1200s and early 21st century, a unique Nu metal music genre emerged that blended alternative metal, hip-hop, and industrial music. This unique music genre was a voice of rebellion against the anxiety and aggression of the times. Wallet chains were in line with the rebellious spirit of this genre and became an important accessory for Nu metal artists. They paired wallet chains with baggy overalls, oversized hoodies, and band t-shirts, blurring the line between street style and metal fashion.
In the 2010s, with the rise of more convenient items and gadgets with similar functions such as mobile phones, key chains or lanyards, the relatively bulky and noisy metal wallet chains gradually withdrew from people's modern life. But the decline of wallet chains did not last long. With the review of 90s fashion and culture, wallet chains have become popular again. People wear wallet chains to express their nostalgia for the old times of punk subculture, goth subculture and hip-hop culture or pay tribute to their music idols of the old music era.
In order to keep up with the times, wallet chains are constantly updated and reinvented, with new materials, designs and functions. Today's wallet chains can be used not only as wallet chains, but also as clothing chains (pants chains and top chains), bag chains, waist chains, necklaces and stacking bracelets, etc., with many functions. In terms of style, wallet chains can be mixed and matched with various styles such as street style, punk style, hip-hop style, gothic style and glam style. In terms of material, stainless steel wallet chains with both quality and price have become the best choice in modern times!
