What is Streetwear?
Streetwear is one of the most popular genres in fashion today. It has huge following and endless possibilities when it comes to styling and creating looks. But who can wear streetwear? What exactly is it? Where did it come from?
Streetwear's origins are deeply rooted in California's skate culture and surf scene of the late '70s. Originally designed for functionality and comfort, loose-fitting shirts, jackets, jeans, and sneakers are staples.
Over time, streetwear brands have become more fashion-forward, incorporating elements of high fashion, street style, and other genres. Today, streetwear is all about personal style and expression. There are no rules - you can mix and match different pieces to create your own unique look.
Streetwear has mushroomed on the East coast of the United States. It was originally worn by skaters and surfers who wanted comfortable and stylish clothing that could also withstand the rigors of activity.
Over time, streetwear has embraced a wide range of fashion genres, including influences from hip-hop culture, punk, rock, workwear, and sportswear.
Today, people of all ages and backgrounds are aficionados of streetwear, and its influence can be seen everywhere in many of the world's major fashion centers. While its origins may be in California, the true reach of luxury streetwear is now global.
History of Streetwear
The conception and development of the streetwear trend began in the late '80s when Shawn Stussy, founder of small surfboard company Stüssy, began printing T-shirts with logos in Los Angeles, California.
In the early 1990s, major labels associated with popular hip-hop groups like Tommy Boy Records and Def Jam Recordings began selling branded merchandise embroidered on letterman jackets and work jackets by companies like Carhartt.
In the mid-'90s, the streetwear trend incorporated New York's hip-hop scene, Japan's nightlife, and California's skate community. Graphic T-shirts, baggy jeans, and statement sneakers are an expression of purposeful creation by their consumers: rappers, skaters, and rebels.
Although streetwear originated in the '80s, it didn't catch on until the early 2000s, thanks to skateboarders and their incredible influence on pop culture. During this time, Supreme and Stussy were in their prime, dominating the American scene and soon taking Europe by storm. Since then, streetwear has continued to evolve and expand its audience.
The 2000s also saw the rise of "bling" culture, with the entry of established luxury brands and the appearance of Burberry, Gucci and Fendi in hip-hop videos and films. The most popular shoe at the time was the Nike Air Force 1, immortalized in a Nelly song, then fashion apparel makers started to follow the example of streetwear companies with the idea of limited-edition capsule collections, now called "drops," in which social Media and product scarcity are used as marketing tools.
Streetwear has no definitive history; rather, it is an evolving style that evolves on the people who wear it.
How Street Style Evolved over the Years?
Streetwear has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the underground hip-hop and skateboard scenes of the 1970s and 80s.
What started as a way for people to express their individuality and rebel against the mainstream fashion industry has now become a multi-billion dollar industry.
While the early pioneers of streetwear culture were content to customize existing garments or create their own from scratch, today's streetwear brands are using cutting-edge design and manufacturing techniques to create garments that are as stylish as they are functional.
As street fashion style becomes mainstream, it is also evolving to meet more diverse consumer needs.
There are a wide variety of streetwear brands, each with its own unique aesthetic. While some fashion apparel manufacturers focus on simplicity and functionality, others turn to bold designs and seek to make a statement.
No matter what your personal style is, streetwear comes in a wide variety of styles and designs to find something for you.
Streetwear Styling Tips
Since streetwear is such a fluid genre of clothing, it can be difficult to identify which specific pieces belong in it.
However, there are a few general things that can be said about streetwear. It's usually built around casual clothing and comfortable basics, like jeans and a tee, as well as hoodies and sneakers.
Along with throwbacks to early skate, surf, and hip-hop culture, streetwear is often influenced by 80s nostalgia, so vintage tees, 80s-inspired tees, and logos don't look out of place as part of an urban ensemble.
Although streetwear itself is difficult to define, as we've discussed, it actually seems to be used to describe a whole bunch of different trends, all of which come together.
On the one hand, streetwear is a luxury aesthetic made up of high-end pieces and expensive "limited-edition" branded items like premium sneakers.
Streetwear, on the other hand, is a scrappy mashup of punk, hip-hop, surf, and skate fashion. The juxtaposition of frugal do-it-yourself style with high-end, limited-edition pieces is what makes streetwear so unique.
So, with that in mind, a key style tip is to combine "new and shiny" with "old and tired". Try mixing frugal DIY pieces like ripped jeans, punk rock tops, and T-shirts with more "upscale" looks like a quality leather jacket and a pair of crisp sneakers.
Another aspect of streetwear is that it often consists of baggy, boxy, and somewhat shapeless items. This means you're mixing comfort with style, so take advantage of that fact, and don't be afraid to go big and layer multiple pieces!
Layered sweatshirts, tees, and jeans won't look out of place. Wear a loose shirt with the buttons unbuttoned to keep everything nice and loose, and add an 80s-inspired tee for color and detail. Combine hip-hop styles from the 80s and 90s with a modern twist and you have a pretty solid concept to start building your streetwear.
Buy Streetwear Online
Streetwear is one of the most popular dressing styles in the world these days, and it shows no signs of slowing down. If you want to stay on top of trends, Lodyway is the perfect place to find some trendy streetwear.
Lodyway is a custom streetwear manufacturer and its benefits include the following:
Diversified product selection: Lodyway provides a variety of different styles of streetwear, which can meet the needs of different groups of people. Whether you like the trend or pursue fashion, Lodyway can meet your needs.
Premium product quality: All streetwear by Lodyway is made of high-quality material. Whether it is fabric, buttons, or zippers, Lodyway is committed to providing the best quality.
Convenient shopping experience: Shopping on Lodyway is very convenient. You can browse products on the website at any time and choose the style and color that suits you. Once the order is placed, the product will be delivered to you quickly.
Favorable prices: Lodyway offers competitive prices and often launches special promotions. That means you can get great streetwear for your money.
Good customer service: Lodyway's customer service team is very friendly and professional. They are able to help you with any issues, including border issues, returns and exchanges, and more.
This is a very popular streetwear shorts among young people
Hip hop black print vintage t shirt custom graphic t-shirts oversized heavyweight tshirt for men
Unique street style jacket, full of personality design
Drawing inspiration from the Los Angeles skateboard community this pair of cargo pants comes in a black and white colour scheme
The Future - What Trends Are Emerging?
Streetwear has come a long way since it got its start in the 1970s. What started as a way for rebellious youth to express themselves has evolved into a global phenomenon.
As street fashion enters the mainstream, new trends start to emerge. One of the most popular trends is the revival of vintage styles.
Original streetwear labels are taking old designs and giving them a modern twist, creating garments that are nostalgic and new at the same time. Another trend that is gaining popularity is the use of sustainable materials.
As consumers become more aware of the impact their clothing has on the environment, brands are launching eco-friendly streetwear made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled plastic.
With so many exciting trends on the horizon, the future of streetwear looks brighter than ever.