What is Streetwear?

Famed fashion photographer Bill Cunningham once declared, “The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.”

Streetwear embodies this truth. Born from the vibrant energy of music, sports, and art, it’s the very pulse of a place, reflecting its unique character. It’s about self-expression, unbound by rigid rules, allowing you to carve your path in fashion.

While it often defies an easy definition, its essence is instantly recognizable—from retro sportswear and luxury casuals to the pandemic-era comfort-wear, tech-wear, and the epic sneaker culture, streetwear is a melting pot of influences. It’s what you make it.

The Birth of Streetwear

Streetwear is a constant evolution, but it has a true pioneer. Willi Smith, a groundbreaking ’80s designer (often overlooked), is considered streetwear’s inventor. He brought “street aesthetics on the catwalk” with accessible clothing for all. Fashion curator Alexandra Cunningham Cameron says his work reminded designers, “Fashion is a thing made for people and designers should remember that. Models pose in clothes. People live in them”.

While Smith laid the foundation, Hiroshi Fujiwara, the “Godfather of Streetwear,” built the house. Through collaborations and his brand fragment design, he nurtured streetwear into a global phenomenon. We all continue this legacy, creating our own street-style stories.

This spirit of self-expression and inclusivity lives on in today’s streetwear scene. Countless brands capture the vibrant energy of the streets, allowing us to celebrate street fashion on our own terms. We’ve curated a list of some of the most influential brands right now, the ones perfectly capturing the current vibe and dressing the streets effortlessly cool in 2024.

Navigating Today’s Streetwear Scene

To help you navigate this ever-expanding landscape, we’ve curated a list of the hottest streetwear brands now taking the streets by storm. From cult-favorite independents and hidden Japanese gems to high-fashion collaborations, these labels are pushing boundaries and redefining what street style can be.

Dive in and discover your next fashion statement!

Best Streetwear Brands to Buy From Now

1. Supreme

Hailing from New York City’s skate scene (1994), Supreme reigns supreme with its iconic red box logo. Collaborations with major brands and limited-edition drops fueled by hype have cemented their status as luxury streetwear royalty. Their skate-rooted designs, often loose-fitting, are a coveted canvas for fashion influencers worldwide.

2. Stüssy

California cool takes center stage with Stüssy (founded by Shawn Stüssy). Their iconic handwritten logo is a streetwear staple. Balancing bold colors and laid-back basics, Stüssy caters to both skaters and surfers, making them a vintage treasure trove for collectors.

3. Palace Skateboards

Palace Skateboards (2009) throws a royal twist on streetwear. Merging London subculture with skateboarding, they’ve garnered global cred. From edgy collabs with adidas to psychedelic rock vibes, each piece gets the signature Palace touch – refined street style with a touch of British royalty.

4. XLARGE

West Coast vibes meet global recognition for X-Large (founded in 1991). Their iconic gorilla logo is a streetwear mainstay. They built their cred on workwear and low-tech kicks, and now infuse music, art, and sports into their designs. Expect bold, American style with a touch of glam.

5. HUMAN MADE

Nigo, streetwear royalty, brings a playful twist with the Japanese label, Human Made (founded in 2010). The brand’s pop heart logo, duck mascot, and rounded fonts are instantly recognizable. Embracing the motto “THE FUTURE IS IN THE PAST,” Human Made blends vintage finds with pop culture. Expect comfy T-shirts and sweaters emblazoned with their signature logo, adding a unique touch to any outfit.

6. Girls Don’t Cry

Girls Don’t Cry, the popular Japanese streetwear and apparel brand by Japanese artist and designer Verdy, is a message of strength. He created it as a wish for his wife’s happiness. Their eye-catching style features a signature red color and flowing cursive font. Collaborations with powerhouses like Human Made solidify their place in streetwear royalty. This brand isn’t about tears; it’s about bold statements and unforgettable style.

7. Wasted Youth

VERDY, the creative mind behind Girls Don’t Cry, flips the script with Wasted Youth (founded in 2020). It’s a personal project with a message: “Nothing is wasted.” This paradox fuels their designs, like repurposing Budweiser logos and tulip can art. Their bold playfulness even landed them a collab with the beer giant itself, proving VERDY’s vision is anything but wasted.

8. A BATHING APE®︎

Harajuku royalty, A BATHING APE®︎ (founded in 1993 by Nigo), continues to rule the streetwear scene. Their bold designs—BAPE camo, the iconic Shark Hoodie, and playful Baby Milo—are instantly recognizable. More than just eye candy, BAPE®︎ infuses military, pop art, and streetwear into a unique aesthetic. Their global influence shows no signs of fading, making them a true streetwear OG.

9. WTAPS

WTAPS (founded in 1997 by Tetsu Nishiyama) takes streetwear up a notch. Merging urban design with military influences, their style is unique and functional. WTAPS prioritizes clean lines and meticulous details, crafting high-end street pieces that seamlessly blend into the urban jungle. Expect quality you can feel and a look that stands out from the crowd.

10. Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack

Cactus Jack is Travis Scott’s streetwear brand (founded in 2017)! Inspired by his music and the label he created (Cactus Jack Records), their apparel goes beyond tees. Expect pieces that reflect the free-spirited energy of his music, often aligning with the themes of his songs and the iconic Travis Scott x Nike collabs. This is streetwear with a soundtrack.

