World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

By Sao Mai   June 20, 2025 | 04:15 pm PT
Tech mogul Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has developed a signature style of minimalist, tech-inspired fashion rooted in cyberpunk and utility.
World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

At a May 30 press event with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Musk appeared in an all-black ensemble: T-shirt, blazer, jeans, dress shoes, and a baseball cap.

According to GQ, Musk avoids classic elegance or luxury in favor of functionality fused with futurism. His wardrobe blends minimalism with utilitarian flair—occasionally eccentric, yet distinctly his own.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

In February, during an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, Musk turned heads with a mix of formal and casual—pairing a sleek black suit with a slogan T-shirt and mirrored sunglasses, showing his unconventional approach to style.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

Rather than spending time choosing outfits, Musk opts for basic and neutral tones like black, gray, and white. He prioritizes practicality and ease of movement over polished tailoring or statement pieces.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

His go-to casual look typically includes plain T-shirts, jeans, and leather jackets.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

For footwear, he favors simple sneakers or leather boots—dark, unadorned, and consistent with his streamlined aesthetic.

A longtime fan of science fiction, video games, and pop culture, Musk often showcases his interests in his attire. He’s frequently seen wearing T-shirts featuring memes, anime characters, or gaming icons during interviews or product launches.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

One of his most iconic fashion moments was the black bomber jacket he wore during Tesla’s product launches, including the 2019 unveiling of the Cybertruck. Vogue likened the look to outfits in “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix,” calling it a subtle statement that Musk isn’t just selling cars—he’s selling the future.

Unlike the refined minimalism of Steve Jobs, Musk’s style embraces cyberpunk—a subculture that emerged in the 1980s, blending futuristic technology with retro aesthetics. His wardrobe staples often include Tesla or SpaceX logo tees, cowboy scarves, and Chelsea boots.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

While rarely seen in luxury suits, Musk dresses up for major entertainment events in classic tuxedos, often without a tie to maintain a relaxed yet polished look. At the 2018 Met Gala with then-girlfriend Grimes, he wore a white tuxedo jacket, black trousers, and a collarless shirt.

World’s richest billionaire Elon Musk’s fashion swaps luxury for techwear minimalism

At the 2022 Met Gala, he attended with his mother Maye Musk, donning a traditional black tux with a bowtie.

Now 54, Musk is the co-founder of seven companies, including electric vehicle giant Tesla, aerospace firm SpaceX, and AI startup xAI. As of June 17, Forbes estimates his net worth at US$412.9 billion.

Much of his fortune comes from his 42% stake in SpaceX—valued at US$350 billion following a private share sale in Dec. 2024—and his 42% stake in xAI, which was reportedly valued at US$50 billion as of Nov. 2024.

He also owns about 12% of Tesla, which had a market cap of US$1.03 trillion as of June 17. However, over half of his Tesla shares have been pledged as collateral for personal loans of up to US$3.5 billion.

Photos by AFP and from the official X accounts of Elon Musk and Tesla

 
 
go to top