Hipsters. Some people cringe at the term, others embrace it, but feelings aside, the independent, individual, not-so-mainstream look has hit Raleigh—hard.

Whether you are a frequent patron of Cup-A-Joe, ride a fixed-gear bike or listen to local music, the lifestyle associated with “hipster-ism” attracts a similar look among its adherents.

According to self-admitted hipster, Matthew Cain, a junior in arts applications, there is no conflict with an all-encompassing term for an individualistic style.

“No going around it—I’m a hipster, but I feel like there isn’t another term that identifies with it,” Cain said. “The backlash with being a hipster comes from the idea that we don’t want to be classified under one thing with preconceived perceptions or outlooks. Like the idea that I don’t want to be categorized. I want to be on my own.”

According to Cain, denying oneself as a hipster consequently implies being hipster.

“The denial is kind of like a qualifying trait,” Cain said. “But I have nothing against it, because I’ve embraced it, because that’s who I am and there is no way going around it. A term, which is hardly offensive, is not going to stop me from being me.”

The hipster style has evolved since it was born in the advent of alternative rock in the early 90s. According to Cain, although being a hipster is just about being oneself, the modern interpretation of the hipster has come to encapsulate a broad, but recognizable, range of styles.

“There is irony that hipsters do tend to dress, shop, and act in similar ways,” Cain said. “That may be drinking obscure coffee or listening to unknown music. I play the banjo—Exhibit A. But overall, I see hipster-ism as middle class minimalism. It may be wearing clothes that are cut off or skinny jeans or TOMS shoes.”

But the hipster lifestyle goes beyond clothes. There’s an attitude to it. According to Cain, at the bottom of things, hipsters are down to earth.

“A lot of people may think that hipsters are smug,” Cain said, “or that they do things in a condescending way, but I think deep down it’s an existential thing where people try to get away from the ordinary to establish their own independent identity. As for socially, a lot of hipsters are civically engaged and very active in issues that affect many people. Being a lone ranger doesn’t make you a hipster. It’s not about getting away from people, but embracing yourself with others.”

An embrace may be riding downtown to First Friday on the bike tour, or catching up with a friend over an Americano at Cup-a-Joe. Still, whether you categorize it or not, hipsters will keep on being hipsters.

“I roll to my own rhythm,” Cain said. “It suits me, so it works.”