11. Carhartt WIP

Carhartt WIP injects European flair into the iconic American workwear brand (founded in 1989). “WIP” stands for Work In Progress, reflecting their modern take on Carhartt’s legendary fabrics. Expect rugged jackets alongside comfy tees and beanies, all crafted with timeless designs that resonate in the streetwear scene. Their connection to music runs deep—the Beastie Boys of the ’90s hip-hop scene rocked Carhartt, solidifying their street cred.

12. #FR2

#FR2 (fxxking rabbits) built a buzz without spending a dime on ads. Their claim to fame? Light, playful streetwear that embodies the “clothes photographers wear” concept. Young crowds flock to their flagship stores across Japan, each boasting exclusive colorways. Expect witty messages like “Smoking Kills” splashed across their designs, making #FR2 a brand that speaks volumes (without saying a word).

13. fragment design

fragment design (FRGMT) is curated by Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Godfather of Streetwear himself. Since its inception, FRGMT has collaborated with a mind-blowing range of brands—from Nike and Louis Vuitton to Starbucks and Tamagotchi. How do you spot a FRGMT collab? Look for the iconic lightning bolt logo, a stamp of approval from the streetwear legend himself.

14. Brain Dead

Brain Dead isn’t your average brand; it’s an LA art collective (founded by Kyle Ng & Ed David) that throws a subculture mosh pit into fashion. Post-punk, skateboarding, and underground comics collide in their unique, graphic-driven designs.

These streetwear rebels aren’t afraid to push boundaries, as seen in their collabs with Vans, Reebok, ASICS, and even Oakley on the retro FACTORY TEAM kicks. Brain Dead is a wearable rebellion for those who crave something fresh and fiercely independent.

15. WACKO MARIA

WACKO MARIA is a Tokyo love letter to rock and roll (founded in 2005). Founded on the concept of “women, music, alcohol, and hats,” they offer a high-quality, romantic, and undeniably sexy aesthetic. Expect playful graphics and patterns that draw inspiration from music, movies, and art, making each piece a wearable conversation starter.

16. FEAR OF GOD ESSENTIALS

FEAR OF GOD ESSENTIALS is the effortlessly cool diffusion line from luxury brand FEAR OF GOD, helmed by designer Jerry Lorenzo. Beloved by international celebs like Ye and Justin Bieber, Essentials blends street, grunge, high fashion, and sporty influences into a must-have wardrobe. Their logo pieces are coveted, and collaborations spark an instant frenzy. This is elevated streetwear made accessible for those who crave a touch of luxury without the luxury price tag.

17. Stone Island

Hailing from Italy (founded in 1982), Stone Island is a pioneer in “informal wear,” crafting innovative designs with cutting-edge materials. Their iconic iridescent sheen comes from the “nylon metal” series, a testament to their commitment to tech-driven style. This fusion of high-performance materials and streetwise attitude has recently propelled Stone Island into the streetwear spotlight, attracting a new generation of fans. Collaborations with powerhouses like Supreme and Nike further solidified their place at the forefront of fashion.

18. COMMES des GARÇONS

Founded in 1969 by Rei Kawakubo, this label redefined Japanese fashion with a Parisian twist and boundary-pushing silhouettes. Their avant-garde designs redefined streetwear, earning a Met Gala tribute in 2017. CDG Play (2002), their playful line, brings rebellion to everyday wear with the iconic heart logo and Converse collab attracting a diverse fanbase—from Drake to Alexa Chung.

19. Noah

For the grown-up streetwear enthusiast, Noah (founded by Supreme alumni Brendon Babenzien in 2015) is a breath of fresh air. They ditch fleeting trends for timeless menswear infused with skate, surf, and music cultures. Think classic cuts with a streetwise edge—the perfect blend for a laid-back yet intentional look. Their relaxed vibe extends to coveted collaborations with Barbour and Vans. If you’re ready to graduate from chasing trends and embrace elevated streetwear essentials, Noah is your new go-to.

20. SAINT Mxxxxxx

SAINT Mxxxxxx is a love letter to vintage streetwear, born from a US-Japan collab (2020). Cali Thornhill Dewitt (LA artist) and Yuta Hosokawa (READYMADE) joined forces to create this cult-favorite brand. Their pieces are meticulously crafted with a vintage aesthetic but fear not—special printing techniques and dyes ensure they stand the test of time. Expect unique designs adored by artists and celebrities, making SAINT Mxxxxxx a must-have for vintage enthusiasts with a modern edge.

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Where to Buy the Best Streetwear Brands?

We’ve curated a fire selection of the hottest streetwear brands dominating the scene right now. From iconic labels to rebellious newcomers, this list has it all.
But where to cop these coveted pieces? Look no further than the SNKRDUNK App! All the best streetwear brands today, in one place!

SNKRDUNK guarantees authentic streetwear and sneakers at prices that crush the competition. So ditch the endless searching and level up your wardrobe with SNKRDUNK – your one-stop shop for all things street style!

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. If you explore the SNKRDUNK App for any of these brand products, don’t forget to use our welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you would like to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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