If Indian hip-hop is a building, Raftaar is definitely one of its strongest pillars. We admire both his music and his style a lot and going through the style evolution of Raftaar is not only a great way to learn about rappers’ fashion, but even if you are not into hip-hop, you can take a lot from it.
Dilin Nair aka Raftaar is not just an eloquent rapper, fierce music producer, and popular Bollywood celebrity, but also a very fashionable man.
The Hitmaker is not an easy man to put your hand on when it comes to street style, high-fashion sneakers, and versatile statement outfits.
Raftaar is so fond of rare high-end kicks, he has one of the largest sneaker collections in Desi hip-hop.
Raftaar’s style is super flashy but also very versatile. He looks voguish even when dressed with minimal pieces.
But the scenery was not always this colorful. It all started with the most basic things.
We know you’re all set to dive into the style evolution of Raftaar, so let’s get it.
The Style Evolution of Raftaar
Phase 1 (2013-14) –
In his early days, Raftaar was more into cool-boy style. He often appeared in minimal tees and denim pants.
He was not too good at making incredible color combinations, but for that time, he rocked some decent outfits.
Raftaar is a sneakerhead since the very beginning and he was super interested in high-fashion shoes, even during this time period that we can see clearly on his Instagram page.
In 2013, Raftaar’s sneaker collection had some best designer shoes like Adidas Jeremy Scott Instinct Hi Union Jack, Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Don ‘Red’, Riccardo Tisci x Air Force 1 Mid SP, etc.
Besides, he had a magnificent physique and two tattoos as well – one on his arm and a Mic tattoo on his chest (that conveys his emotions for music).
Well, Spiky hairstyles were a huge thing at that time, so our style icon also opted for sharp spikes. But in 2014, he snipped off that hairstyle and started growing his hair long for the next best Raftaar hairstyle.
Western hip-hop heavily inspired Raftaar’s style, so his accessory game is always incredible.
He is big on baseball caps, wristwatches, and chains. Especially in 2014, he wore a lot of long and short heavy golden chains.
One more thing that he pulled off a lot during this phase were bikers jackets or maybe he still loves them… By the way, are you curious?
Alright, then head over here!
Phase 2 (2015-16) –
When Swag Mera Desi came out, Raftaar attracted a lot of attention. He was getting better at his art day by day, so in his style.
He spotted his drawbacks and made them his strongest assets. For example, Raftaar’s outfits are better matched now, and he discovered what looks best for him.
And as we know, dressing is all about fits… so, he focused more on it and started looking way better during this phase than the previous one.
On one side, Raftaar was getting improved at fashion… while on the other hand, he was also uplifting his grooming game incredibly.
He opted for two eyebrow slits as it was in the trends during 2015. He also transformed his hair and rocked long dreadlocks.
But this was not the only time when Raftaar embraced dreads. But yes, this was his first time.
The best thing that happened to him during this phase was the significant improvement in selecting colors.
For the of the time, he opted for earth tones. That’s a noble gesture of getting better at dressing because neutral-colored pieces are easy to wear and match.
The next phase proved as a game-changer for this enigmatic artist and eventually, he found his X style. So stay tuned for it.
Phase 3 (2017-18) –
2017 was the year when Raftaar first wore his custom-made signature ЯR chain. Also, he went a step further in these pictures and rocked a spiffy navy blue suit and a floral printed casual suit.
During this stage, Raftaar just went crazy with his hairstyles and tried several fresh looks.
First, he changed his hairstyle to slick back, then he opted for a man bun.
The man bun look of Raftaar was one of his best looks of all time, but he didn’t stop there only and rocked long braids that gave him the hardcore Raftaar look.
In 2018, he again transformed his hair and came up with a nice buzz-cut haircut dyed in blonde (bleached).
Besides grooming, Raftaar was also getting improved at layering.
The rap star made a statement and wore a black-colored blazer with high-ankle sneakers effortlessly.
Raftaar is invincible when it comes to streetwear. This was also the phase when he started exploring more activewear and found his fit.
Raftaar did a track All Black featuring Sukh-E and in the music video, he dressed toe-to-head in the black.
