Everyone loves fashion even though few admit it. And the proof is that no sane person walks in their birthday garment when not in the bathroom. They take the time to dress up in their personal style when it’s time to step out. And if casual and comfy clothes are your thing, you’ll most definitely like streetwear outfits.
All about you, on the streets and on the catwalk are people adorned in different styles of clothing. Some exude formality while others exude style, fun, relaxation, and everything casual. The latter are streetwear outfits.
They are comfortable and trendy enough to make you look fantastic. And if you don’t know much about them or how to style them, that’s not a problem. We prepped this article for you.
It’s the ultimate guide to streetwear style. Keep reading as we dive in.
What is Streetwear?
Streetwear is a casual fashion style of clothing that incorporates jeans, graphic tees, sweatpants, hoodies, activewear, athleisure, caps, and sneakers.
This style emerged in the 1970s from hip-hop culture and skater style. It went worldwide during the 1990s.
Streetwear outfits are usually comfortable, casual, and trendy. They are best worn to casual occasions to ooze off a laid-back and dress-down style.
History of Streetwear
The decline of formal attires contributed to the influx of streetwear in the global market.
It is believed that this style emanated from the New York City hip hop culture, Los Angeles surf culture, hip hop, Japanese street fashion, etc.
During the late 1980s, surfboard designer Shawn Stussy sold printed T-shirts that featured the same trademark signature on his custom surfboards.
In the late 1990s, budding record labels associated with Def Jam Recordings and other big names in the hip hop industry sold branded merchandise and workwear jackets.
In the 2000s, sneaker culture influenced streetwear fashion and followers of the trend began to pair their graphic t-shirts with athletic sneakers. Top luxury brands began to appear in hip-hop music videos.
In the 2010s, luxury streetwear was born. Streetwear outfits became a crucial part of pop culture — all thanks to youths and social influencers. Also, popular streetwear brands began to collaborate with high fashion brands and that was how they became elite.
Features of Streetwear Style
Although streetwear outfits usually come in different styles, they all have the following features:
Contemporary
Streetwear is always in vogue. During the early 2000s, we had baggy jeans and basketball jerseys. Now, we’ve moved with the tide to see Mom jeans, skinny jeans, bell-bottoms, high-rise, pencil cut, shorts, etc., return to the scene.
Moreso, graphic tees incorporate contemporary art. That’s why the words or images emblazoned on a t-shirt resonate with you.
Comfort
This style has no need for buttons or ties that’ll make you feel like your lungs need a break. Whether you decide to run, skate, or walk in it, it’s comfortable to pull off any time, any day.
Manly
Streetwear also incorporates menswear style. It’s for both sexes, quite alright. But the masculinity in bomber jackets and baseball caps makes it manly.
Common Streetwear Outfits
Wondering what exactly these outfits are? Check them out.
1. Tees
Whether plain, logo or graphic, t-shirts are a major component of streetwear. You can have them as cropped, baggy or fitted tees.
2. Denim jackets
This is one major outerwear of the streets. They are sturdy like original denim fabrics and can be used to layer anything.
3. Jeans
Jeans are your number one casual attire. And the beautiful thing is that jeans come in different types.
From jean skirts to shorts, distressed jeans or ripped jeans, boyfriend jeans, baggy jeans, straight cut/tapered jeans, skinny jeans, etc. It’s one wardrobe staple that never goes out of style.
4. Sweatpants, Sweatshirts, Joggers, and Hoodies
These ones don’t serve you at the gym alone. You can don them when it’s time to go grab a snack or take a stroll.
5. Sneakers
Sneakers are another important component of streetwear style. These kicks make you look on the go and can be styled with any other casual wear.
6. Headwear
This includes scarves, baseball hats, bandanas, beanie hats, and every other headwear that gives off a hip-hop feel of pop culture.
Other streetwear items include:
- Puffer jackets
- Pool sliders
- Logo socks
- Tracksuits
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Jerseys
- Chains
- Bomber jacket
- Biker shorts
Popular Streetwear Brands You Should Know
There are many streetwear brands ruling the fashion scene. Below are 15 of the best you should know.
- Stussy
- Adidas
- Supreme
- Nike
- Off-white
- FUBU
- Obey
- HUF
- Ashluxe
- NACK Apparel
- Bape
- Carhartt
- Vetements
- Palace
- Kith
How to Style Streetwear
Keep it Simple
The watchword of streetwear is comfort. So, keep it as simple and comfortable as you can. And don’t forget to be creative too.
Be Yourself
You don’t have to get lost in those loose clothing. There are many options of streetwear outfits to choose from.
Therefore, pick the one that best portrays your style and get going.
Bend the rules if they don’t suit you. It’s all part of fashion.
Never Forget Sneakers
Sneakers are the crown of street style. Never forget them.
They elevate your attire and give it that urban vibe.
Mix Proportions and Texture
One easy way to look stylish without trying too hard is to mix textures and proportions. You can achieve this with streetwear.
For instance, pair your tapered jeans with your loose-fitting sweater or hoodie. You can as well wear baggy on baggy if you want.
Just have fun as you dress up and you’ll make a style statement with your outfit.
There you have it!
Everything about streetwear style.
And that’s not all.
Streetwear has been blended with afrocentrism to create a new kind of style. We’ve explained what it means and if you want to know, read up our piece on afro-urban fashion.
