You’ve seen them before. He has a beard, gauges and a flannel shirt. She has a few tattoos, teal hair and a nose ring. They seem pretentious and they are drowning in 1990s nostalgia. Who are these people? Clearly, they are hipsters.
Oregon has an outrageously large hipster population. Between Eugene, Bend and Portland, there are more hipsters than the microbreweries can handle. The University of Oregon is a millennial hipster’s paradise. A college in a cloudy, environmentally focused city is the ideal hipster habitat. But when the sun shines, the hipsters hide. Hipster culture is not meant for warm weather and Eugene’s hipster population is going to struggle in the summer heat.
Hipsters have many defining characteristics and favorable activities that leave them suffering in the summer sun.

The Beard

A well-maintained beard is a very common trait among trendy guys. If you see a man with impressive facial hair, he’s probably a hipster. The trouble is beards in the summer tend to suffocate their owners a bit. Summer time means shaving time, which leaves some hipsters baby-faced and sad.

The Flannels

Hipster dudes and dudettes are known to sport flannels regularly. They like to wear them buttoned to the top button and, occasionally, tucked in. Buttoned up or hanging loose, it is way too hot to be wearing flannel.

The Cardigans, the Beanies, the Scarves, Oh My

Hipsters are accessorizing geniuses. Their outfits always seem to include layers and patterns that would challenge your average shop-a-holic. Unfortunately, the go-to scarves, beanies and cardigans will have to stay at home during the summer months. No outfit is truly complete without a scarf; the hipsters of Eugene are done for.

The Sweaters

Absolutely not. No.

The Coffee

While it is unknown whether the artisan cup of joe serves as an accessory or a pick-me-up, coffee is key in hipster culture. Wandering Goat Coffee Co, Townshend’s Tea House and Tailored Coffee Roasters are hipster hot spots here in Eugene. Step into one of these locations and you will find hipsters by the dozens throughout the year. But realistically, hot drinks should be avoided in the heat. Our poor hipsters will be burning up while they drink their bougie lattes.

The Concerts

Music is central in hipster culture. Concerts are a fundamental part of the lifestyle. During the summer months, concerts often occur in outdoor venues. I don’t care what anyone says, air conditioned concerts are much better than concerts in the sweltering heat. While amphitheaters provide a beautiful environment to see a show, being surrounded by sweaty strangers is not so beautiful. The good news is there are music festivals during the summer, so all you hipsters out there will get more bang for your buck if you can bear the heat.
Summer is hard on Oregon’s hipster population, but alas they will power through it. There are a few trendy qualities and activities that work in whatever weather, so don’t sweat it, hipsters!
Dry weather is ideal for biking and wearing thick-framed glasses. There is plenty of time to read books and play your favorite vinyls. Eugene has an outstanding brewery scene and craft beer events occur regularly; trendy and tipsy makes for a happy hipster. So tie your flannels around your waist and enjoy your cold brew coffees until October! For now, you can substitute your flannel with a patterned button-up tee and your cardigan with a cool vest. Go for the stubble or the mustache look instead of the beard for a few months.
Though their stylish ways are hindered in the heat, there is still hope for Eugene’s hipster culture. And don’t worry, man buns and lavender hair look good year-round.
But step aside hipsters, because it’s hippie season!