The grunge aesthetic is all about texture — messy, moody, and unapologetically real. Think ripped jeans, scratched CDs, old film cameras, and streetlights reflecting on wet asphalt. These six VSCO filters will give your photos that gritty, nostalgic edge that feels straight out of a 90s zine.
1. HB1 – Soft Urban Grunge
Mood: Clean grunge / vintage street style
Settings:
- Exposure: -1
- Contrast: +2
- Temperature: -2
- Grain: +3
- Fade: +1
Why it works: HB1 mutes bright colors and sharpens cool tones, perfect for denim, metal textures, and dim cityscapes. It’s moody without losing clarity.
2. A10 – Sepia Streetwear
Mood: 90s nostalgia / old film tones
Settings:
- Exposure: -1
- Contrast: +1
- Saturation: -2
- Temperature: +1
- Grain: +4
Why it works: A10 gives that faded brown tint that makes photos look aged and raw — ideal for thrift store finds, record shops, and analog vibes.
3. M3 – Faded Grunge Film
Mood: Polaroid punk / soft decay
Settings:
- Exposure: -1.5
- Contrast: +1
- Temperature: -1
- Fade: +3
- Grain: +5
Why it works: M3 makes your photos look like they’ve been sitting in a drawer since 1996. Soft, muted, and perfectly imperfect.
4. X1 – Black & White Rebellion
Mood: Classic grunge / old concert posters
Settings:
- Filter: X1
- Contrast: +3
- Grain: +4
- Fade: +1
Why it works: X1 turns your shots into monochrome masterpieces — ideal for band tees, alleyways, and moody portraits. The high contrast keeps it raw and rebellious.
5. G3 – Dirty Pastel Grunge
Mood: Tumblr grunge / soft chaos
Settings:
- Exposure: -1
- Contrast: +1
- Temperature: -1
- Fade: +3
- Grain: +2
Why it works: G3 gives that “washed-out film” look that works beautifully with neon lights, dark makeup, and pastel hair. Soft and grimy at the same time.
6. C5 – Vintage Chaos
Mood: Warm decay / sunset punk
Settings:
- Exposure: -0.5
- Temperature: +2
- Contrast: +1
- Saturation: -1
- Grain: +3
Why it works: C5 adds warm orange and brown tones that make your photos feel like they’ve been developed in a bathroom darkroom. Raw, grainy, and nostalgic.
⚡ Pro Tip:
For the perfect grunge aesthetic —
- Avoid overexposure.
- Add grain, fade, and vignette for that dirty film feel.
- Try shooting against brick walls, metal fences, or flickering lights.
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