Streetwear clothing is no doubt one of the biggest global trends in the fashion industry, if not the biggest. It has grown so much since its birth and has branched out into different subcategories with the aid of various cultures. Streetwear started back in the 90s when hip-hop and skateboarding were dominating the mainstream scene, and everybody wanted to be the next Tupac Shakur or Tony Hawk.
After all, an oversized graphic tee, baggy jeans, and a pair of statement sneakers are all you needed to achieve the look. But this seemingly “basic” fit served as a crucial component in the evolution of streetwear clothing and is still commonly sported by many young people to this very day.
From there, designers like James Jebbia, founder of Supreme, and Shepard Fairey, founder of Obey skyrocketed streetwear to a whole different level, while designers like Nigo, founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE), and Hiroshi Fujiwara, founder of fragment design brought the scene to the East.
Subgroups of streetwear clothing also started taking shape from different backgrounds such as techwear, a type of clothing that focuses on high-quality fabrics and futuristic designs. Two notable brands which specialize in this category are The North Face and Stone Island. Athleisure is also another subgroup that merges both basic streetwear clothing and athletic wear into a whole new look.
Overall, streetwear clothing has paved the way for various creatives to express themselves through what they wear. It connects people and creates a strong sense of liberty for those who feel constricted by society’s view of what fashion should and should not be. Streetwear is more than just clothing, it’s a movement.
Streetwear Fashion Essentials
Considering putting on a basic streetwear outfit yourself? Let’s start by breaking down the components you need to complete the look. First on the list is the top, and this could include not only a shirt but any other outerwear as well such as a jacket or a windbreaker. The shirt could be a basic tee or graphic tee depending on your preference, but keep in mind that it must hang loose around your torso.
This is why it’s always ideal to choose a top that is one size larger than your default size. The same premise goes for any type of outerwear you choose to match your top. Next up are the pants, and there are a lot of choices when it comes to this one, ranging from jeans to cargo.
The loose trend also applies here, so whatever you decide on choosing, make sure it doesn’t fit too tightly around your legs and thighs. Go with something that offers a lot of legroom, such as the iconic “baggy” or “loose fit” as it’s mostly referred to.
And last but not the least, the pièce de resistance of the entire outfit: shoes. Compared to the previous two, choosing shoes is a much more personal choice, so the only thing that you need to consider is how they’ll complement both your top and bottom. When it comes to streetwear clothing you can always experiment with how each piece will go well with your overall aesthetic.
