Fashion in Detroit is more than just a trend, it's a statement.

Many Detroiters use their attire to reflect their identity, their hustle and their roots. Iconic pieces such as gator boots, fur coats, and "buffs" signal to others where you're from and the grit that defines you. Whether you’re from the east side or west side, your outfit tells the world who you are. 

For decades, Detroiters have taken pride in what they wear. The city’s fashion reflects a blend of ruggedness and celebrity influence. Legends like Aretha Franklin were known for wearing Dittrich mink fur coats, while rappers made Pelle Pelle jackets a staple of Detroit’s hip-hop scene. Today, young people and blue-collar workers continue to sport Carhartt gear and local sportswear. Gen Z, in particular, has embraced supporting Black-owned brands, further contributing to the city’s ever-evolving fashion identity.

Today on The Metro, we discuss how fashion in Detroit is not just about individual style, but also about the shared experience of living in a city with such rich cultural and historical roots. 

Guests:

• Kahn Santori Davison – A freelance journalist and contributing writer for The Metro Times.
• Monika Sinclair – Wayne State University assistant professor of teaching, fashion design and merchandising.
• Brooklynn Jackson – Owner of Form Fit clothing and a senior Wayne State business student. 

More stories from The Metro on March 18, 2025: 

• Adrienne Roberts covers Michigan’s cannabis industry, as well as jobs and unemployment for the Detroit Free Press. She joined the show to talk about Michigan's cannabis industry and what it means for the state’s economy. 
• Staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan Jay Kaplan joined The Metro to discuss President Donald Trump's campaign against transgender rights and why it's relevant to everyone. Kaplan leads the LGBTQ Project at the Michigan ACLU. 
• Michael Ford’s Hip Hop Architecture Lecture Series is taking place from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and Community Development. The panel discussion will dig into the impact of women on hip-hop. Ford is known as the Hip Hop architect and has designed Hip Hop Museums in The Bronx and Memphis. Ford and jessica Care moore — Detroit’s poet laureate and a panelist in the lecture series — joined the show to talk about the event and the impact of women on hip-hop and design. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.