Denim Meets Rastafari In The Style Icon, Bob Marley

DENIM MEETS RASTAFARI IN THE STYLE ICON, BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley’s style was as revolutionary as his music, seamlessly blending cultural pride with his bold personal expression. His fashion choices became a symbol of his identity and beliefs but more so the reason why they deeply resonate with so many was because of his authenticity. And in honour of reggae month, Things Jamaican will be taking one stroll down memory lane to look at the personal style of our most coveted reggae legend; Bob Marley. Stay with us as we uncover the iconic looks that helped define reggae culture and who knows what else…

In a world of fast fashion and copycats, personal style is hard to come by. But one thing is sure, Bob Marley had style ‘any which way yu tek it’! Every outfit was reflective of his personality from the laid-back t-shirts he often sported to the Demin-on-Demin stage outfits.

START FROM THE ROOTS

But let’s start from the roots because we cannot have a conversation about Bob Marley’s personal style without mentioning his ultimate personal statement; his locs. To many foreigners and maybe even a few Jamaicans the locs might have just been seen as that; a personal statement of Bob rebelling against the system. But to the Rastafari tradition it’s so much more than that. This was a direct reflection of Bob Marley’s outmost spiritual vow; The Nazarite vow.

This is a vow from the Bible that has influenced the Rastafari religion including but not excluded to cutting of one’s hair, as a sign of their devotion to God. However, how this became popularised within the Rastafarian culture was due to the “bahitawi”, an independent class  of people within Ethiopia most notably referred to as the hermits of Ethiopia. While his locs was definitely not a fashion statement, it became a statement that influenced his fashion.  

As a result, we often got iconic images of him on his days off while touring throughout Europe sporting his signature tams. Whether relaxing on the tour bus or playing football at Battersea Park, the tams quickly became staple in his artist of duty look. The tams were more than just a protection for his dreadlocks within the colder climates. They were a symbol of his faith and identity, crocheted in Ethiopian colours; red, gold, and green.  

KEEP THE COLOUR PALETTE ITAL

These colours would continue to make appearances throughout Bob’s personal style; tam or no tam. The red, green and gold not only became a visual cue representing Jamaica within his style but also an ode to the Rastafari movement as these colours represented; Red: The blood shed by those fighting for African liberation, Gold: The wealth and riches of Africa and Green: The natural beauty and vegetation of Africa. 

DENIM IS A MUST

This distinctive colour palette was not the only indication that an outfit was a Bob Marley original, but fabrics would always be a dead giveaway. Bob Marley loved his Demin! Throughout many of his later performances we can see the love affair develop between Bob Marley and his Demin. Often opting to wear “Canadian Tuxs” before that was even a thing! This fabric choice is NOT unsurprising, once realising that comfort was always a MUST for Mr. Marley.  However, the sturdy utilitarian look of the fabric echoed sentiments of his songs allowing for his art to transcend every aspect of the performance. But the Demin wasn’t only for the onstage look but inna real life tu! Bob was even seen wearing this coveted fabric even while playing football! 

ATHLEISURE FOR THE WIN

Now while denim might be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Bob’s signature look, let’s not overlook his love for some good athleisure wear. Whether it was a game of table tennis, a quick run, or, most notably, a football match- even quoted saying “Football is Freedom”. One thing was certain, movement was vital for this legend. However, one of the most iconic elements of Bob’s athleisure style was his love for t-shirts—even seen wearing ones of himself just to enjoy a game of football. And if you want to rep the legend the way he did, Things Jamaican is the place for you to channel that same energy. Check out our collection in-store or online and bring the legend’s effortless cool into your everyday wardrobe. 

As we reflect on all the elements that made Bob Marley’s personal style so unique—his religious influences, hobbies, and undeniable charisma—it’s clear that his approach to fashion was effortless yet impactful. Whether he knew it or not, Bob had an elevated sense of style, blending comfort with cultural expression in a way that felt completely authentic to him. 

And the world took notice. Even while performing on the stages of Europe, he was sending shock waves back here in Jamaica for our fashion scene. Today, his signature looks—denim-on-denim, Adidas track sets, graphic tees, and the ever-present Rastafarian colours—remain timeless, proving yet again that “Style a style and style cyaa spoil”. Because just like his music, Bob’s style wasn’t just a trend—it was a statement.  

And decades later, that statement is still as powerful as ever.  

Editorial Team

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