Streetwear is far more than T-shirts, hoodies and sneakers anymore. While the garments that make up the bedrock of the genre are pedestrian in nature, it’s become clear that success as a streetwear brand in the present day is a fusion of top-tier product and a clear brand perspective.
In actuality, streetwear now just has a broader definition. It covers the hip-hop leaning old-school, the fashion-forward new-school, and everything that falls in between.
So, to help set the record straight, here’s a rundown of the greatest streetwear brands on the planet right now and why they’re worth your attention:
1. Supreme
New York’s Supreme is one of the OG and revolutionised streetwear ever. It’s a move that has seen the skate brand ascend to become one of the most revered names in fashion today, with collaborations with the likes of Rolex and Louis Vuitton.
2. BAPE
A Bathing Ape (or BAPE) quickly became known as the place to go for off-kilter streetwear with a Japanese touch. BAPE is best recognised for its bright, multi-coloured camouflage prints and shark hoodies that zip right up over the wearer’s face.
3. Cav Empt
Cav Empt is a brand championed by those who outgrew their Supreme box logo hoodies and went looking for something fresh and exciting. By adding unique prints, utilitarian detailing and futuristic designing, this Japanese brand has positioned itself as one of the coolest names in this post-streetwear age.
4. Undercover
Today, Undercover is famous for its amazing designs and next-level graphic prints. it’s one of the most respected fashion-leaning labels in streetwear and a firm favourite among those in the know. Apart from that, Undercover also produces fashion-forward luxury sportswear in collaboration with Nike under the Gyakusou name.
5. Vetements
Vetements is about as divisive as they come. The label has caused a stir through its appropriation of broader culture into ironic or tongue-in-cheek garments. A ground-breaking design collective in its own right, the firm was founded by Demna Gvasalia, a Georgian fashion maverick who now sits at the helm of Balenciaga.
