From ‘Goblin’ to ‘Don’t Tap the Glass’:
A Look at Tyler, the Creator’s Style Evolution
With the arrival of Tyler the Creator’s latest album ‘Don’t Tap the Glass’, we decided to take a look back at his style metamorphosis from album-to-album.
On July 21, Tyler, the Creator surprised fans with the release of his ninth album Don’t Tap the Glass. For his latest era, he shifted his style to honor hip-hop’s wardrobe of the late ’80s and ’90s complete with thick gold chains, leather pants, and giant sunglasses.
This isn’t the first time we have seen Tyler take his style in a new direction for his latest project. In fact, it’s pretty easy to pinpoint the shift each time. He’s slowly morphed from the skate, streetwear kid who mainly wears bold graphic T-shirts and destroyed Vans to a more preppier look that we see today. Along the way, Tyler hasn’t fully abandoned his playful side. He’s always wearing wild prints and bright colors, he just does it in a new way with each project.
With the arrival of Tyler’s latest album, we decided to take a look back at his style metamorphosis from album-to-album.
GOBLIN
Album Released: 2011
Signature Items: Odd Future doughnut T-shirt and Supreme Box Logos
When Tyler first broke onto the scene, he was polarizing to say the least. Some listeners instantly fell in love with his vulgar lyrics and shocking visuals that accompanied his debut album. Others weren’t immediately eager to support the West Coast rapper’s violent verses and roach-eating antics. But the fans that did co-sign from day one made sure to make their voices heard, which resulted in Tyler, the Creator taking home the VMA for Best New Artist back in 2011 (the award was fan voted). To this day, Tyler fans will certainly remember his acceptance fit. Tyler showed up to MTV’s iconic award show the same way he used to show up to spend the day hanging out with his buddies on Fairfax Avenue. At the beginning of his career he dressed like a skater and wore a colorful graphic T-shirt, usually covered in cats or doughnuts to rep his Odd Future crew, simple pair of jeans or cut-off shorts, white tube socks, and low top Vans on feet. Of course, there was always a piece from Supreme in the equation too. Box logo hoodies, camp caps, T-shirts, Tyler repped it all. It’s been said before, but Supreme definitely got a boost and was introduced to a whole new generation thanks to Tyler’s major co-sign during his come up.
WOLF
Album Released: 2013
Signature Items: Striped Golf T-shirts and thrashed Vans Old Skools
By the 2013, when Tyler released his second album Wolf, his wardrobe hadn’t changed drastically just yet. It was still very skate-inspired. It was still made up of brightly-colored items, something that has remained a signature of Tyler’s wardrobe. But by this point, there was a bit more of an emphasis on Golf, Tyler’s streetwear line that launched in 2011. This fit is a perfect example of what you could expect to see the rapper wearing: a striped Golf T-shirt, Golf logo strapback cap, shorts, and a thrashed pair of Vans Old Skools. Tyler was rocking Vans so heavily that he would release multiple collabs with the brand from 2013 to 2016. Tyler had cultivated a loyal fanbase that followed his every move and this type of outfit became their uniform.
Cherry Bomb
Album Released: 2015
Signature Items: Golf “Flog Gnaw Motors” flame print button-up
Like the music on the album, Tyler’s style during the Cherry Bomb era also indicates a slow and steady maturation into a new aesthetic. The eye-catching prints and colors are still present, but on new silhouettes beyond the usual T-shirts or hoodies. Rugby shirts and vacation shirts covered in bold prints become a mainstay in his rotation. One of the most memorable was the flame print showcased on the cover of Cherry Bomb. The blue pieces covered in orange and yellow flames have gone on to become a signature offering for Golf. Items like puffer coats and shorts bearing the print would debut in future collections from the brand. At this point, Tyler still hadn’t fully abandoned his love for polarizing graphics tees and bubblegum-colored Vans sneakers. He merely just introduced another look into his arsenal.
IGOR
Album Released: 2019
Signature Items: Monochromatic suits, white derbys, and a platinum blonde wig
Tyler’s Igor era might be the most easy to define. That’s because the musician decided to go full method actor mode for this album run. When he was on stage performing, in music videos, or doing any sort of album promo, we saw Tyler dress up in bright, monochromatic suits, white Dr Martens 1461s, and a blonde wig that had him looking like Coconut Head from Ned’s Declassified. There were even statues of the Igor character placed in various cities to promote the project. When he wasn’t in character, he was dabbling into the world of luxury fashion. Appearing in 2020’s Gucci Tailoring campaign alongside his buddy ASAP Rocky and punk rock legend Iggy Pop is a prime example, which further illustrated Tyler’s growth throughout his career. Did anyone imagine the kid biking on Fairfax in 2011 would be a star in a global campaign for a major fashion house?
