Streetwear is a global phenomenon. With its roots in skate culture and hip-hop, streetwear has now taken over the world, with fashion houses like Untied Au fear of god Australia and luxury brands collaborating with streetwear labels and incorporating their ethos into their designs. Streetwear brands have been mushrooming across the fashion scene for the last two decades, with many of them having a cult following. While many people are still unfamiliar with what streetwear is, there is no denying that it has become the go-to style for many people.
But what is streetwear? Streetwear, as the name suggests, is a style inspired by urban culture – skateboarding and hip hop, in particular. This type of clothing has gained popularity because of its functionality and comfort. Fashion designers have also come up with creative ways to incorporate haute couture into streetwear.
So if you are planning to start your own streetwear brand, you have to know who your competition is and what they are doing right. Here are 5 streetwear brands that you should check out:
1. Supreme
The New York brand has become a cultural icon that transcends the worlds of fashion, art, music, and sports. Founded by James Jebbia in 1994, the label has expanded to include Supreme/Nike collaborations and even a pop-up store in SoHo. Supreme’s success can be attributed to its limited product drops that cause fans to line up around the block when new items are released.
2. BAPE
Founded by Nigo in 1993, A Bathing Ape began as a cult Japanese streetwear brand known for its camo print and ape logo. The label has since collaborated with many fashion houses, including Alexander Wang, Kith, and Palace Skateboards. Nigo sold BAPE to Hong Kong-based conglomerate I.T Group Limited in 2011 but remains creative director for the brand.
3. Nike
You definitely know about Nike. The OG sneaker and clothing brand is worn by almost everyone around the world, from professional athletes to style icons. Originally founded in Oregon as Blue Ribbon Sports by University of Oregon track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman, Nike has become a leader in its industry.
4. The Hundreds
Ben Shenassafar and Bobby Kim founded The Hundreds in 2003 as a “people’s magazine,” but they also began creating apparel at the same time, building off of ’90s streetwear culture and adding their own touches of California culture along the way. The Hundreds is best known for its Adam Bomb logo — a cartoonish bomb character with a face that’s often modified to fit different themes. The brand also has a line called Adam Bomb Girls, which Shenassafar designed specifically for women.
5. The Newcomers: Artists & Revolutionaries
With its distinctive DIY approach, this brand is the brainchild of graphic designer and artist Jules Kim. Founded in 2012, the label’s collections range from collaged abstract prints to color-blocked designs with a futuristic vibe, all of which can be bought directly from the brand’s website or off of Etsy.
Handmade in New York City, this unisex brand is inspired by utilitarian workwear and has a distinctly utilitarian feel. The line includes everything from overalls to bombers, vests, and denim jackets — all featuring plenty of pockets and made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo jersey.
