STREETWEAR BRANDS: Best Streetwear Brands to Buy in 2023

In the past, it was easy to give a precise definition of the phrase “streetwear,” which meant something like “an unappealing style of dress that consists of printed T-shirts, baggy cuts, and sneakers.” It’s much more elusive today, for sure. This is due to the fact that in recent years streetwear has emerged from its traditional setting and onto the runway. The lines between high fashion and street style have blurred, leaving consumers confused about what constitutes a true streetwear label. In reality, the term “streetwear” now encompasses a wider range of garments. It ranges from traditional to cutting-edge to everything in between, including the hip-hop-leaning old school and the fashion-forward new school. Hence, to clear the air, I’ve compiled a list of the top streetwear labels now operating around the world, along with an explanation of why you should pay attention to them. Read on!

What Is Streetwear Brand?

Streetwear is a fashion trend characterized by a casual and comfortable style that gained popularity during the 1990s. The collection comprises of a range of stylish and cozy apparel options, including graphic tees, t-shirts, sweatpants, and shoes. Streetwear brands draw inspiration from the vibrant worlds of rap culture and skater style.

Why Is It Called Streetwear?

The fashion trend of streetwear gained global recognition during the 1990s. This fashion trend traces its roots back to a fusion of New York hip-hop style, California surf cat culture, and multiple elements of sportswear, punk rock, and Japanese streetwear.

Best Streetwear Brands

The best streetwear brands include the following:

#1. AIMÉ LEON DORE

In 2014, Teddy Santis, a native of Queens, founded Aimé Leon Dore. The label quickly gained traction with key endorsements and has since continued to thrive and achieve impressive success. ALD is a brand that has mastered the art of elevated streetwear. Their designer, Santis, has a unique talent for infusing every piece with a retro nostalgia that never fails to feel fresh. He achieves this by incorporating specific cultural touchstones into his throwback style, resulting in a look that is always innovative and new.

#2. A Bathing Ape

Celebrities such as Pharrell, Drake, and even the late Robin Williams have expressed their admiration for the popular fashion brand, A Bathing Ape. People commonly refer to the brand as Bape, which is a shorter form of its original name. Since its establishment in 1993, the Japanese label has consistently featured sleek and eye-catching graphics that are widely recognized. The pink camo tees and Bapesta sneakers, which bear a striking resemblance to the Air Force 1, have consistently been among the top-selling items.

#3. Corridor

If you’re a fan of streetwear, pay attention to the independent brands based in New York City. They are worth your attention. Fashion enthusiasts find inspiration in the city’s renowned vibrant street style. Once you make the decision to invite Corridor into your life, take the next step and open the door to welcome them in. This brand has been filling every collection with irresistible pieces that are sure to catch your eye since its establishment in 2013. Corridor offers a unique blend of classic staples and streetwear elements, allowing customers to explore fashion without fear of looking foolish. Also, for those who appreciate high-quality knitwear, look no further.

#4. Stussy

The emergence of streetwear owes its origins to the innovative designs of Shawn Stussy, a Californian surfer who introduced a collection of graphic T-shirts during the 1980s. Stussy, the founder of the brand, traced the origins of Stussy back to when he personally created surfboards and inscribed his family name onto them using a simple marker pen. The logo quickly made its way onto various clothing items such as t-shirts, hoodies, and more. From there, the brand’s popularity went through the roof, and the rest is now a big part of the brand’s past.

#5. Brain Dead

Kyle Ng founded Brain Dead with the intention of bringing together a diverse group of designers and photographers from various parts of the world to form a creative collective. Brain Dead has emerged as one of the most sought-after labels in the fashion industry. The brand has collaborated with several big names, such as A.P.C., Carhartt, and The North Face, to create highly desirable pieces that feature the label’s signature sketching and scribbled graphics.

#6. Carhartt WIP

Carhartt, a brand known for its durable apparel and outdoor gear, may not be the top-of-mind choice for streetwear enthusiasts. The loose-fitting clothing and diverse range of beanies offered by the brand garnered significant attention from skateboarders, ultimately leading to its widespread acceptance within the streetwear community. Taking advantage of this trend, the brand established Carhartt WIP, a line that delves further into skateboarding fashion by offering baseball caps and more streamlined silhouettes.

#7. Percival

Streetwear fashion is not always about sporting the most eccentric outfits. In fact, it often involves utilizing your everyday wardrobe essentials in innovative ways. Percival has earned a top spot on our list for their exceptional ability to craft silhouettes that are both recognizable and unique. Their collaborative approach results in staple pieces that are far from basic. So, if you’re seeking to add some excitement to your wardrobe, this is the perfect place to begin.

#8. Tropicfeel

As an enthusiast of gorp-core streetwear, I sincerely hope that this fashion trend continues to thrive. The perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics can unlock the gates to fashion heaven. Tropicfeel is a brand that is poised to provide comfort and meet challenges, eagerly awaiting its turn to do so.

Incorporating essential performance accessories such as backpacks, jackets, or shoes into your collection is a wise decision to ensure that your equipment can withstand any challenges that come your way. Fortunately, Tropicfeel offers a range of stylish outerwear options that can be paired with trousers and boots for a complete look.