While in 2018, Raftaar’s stylist made him dressed in a natty monochrome white outfit with a grey scarf.
That said, Raftaar is very versatile. He can pull off bright colors and he can also go monochrome.
Well apart from outfits, Raftaar also embraced expensive accessories like Gucci Belt, and Golden G Shock watch that is worth $600.
Phase 4 (2019-20) –
The veteran of Desi hip hop welcomed 2019 with long dreadlocks. This look of Raftaar was super powerful and bold.
After this hairstyle, he again went to that clean short hair Raftaar hairstyle, which was really cool.
He became a friend of earth tones and began balancing contrast like a pro. And as we have already mentioned, Raftaar has found his best fit… So, he pulled off some amazing tracksuits, hoodies, and classic activewear statement outfits at this stage.
He also rocked awesome jewelry like ring groups and chains. Raftaar went a level up on accessories and embraced watches, baseball caps, and cool glasses.
Raftaar’s sneaker love continuously pushed him to add more and more high-fashion sneakers to his collection.
The variety of kicks he wore is just incredible.
From Moschino High White to Vans Sk8-Hi David Bowie Diamond Dogs to Balenciaga Track Runners to Nike AIR Fear of God 1 Light Bone to Dolce & Gabbana B&W Super kings to Nike Blazer High Sacai White and hold on… This is not even half of Raftaar’s sneaker collection.
Do you want to drink some water?
Well jokes apart, If you’re really excited to see Raftaar’s full shoe collection, let us know in the comments.
Despite the shoes and stuff, Raftaar’s grooming was on-point as always and this is a big thing that we all should learn from him.
In 2020, Raftaar released his much-awaited album — Mr. Nair, and on the official album cover, we can see him in a full traditional South Indian outfit with some soothing hints of gold elements.
Here he rocked Box Braids and South Indian outfits, expressing everything about his music.
Well, this album was just as versatile as Raftaar’s style. So, if you have not heard it yet, you’re missing out!
Current Phase –
Despite not releasing any solo project in 2021, Raftaar smashing all the features.
In the music video of Saza-E-Maut by KR$NA, Raftaar embraced the Kalamkaar chain (his music label).
He still does experiments with his looks and often tries different things.
Recently, in a charity live stream, Raftaar trimmed off his beloved hair. That said, this man got a huge heart that is dedicated to helping others and he is a man of his words.
Well, now he is big on activewear and trendy stuff, sneakers, layering, and impressive color combinations.
And he is about to drop music as he said in some interviews… So, we are excited to see new Raftaar outfits and incredible Raftaar hairstyles.
Long story short, we are waiting for a new Raftaar.
Final Words
Rappers wear things that are too extreme for normal guys, but Raftaar doesn’t always dress that way.
Shout out to his stylist Avishka, who’s always done an incredible job and helped Raftaar looking impressive every time.
Well, apart from all these fashion talks, we admire Raftaar for his journey and we respect his hard work and dedication throughout the way.
He is an amazing artist and we love the music he makes and for sure; we are not alone.
So, if you also like Raftaar, his music, and his style, then let us know your favorite Raftaar songs in the comments.
We are excited to share ours with you.
Thanks for reading!
The Style Evolution of Raftaar FAQ
Q.1 How can I dress like Raftaar?
Wear neutral-colored tracksuits, jackets and designer sneakers. Practice layering your outfits with jackets, hoodies and coats. To dress like Raftaar, you need to become master of all — accessories, grooming and dressing. Make a perfect balance between streetwear and high fashion and that’s it.
Q.2 Who is the most stylish rapper in India?
Raftaar is the most stylish rapper in India. Not only because of expensive clothing, sneakers and good looks but also for his sense of dressing. He’s mastered putting best colors together and make attractive combinations out of them. Raftaar’s style is super versatile and complete. He can challenge you on expensive pieces and also invite you to wear basic clothing and dress like him.
Q.3 Which brand clothes Raftaar wears?
Raftaar is a versatile artist and his dressing is equally versatile too. He’s a number of popular brands in his wardrobe. From Nike to Louis Vuitton to Supreme to Dolce & Gabbana, Raftaar wears a lot of brands.
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