Streetwear Fashion Design

ABOUT STREETWEAR

 

 On its surface, the definition of streetwear is deceptively simple. The fashion industry defines streetwear as fashionable, casual clothing worn by followers of popular culture. The majority of these followers are under 30, live in urban areas, and belong to a subculture group (ex. skateboarders or hip-hop music fans).  

The fashion industry has a difficult time pinpointing exactly what qualifies as streetwear style. It has a wide range of influences including skate and surf culture, Hip Hop music, sports, haute couture fashion, and K-Pop. Its customer base is similarly diverse, spanning across every income level, socioeconomic status, and corner of the globe. 

And no, we aren't just getting lazy. Streetwear is much more than a widespread shift towards casual clothing. Behind the overpriced t-shirts, mile-long lines at sneaker releases, and the designer logos slapped on literally everything imaginable, there's a whole lot more than meets the eye. 

Our Favourite FEMALE Streetwear Outfits

1. Racing Jackets

Vintage racing jackets have hit the mainstream of late and for good reason. Although they might put you back a pretty penny (£100+), they are a staple of any streetwear outfit. This timeless workhorse will continue to earn its keep long past its price tag, so it is well worth looking through the vintage sites to see if you can track one down at a cost within your budget. Then just add jeans! 

 

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2. Cargos & Baggy T-Shirt

You can’t go wrong with a pair of vintage baggy cargos and a 90s oversized tee … an outfit match made in heaven.

 

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3. Vintage Sweatshirt & Anything

You can chuck a vintage vintage sweatshirt on alongside almost any outfit and it’ll look good. Guaranteed! Pair your vintage sweatshirt with baggy or slimmer jeans or shorts, as a clean way to achieve that streetwear style.

 

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4. Varsity Jackets

If a racing jacket comes in over your budget, then look out for its cousin, the vintage varsity jacket, as this mainstay of the fashion scene throughout the decades, will certainly pack a punch and do the trick to finish off your vintage outfit. Just add bottoms of your choosing. 

 

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5. Baby Tees & Baggy Trousers

You won’t get much more 90s than the iconic baby tee – graphic, pastel, patterned, tie-dye – and pairing one of these with some baggy bottoms to create that streetwear contrast is an out and out winner.

 

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6. Gilet & Baggy Sweatshirt

Moving on slightly to the winter, the ideal candidate here has to be a nicely fitting gilet accompanied with an oversized sweatshirt to hit that 90s streetwear aesthetic bang on. Pairing with really any bottoms you want, as long as they’re not too skinny, and wham bang, your outfit is ready! Just remember, a vintage streetwear outfit is all about keeping it it casual, loose and oversized.

 

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7. Bike Shorts & Baggy Sweatshirt

Sporting a classic vintage sweat paired with a contrasting tight-fitting pair of bike shorts and a pair of chunky shoes is perfect!

 

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8. Vintage Colourblock Windbreaker Jacket

Finding a colourful 90s windbreaker jacket and pairing it with pretty much anything, will certainly bring out that streetwear aesthetic in you. Prime options for pairing include a classic pair of baggy jeans or bicycle shorts. Try out some options yourself!

STREETWEAR BRAND

Top 10 Streetwear Brands

Supreme

Founded in New York City in 1994, Supreme initially launched as a skateboard shop and apparel line. Famous for its iconic red box logo, the brand quickly became the embodiment of youth counterculture and rebellion. Supreme, with its limited edition drops and collaborations with artists and luxury brands, has created a cult following, establishing itself as a titan in the streetwear world.

Off-White™

Conceived in 2012 by the late Virgil Abloh, Off-White™ merges high fashion with streetwear, pushing the boundaries of contemporary style. The brand's distinct use of quotation marks, zip ties, and bold graphics has won a worldwide following. Off-White™'s influence transcends clothing, challenging conventional ideas in fashion, art, and design.

BAPE® (A Bathing Ape)

Japanese brand BAPE®, founded in 1993 in Tokyo by Nigo, disruptively blends street culture with avant-garde aesthetics. Known for its iconic camo patterns and Ape Head logo, BAPE® has become a cultural icon, with limited edition releases and high-profile collaborations, making it a staple in both Eastern and Western street fashion scenes.

Stüssy

Originating in California in the 1980s, Stüssy is often considered the original streetwear brand. Shawn Stussy's unique scribbled logo, initially a surfboard design, became a symbol of street and surf culture. Stüssy's enduring blend of surfwear and street fashion continues to be globally recognized.

Palace Skateboards

Emerging from London's skate scene in 2009, Palace Skateboards is now synonymous with British street culture. Known for its nostalgic designs and irreverent attitude, Palace has become a coveted brand among skateboarders and fashion enthusiasts alike, thanks to its unique aesthetic and collaborations.

KITH

Launched in 2011 by Ronnie Fieg, KITH emerged as a multifaceted lifestyle brand. Renowned for its innovative and refined approach to streetwear, blending classic and contemporary styles, KITH's collaborations with key brands and a focus on quality and detail have established it as a major player in the street fashion scene.

The Hundreds

Founded in 2003 by Bobby Kim and Ben Shenassafar, The Hundreds draws inspiration from California's skateboarding, surf, punk, and hip-hop cultures. Known for its graphic tees, denim, and accessories, The Hundreds is deeply community-oriented, reflecting a broader international culture and lifestyle.

Undercover

Jun Takahashi's Undercover, a revered name in Japanese streetwear since 1993, blends street fashion with high-concept art. Known for its avant-garde and edgy designs, Undercover's unique take on streetwear, featuring unexpected details and bold prints, has attracted a dedicated global following.

Everything

Everything, founded in 2019, started in Athens as a denim Brand. Originally operating through local stores, the founders decided to expand their reach by creating an online platform, E, collaborating with other early-stage brands and designers. Everything is known for a preference for 100% cotton fabrics and elaborate denim designs.

WTAPS

WTAPS, pronounced “double taps,” was founded in 1996 by Tetsu Nishiyama. Influenced by military wear and outdoor clothing, WTAPS is known for its functional simplicity and attention to detail. Its design philosophy, "Placing things where they should be," has made it a favorite among aficionados of understated style.