The Clash in a black and white image where they all are looking at the camera in a slight confrontational way. They are dressed in Punk attire of skinny pants & leather jackets.

Fashion & Asthetics

Fashion meets Passion.

The Clash uses their image and asthetics to speak about who they were and what they believed in. Their fashion evolved from Punks in DIY paint splatter and stencils, to Rockabilly attire that referenced 1950s Rock and Roll along with American Western motifs. This didn't just apply to their fashion, but to instruments and equiptment. Regardless, they never lost their British edge and connection to their audience & sensibilities.

Don Letts said: “The fundamental ingredients of The Clash that spoke to young people then hasn't really changed. They looked good, sounded great, made songs that were about something, and oozed attitude. Those things ain't really changed too much, and I don't think anybody's come along that's done it better.”

The Clash in their paint-splattered & hand-stenciled attire, 1976. Photo by Sheila Rock.
The Clash's tour equiptment amp & speaker painted in signature pink.
The Clash in their 1950s inspired Rockabilly attire, circa 1979. Photograph by Mark Hanauer.

The Clash in their paint-splattered & stenciled attire, 1976. Photo by Sheila Rock.

The Clash's Touring Equiptment - Speaker Amp & case painted in light & hot pink.

The Clash in their 1950s inspired Rockabilly attire, circa 1979. Photo by Mark Hanauer.

Joe's custom spray painted and stenciled shirt from The Clash's start in 1976. It is blue with red splatters & white lettering.
Joe wearing an outfit that shows off his combo of Western & 1950s rockability styles, including a pocket square and Western bolo tie.
A custom jacket with red & white stripes & silver metal zipper teeth worn by Joe during 1977-1979.

Joe's custom splatter-painted & stenciled shirt from 1976.

Joe wearing an outfit that includes a Western shirt & Bolo Tie with a low cut jacket & pocket square. Circa 1979.

Joe's custom jacket with Red and White Stripes & Silver Metal Zipper Teeth, worn 1977-1979.

The Clash on tour in New York in 1978 with their punk/rockabilly outfits emerging.
A black and white photograph of Paul and Joe walking down the street in their full Punk/Rockabilly attire, which includes combat boots.
The Clash backstage at Leeds University Union, England. October 27, 1977. Photo by Bob Gruen. This photo shows well all four members in a color photo with their variety of fashion.

The Clash on tour in New York in signature Punk/Rockabilly clothing & combat boots, 1978.

Paul & Joe - Streetwear circa 1979. Their Punk/Rockabilly attire includes leather jackets, skinny pants, & biker boots.

The Clash in their DIY painted & patched outfits, backstage at Leeds University Union, England. October 27, 1977. Photo by Bob Gruen.

A black and white photograph of Paul playing bass on stage in his hand-knit DIY sweater.
Paul's paint-splattered Fender Bass, as seen being smashed at NYC's Palladium on the cover of London Calling (1979).
This photograph shows Paul in a knit sweater he made himself that resembles an open fishnet DIY style black and white outfit

Paul onstage in his DIY hand-knit sweater, 1977.

Paul's paint-splattered Fender Bass, after it was smashed at NYC’s Palladium on the cover of the 'London Calling' (1979) LP.

Paul in his hand-knit sweater backstage at Leeds University Union, England. October 27, 1977. Photo by Bob Gruen.

The Clash in custom designed punk attire, which includes patched leather jackets & stenciled shirts & pants with zippers, 1977. Photograph by Pennie Smith.
The Clash being interviewed during their tour of the USA. February 1979. This shows off their casual style with American 1950s leather jackets, patches, and plaid shirts in bright eye catching colors.
The Clash in a publicity shot for London Calling 1979. Photography by Pennie Smith which shows off their visual asthetic of vintage wide brim hats, suits and ties and waistcoats.

The Clash in custom designed stencil shirts & patched leather jackets, 1977. Photograph by Pennie Smith.

The Clash in Rockabilly leather jackets being interviewed during their tour of the USA. February 1979. Photo by Bob Gruen.

The Clash in vintage-inspired attire of suits, ties & vintage hats. Promo for London Calling (1979). Photo by Pennie Smith.