#9. M.C. OVERALLS

With a history dating back to 1908, M.C. Overalls has certainly stood the test of time, indicating that they must be doing something right. It’s not often that you come across a brand that caters to both streetwear fashion and durability. However, this particular brand is built to withstand the test of time.

Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy to observe workwear garments of such high quality that are genuinely unisex and designed to cater to all individuals without any gender bias. This particular streetwear style has the versatility to transition seamlessly into casual work attire. Hence, with the addition of refined leather boots and a sleek jacket, many of the pieces can be elevated to a more sophisticated look.

#10. Nike

The Oregonian OG is a popular strain of cannabis that originated in the state of Oregon. It has a reputation for how strong it is. Nike isn’t like other fashion brands because it offers a unique and superior experience. The culture of sneakers holds a significant place in the world of streetwear. Enthusiasts of sneakers, commonly known as sneaker-heads, acknowledge that the Swoosh brand is the most esteemed label in the industry.

The longevity of the brand can be attributed in part to the exceptional work of footwear designer Tinker Hatfield. He is the mastermind behind some of the most famous silhouettes of the brand, such as the Air Max 1, MAG, and numerous Air Jordans. The brand has strategically formed special partnerships, resulting in a plethora of highly anticipated collaborations. This approach has played a significant role in solidifying the brand’s position as a prominent player in the discerning industry.

Underground Streetwear Brands

The various underground streetwear brands include the following:

#1. Evisu

Evisu is the underappreciated streetwear label for the man who finds vehicles fascinating. Its signature pants and tees are sure to bring out the confidence in any wearer, while its graphical coats look like they’re ready for a race car.

#2. Black Roses

Black Roses is a cutting-edge company headquartered in New York that specializes in producing products with daring and innovative designs. Their objective is to provide timeless and traditional streetwear while maintaining a commitment to high-quality materials and sleek proportions. In addition to delivering exceptional quality in each of its signature designs, this brand also strives to showcase distinctive and exclusive creations that are only available within its collection. Their offerings span a variety of items, including accessories, thermals, and hoodies. It is recommended to order one or two sizes smaller when purchasing these items, as they tend to follow the oversized nature of street-style clothing.

#3. Obey

Shepard Fairey, a designer, started the company Obey in 2001 with the basic but continuous message of questioning and opposing the status quo. Their shirts feature phrases and artwork that celebrate individuality in the face of the irony and routine of our everyday lives. Their credo is “less is more,” and they live by that principle in their minimalistic design aesthetic. The name “Obey” is a scathing indictment of the company’s stated goal of incorporating customer feedback into product development.

#4. Chinatown Market

Mike Cherman paid homage to New York’s Chinatown and the bootleg merchants along Canal Street by naming his establishment the divisive Chinatown Market. The use of neon colors, smiley faces, and spray paint–esque inscriptions gives this brand’s presentation of streetwear an exceptionally upbeat and carefree vibe, which is reminiscent of the feeling of walking through the streets and alleys of New York City, which are covered in creative graffiti. They’ve also worked with famous people like Mike Tyson, for whom they released a whole line. So, if you ever get hankering for some uniquely styled college apparel, you know where to look.

#5. Carrots by Anwar Carrots

Carrots’ unique and playful designs have made a significant impact in the streetwear industry. Their unconventional placement on otherwise ordinary garments elevates them to a new level of prominence, capturing the attention and curiosity of onlookers. The brand’s objective is to offer a combination of ease and playfulness through a range of streetwear that deviates from the prevalent themes of grunge and extravagance in the streetwear industry.

What Are the Cool la Streetwear Brands?

If you’re looking for the latest in streetwear fashion, California has a plethora of brands that cater to your needs. From Fear of God to Stüssy, The Hundreds, Undefeated, and Born x Raised, these labels offer a wide variety of styles and designs that are sure to keep you looking fashionable and up-to-date.

What Genre Is Streetwear?

Streetwear is a fashion trend that emerged in the 1990s and has since gained worldwide popularity. It is characterized by casual clothing that is often associated with urban culture. The fashion trend that originated from the fusion of New York hip-hop and Californian surf society has evolved to include multiple elements of sportswear, punk, skating, and Japanese street fashion. In due course, haute couture emerged as a significant influence.

Is Louis Vuitton Streetwear?

Louis Vuitton is a renowned luxury brand that is widely recognized for its opulent fashion and classic styles. In contrast, Supreme is a renowned streetwear label that has established its identity through its daring and nonconformist fashion sense.

Who Made Streetwear Popular?

Streetwear, a fashion style that emerged in the 1980s, gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s, largely due to the influence of skaters and their unexpected impact on pop culture. At the time, Supreme and Stussy were at the height of their popularity, exerting their dominance in the fashion scene not only in America but also in Europe.

Who Buys Streetwear?

According to our research findings, the primary demographic for cosmetic clothing consumers on the streets are individuals aged 25 and under. The demographic that streetwear aesthetics cater to typically does not belong to the most affluent segment of society.

What Industry Is Streetwear?

Streetwear enthusiasts hail from diverse corners of the fashion realm. In the fashion industry, there exist distinct streetwear brands, alongside sportswear labels that are expanding their conventional range of athletic gear to include an expanding collection of streetwear items. This trend is characterized by the incorporation of trendy and fashionable sneakers and hoodies into their product lines, with the aim of appealing to a younger, more fashion-conscious demographic.

References

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