With its standout fits and status labels, streetwear is the fashion movement that made casualwear king. Elevating sportswear from the streets to the runway, it has come to be the dominant force in 21st century menswear. But even if streetwear has gone capital-F fashion, with designer luxury labels muscling in on the aesthetic, there are still plenty of excellent designers keeping it real.
Often (and fairly) referred to as one of the founding father brands of streetwear, Stussy was established in 1984 by surfing pro Shawn Stussy. Its iconic logo, influenced by graffiti art and splashed all over the label’s clothing, pioneered the way big branding could turn each customer into a walking billboard and hype-generator for designers.
The iconic streetwear T-shirts and hoodies are a must but also check out Stussy’s colourful patterned cardigans, vests and skater pants.
It’s not the cheapest streetwear label on our list, but Huf is accessibly priced and as authentic as they come. The baby of skateboarder Keith Hufnagel, the collection includes everything from staple tees and hoodies to baseball tops, rugby jerseys and bomber jackets.
Style-wise, it feels like pure streetwear from the 80s, with a mix of sport references, bold patterns and big fits.
Based in LA, the brand’s popularity has also led to interesting collabs with the likes of Marvel, but don’t expect super-cheap prices on those pieces.
Run DMC wearing Superstars, triple-stripe tracksuits, bucket hats and a lot of ice is one of the most iconic images in hip-hop fashion. It also cemented Adidas as a legitimate streetwear brand. More than 30 years later, the German giant is still doing it well, supplementing its performance clothing with streetwear-inflected lifestyle pieces.
Beyond the signature tracksuits and much-publicised Gucci collab, look at trefoil-branded T-shirts, joggers, sweatshirts and hoodies. One of the world’s biggest sports brands, but also one of the best budget streetwear labels.
This fast-growing British label started life printing T-shirts, but it’s grown into one of the best budget streetwear brands around.
Hype mixes staple sweats, hoodies and tees with louder statement pieces, like tie-dye shirts and floral-print tops, so all the bases are covered. Plus, where else are you going to get a bright red KFC-branded bomber jacket?
Founded in LA in 2003, The Hundreds is a rare budget streetwear brand with impeccable credentials, authentic heritage, original designs and seemingly no interest in raising its prices like many others have. T-shirts come in comfortably under $50/£50. The hoodies well under $100/£100.
The aesthetic is classic streetwear: bold colours, playful prints and graphics, big logos and lots of them. If you want a streetwear T-shirt, The Hundreds’s vast collection is the place to start the hunt.
Founded by street artist and activist Shepard Fairey, Obey is a streetwear label with something to say. With designs that often incorporate Fairey’s political ideals, it’s a brand that goes beyond the usual playful slogans and artworks into full-blown sarcasm and satire – as fashion.
In terms of style, Obey came from skatewear and punk rock roots, with elements of workwear and military clothing thrown in too.
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