Streetwear has evolved from its humble origins as skatepark attire to a global fashion phenomenon. With its blend of urban edge and comfort, streetwear has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts of all ages. In this blog post, we'll explore the essence of streetwear, delve into its fascinating history, and uncover the key rules for creating stylish streetwear outfits. So, whether you're a seasoned streetwear aficionado or just starting to explore this fashion trend, read on to discover how to master the rule of streetwear.
What Is Streetwear?
Streetwear is a fashion style characterized by its casual and comfortable clothing choices. It includes a mix of sportswear, urban fashion, and contemporary art influences. Streetwear outfits often feature hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, sneakers, and graphic tees. It's a style that values self-expression and individuality, allowing people to showcase their personality through their fashion choices.
A Brief History of Streetwear
Streetwear emerged in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States, influenced by skateboarding and hip-hop cultures. Brands like Stüssy, Supreme, and A Bathing Ape played a significant role in popularizing streetwear and making it a global phenomenon. Over the years, streetwear has grown beyond its subcultural roots to become a mainstream fashion movement embraced by people worldwide.
4 Characteristics of Streetwear Style:
Comfort:Â
At the heart of streetwear lies comfort. Streetwear clothing is designed to provide a relaxed and casual feel. It embraces athleisure staples like sweatshirts and joggers, allowing individuals to move freely and comfortably. If you can skate in it, chances are it's streetwear-approved.
Scarcity:
Hypebeast culture has heavily influenced streetwear, creating a demand for limited-edition items. The perception of scarcity adds to the appeal and exclusivity of sought-after streetwear pieces. However, streetwear is more accessible than haute couture, making it a unique combination of high fashion and urban style.
Menswear Styles:
While streetwear is beloved by people of all genders, it has strong ties to menswear and often incorporates traditionally masculine items like bomber jackets and workwear. However, streetwear is constantly evolving and breaking gender barriers, with many brands embracing gender-neutral designs and styles.
Contemporary Art:
Streetwear often draws inspiration from contemporary art. Successful graphic tees and streetwear logos often feature artwork from established or emerging artists. Collaborations between streetwear brands and artists bring a unique and artistic touch to the fashion landscape, blurring the lines between fashion and art.
The Rules of Streetwear Outfits:
Rule One: Elevate Your Fabrics
Streetwear clothing used to be all about comfort and durability, with denim and heavy cotton being the go-to fabrics. But things have changed in modern streetwear style. Designers have transformed classic pieces like hoodies, cargo trousers, and trainers into more luxurious garments. So, if you're looking to step up your streetwear game, consider incorporating premium fabrics into your wardrobe.
Rule Two: Embrace Your Own Style
While hype is an integral part of youth culture, as a mature streetwear enthusiast, it's essential to find a balance. Fly below the radar by wearing innovative streetwear labels that are not overly hyped but still offer unique designs.
Rule Three: Develop a Keen Eye for Trends
Building a streetwear wardrobe doesn't have to break the bank. Develop an eye for recognizing designs and fitting clothes that align with streetwear trends. Pay attention to your local clothing dealers who often carry stylish outfits at reasonable prices. The line between elite mainstream and streetwear trends has blurred, allowing you to adorn an urban look without spending a fortune.
Rule Four: Choose the Right Fit
Opt for a relaxed silhouette that provides comfort and movement. Streetwear brands have shifted from slim fits to straight-leg shapes, allowing for a more comfortable and contemporary style. Experiment with cropped jackets to balance the looseness, avoiding oversized silhouettes that may not suit a mature aesthetic.
Rule Five: Bring Streetwear to Work
Embrace the versatility of streetwear by incorporating it into your work outfits. Combine elements of streetwear with traditional office wear for a unique and urban look. Pair a hoodie with other clothes, such as a blazer or bomber jacket, to add a touch of streetwear flair. Sneakers can also elevate your office attire when paired with chinos or tailored trousers.
Rule Six: Mix and Match with Creativity
Streetwear thrives on mixing and matching pieces from different brands and cultures. Rather than going for head-to-toe branding, showcase your creativity by pairing items that reflect your personal style. For instance, a hoodie can be styled with chinos for a fashion-forward yet casual ensemble that speaks to your individuality.