The History of Chokers

Choker necklaces are well-known as a style staple of the 1990s grunge scene, but they are far more ancient than that. Chokers were first worn by the ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians, who believed that the necklaces had special protective powers. In 1790s England, women wore red chokers to show distaste and disapproval regarding the beheadings taking place during France’s Reign of Terror. Chokers were also a popular fashion accessory among both the elite and the lower classes during Victorian times. Chokers were sometimes worn during the 1920s as well, although they were less popular then than they were during the Victorian era. The style was revived in the 1970s, but this time by men; rockers like Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix led the charge. In the 1990s, chokers became a massive trend but instead of the pretty baubles and delicate ribbons of the past, ’90s chokers were more grunge or punk in nature. Velvet chokers with metal clasps or trinkets were popular. Many chokers also incorporated padlocks, metal chains, and claps similar to those on dog collars. And of course, the famous stretchy, plastic “tattoo” choker will forever be associated with the ’90s. Today, chokers have once again been making a fashion comeback in the midst of nostalgia for trend from the 1990s and early 2000s.