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Streetwear: The Lowdown
It’s more than just fashionable, casual clothes – it’s this colossal, booming industry that took off in the ’80s and ’90s, rooted in countercultures like graffiti, hip-hop, skate, and surf. It’s all about the sneakers, the tees, the hoodies – stuff people genuinely loved wearing, you know? Comfort and self-expression rolled into one. The guys who sparked this whole streetwear thing, James Jebbia of Supreme, Shawn Stussy of Stüssy, and Dapper Dan, they basically flipped the fashion world on its head, sidestepping all the traditional retail and dictating their own version of ‘cool’.
Streetwear is part of something bigger – it’s the fashion side of this huge cultural wave, deeply intertwined with art, music, and hugely driven by black culture. Think of it like street art or hip-hop. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a revolution. Unlike the traditional fashion scene, where a few elites decide what’s cool, streetwear is democratic, it’s of the people. The power is in the hands of the consumers, not just the industry insiders. And that, my friends, is the real game changer here. The traditional fashion titans are losing clout, while the voice of everyday people is gaining weight. It’s all about the streets.
Global Streetwear Brands
Top 10 Underground Streetwear Brands of 2023
Rebellion, creativity, and stealth. These are the brands flying under the mainstream radar, boasting less than 100,000 followers on Instagram, but making undeniable waves in
The Top American Streetwear Brands
Get ready to dive into the high-octane world of American streetwear! It’s where style meets subculture, rebellion meets fashion, and authenticity rules the streets. From
Top Japanese Streetwear Brands
Step into the vibrant, ever-evolving world of Japanese streetwear, where tradition meets innovation, and design knows no bounds. As a melting pot of unique aesthetic
Top 10 Australian Streetwear Brands 2023 Edition
From the sunny beaches of Perth to the bustling laneways of Melbourne, the streetwear scene Down Under is as varied and vibrant as the landscape
Northern Threads: The 10 Best Brands in Canadian Streetwear
From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the bustling urban landscapes of Toronto and Montreal, the Canadian streetwear aesthetic is as diverse as the
From the Ends to the Runway: UK’s Waviest Streetwear Brands of 2023
Today we’re on a big mission through the rough and ready backstreets of the humble, fashion-forward, UK ends. We ain’t just chattin’ about the runways
Korean Streetwear Brands: 2023 Guide
Korean street fashion, also known as K-fashion, has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among those inspired by K-pop stars. Korean fashion was once
How to Shop for Streetwear
Navigating the world of streetwear shopping involves exploring an array of avenues, from the classic in-person retail experience to online stockists and resale platforms. Staying informed about these various outlets is crucial to scoring the best pieces, keeping up with trends, and truly immersing oneself in the dynamic culture of streetwear.
There's no place to shop like streetwear like the brand's actual store. Store's like Supreme and Kith have shops in New York City, but these are not accessible for everyone.
Streetwear brands are generally direct to consumer meaning you can by directly on their website and they'll ship directly to you. This has helped many brands go global, as international customers can shop just as easily as customer's in the brand's home country. Unfortunately, for many sought after, limited runs, bots make it hard to actually get your hands on the item you want.
A stockist is a retailer that carries and sells products from different brands. For the streetwear scene, stockists can be brick-and-mortar stores or online platforms that stock up on all the hyped releases from popular streetwear brands. They're the middlemen that bridge the gap between brands and customers worldwide. So, let's say you're living somewhere other than major fashion hubs like NYC or Tokyo - these stockists make life a whole lot easier. They've got your back, offering access to the latest drops without needing you to physically be in those cities. You can cop your desired piece online from a reputable stockist and have it shipped right to your doorstep. It's a game-changer for streetwear enthusiasts far and wide, making the fashion scene more inclusive and reachable.
Grailed is the go-to secondary marketplace for streetwear enthusiasts and collectors.You can shop both new and preowned clothing, footwear, and accessories. Grailed holds a distinctive position for its blend of community and commerce, offering not only a marketplace but also a space for sharing passion and knowledge about streetwearThere are other sites that have carved their own niche in the streetwear scene like StockX, Goat, eBay, and Depop, each with their own strengths and user base..
Streetwear FAQS and Definitions
First up, you’ve got your original streetwear brands, like Stussy, Supreme, and BAPE. These guys are all about comfortable, authentic gear with an accessible price point. Think tees with a word or a logo that just make a statement. They’re in high demand, so the resale value can go through the roof.
Next, you have the sportswear brands. We’re talking adidas, Nike – the heavy hitters whose sneakers and athletic wear are the building blocks of the streetwear look.
Then there are the adopted streetwear brands. They weren’t born in the streetwear scene, but they’ve embraced the style and made it part of their product lineup. This could be luxury brands or mass-market ones.
Finally, you’ve got the luxury streetwear brands. They’re bridging the gap between the original streetwear vibe and high-end fashion.
Streetwear is all about comfort, creativity, and self-expression. It’s a relaxed, unconventional style that originates from ’80s and ’90s subcultures like skate and hip-hop. Think graphic tees, hoodies, and sneakers – it’s about individuality, challenging traditional fashion, and wearing what you love. In essence, streetwear represents a dynamic blend of culture and fashion.
Streetwear is not confined to any specific age group, but rather it’s a style that embraces individuality and personal expression across generations. Today, streetwear has become mainstream fashion for many, ranging from teenagers to those who spearheaded the movement and are now stepping into middle age. Just as they did in their youth, these pioneers continue to value authenticity and self-expression in their style choices. It’s a lifestyle you don’t “age out” of, proving that the love for graphic tees, sneakers, and the freedom of expression they symbolize doesn’t fade with time.
By definition, anything older than 20 years old can be considered vintage. So Supreme pieces from the 1990s or early 2000s are now vintage clothing!
A hypebeast is an individual who fervently follows and purchases the latest fashion trends, particularly in streetwear, with the intent of impressing others. This lifestyle, often showcased through platforms like Instagram and music videos, places emphasis on high-profile brands, matching outfits, and expensive accessories, with money often being no object in the pursuit of the trendiest items.
