Dizelaši

Dizelaši (Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian: Dizelaši) refers to a subculture and fashion trend that was popular primarily in the Balkans (especially Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro) during the 1990s and early 2000s. The term roughly translates to "Diesel guys" or "Dieselers," a reference to the Diesel brand of clothing, which was central to the style.

The "Dizelaši" aesthetic was characterized by:

• Clothing: Over-branded sportswear, often featuring prominent logos of brands like Diesel, Nike, Adidas, and other athletic wear companies. Tracksuits were a common element. Imitation or counterfeit versions of these brands were also prevalent due to the high cost of authentic items. Jeans, particularly bootcut jeans, were also worn.
• Accessories: Gold jewelry, especially thick chains and bracelets, was a frequent accessory. Baseball caps, often worn backward, were also common. Sunglasses, even indoors, contributed to the overall look.
• Hairstyle: Short, often spiky haircuts were typical.
• Attitude: The subculture was often associated with a perceived "tough" or assertive demeanor.
• Music: While not exclusive to any one genre, turbo-folk music and similar pop-folk styles were often associated with the "Dizelaši" subculture.

The "Dizelaši" phenomenon was often linked to the socio-economic climate of the post-Yugoslav wars period, characterized by economic hardship, a rise in crime, and a desire for visible displays of status, regardless of authenticity. While the overt "Dizelaši" style has largely faded from mainstream popularity, its influence can still be seen in some aspects of contemporary Balkan fashion and popular culture.