Utility clothing and streetwear specialist with over 10 years' experience in customer advice, fit and fabric selection.
Streetwear Style: History and Origins
Streetwear is a distinctive style of street fashion. Rooted in Californian surf and skate culture, it has evolved to encompass elements of hip-hop fashion, Japanese street style, and modern high fashion.
The original streetwear concept began in the 80s when surfer Shawn Stussy decided to create surfboards with his signature printed on them. As a marketing tactic, he decided to produce t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the same signature.
Everything changed when he realized these t-shirts and sweatshirts were outselling his surfboards. He decided to launch his own clothing brand, which grew and was adopted by singers, rappers, and other celebrities—a factor that made it more exclusive, thereby creating the streetwear concept.
Undoubtedly, all of this stems from the rise of social media and the logical expansion of urban trends across the globe. People see certain accessories becoming trendy and feel the need to incorporate them into their stylish outfits. This is why major brands have decided to develop products in their design processes that, at first glance, don’t represent the brand, but do represent the audience that wants to wear streetwear without losing the social value provided by a quality brand.
We can say that we are facing a global cultural phenomenon. A few years ago, without the power that social networks currently have, it would have been unthinkable to see brands like Louis-Vuitton collaborating with Supreme. Today, it is more than common. It is clear that brands have spotted a market niche: a customer who is dying to spend thousands of euros on a simple t-shirt, provided it allows them to get into the trendiest nightclub.
The question arises when this niche grows and becomes an urban phenomenon that more and more people want to be a part of.
The Evolution of Streetwear Style and its Influence on Fashion
On the streets, in the office, on the runways… urban clothing has become the captain of 21st-century non-traditional fashion.
The launch of cult brands such as Supreme, which, although known worldwide not so long ago, was launched in the 1990s, reflects the rise in popularity of streetwear as we approached the 21st century. However, much of the unpredictable cult following that followed streetwear had more to do with the culture that had developed than anything else. What intrigued the consumer was the streetwear culture.
The idea of style as a reflection of identity unleashed the creative spirit that burns deep within so many millennials born at the beginning of the streetwear phenomenon. Streetwear became more accessible than the average designer couture brand. It fostered community, collaboration, and artistic expression. Fashion solely as a visual aesthetic ceased to exist with the emergence of streetwear style, ushering in a shift in high fashion.
Streetwear style transformed into luxury, and luxury into ripped denim, basic t-shirts, and patterned sweatshirts. It is clear that urban fashion was trendier than basic leather clothing, and a major shift occurred in the fashion industry. Urban fashion did what no other branch of fashion had done before: it burst the bubble of high fashion and “luxury,” transforming it into something different and completely unexpected. Simply put, street style attracted everyone, including celebrities.
Collaboration and community within urban style took place in various ways. Along with the emergence of a strong social media culture, the streetwear trend benefited from platforms like Instagram, making celebrity recommendations and collaborations more accessible than ever. Instagram became a compelling visual medium to illustrate the rise of streetwear history. As streetwear began to shape a new benchmark for high fashion, celebrities quickly jumped on the trend.
Kanye West, for example, collaborated with Adidas to create his personal streetwear line, “Yeezy,” or Rihanna, who partnered with Puma and launched her “Fenty” line. Not only did celebrities endorse this style on social media as a lifestyle, fashion, and cultural trend, but they also sported their own personal streetwear style and even went further by creating their own streetwear brands.
What remains perplexing about the influence of streetwear on high fashion is its ability to break traditional social roles by completely reinventing itself. Streetwear has been very influential and has rebranded high-fashion houses, encouraging them to engage with a new audience and adopt brand identities very different from before.
A Constantly Evolving Streetwear Phenomenon
In recent years, the emergence of this phenomenon, centered on “casual” clothing like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sneakers inspired by hip-hop, skate, and graffiti, has captured a significant share of the market: it has generated over 185 billion dollars. Likewise, data indicates that streetwear accounts for 10% of the global textile and footwear market.
On the other hand, the emergence of urban fashion influences several areas, such as production, sales, and promotion. Its revolution has reached such a point that it has managed to juxtapose brands that, at first glance, have no relationship. Luxury brands and sportswear brands have mingled. For example, Louis Vuitton now offers a range of products that goes beyond its traditional catalog: sweatshirts, sneakers, etc.
Young Followers of the Urban Trend
The transformation of its product offering mentioned above has led to an approach toward young consumers. For this study, more than 60% of respondents were under 25, as it is heavily focused on this age group.
These types of consumers primarily value authenticity. In other words, quality, product design (81.4%), and brand heritage (62.9%) are widely developed points. Young people appreciate the fact that these are exclusive products, but not at the price levels found in luxury brands. They want limited stock and something that very few possess. Scarcity is a highly demanded and widespread value, as are the democratic values of this type of clothing.
How to Dress in a Streetwear Style?
Here, we will teach you how to achieve and recognize a streetwear style so that you can fully enjoy the urban atmosphere with your friends. Knowing how to play with colors and clothes is important to get a winning look!
A) Characteristics of urban style
Before talking about outfits and how to achieve this urban style, you need to know how to recognize if your look is streetwear or not. Here are some of the characteristics:
- Streetwear style is composed of four pieces: cap or hat, t-shirt/sweatshirt/jacket, pants, and sneakers. In winter, you can add a scarf and a coat.
- Flashy colors are used, mixed with a neutral tone to make it stand out.
- It is a very youthful style where comfort prevails when dressing.
- Mix textures and materials.
- Accessories such as caps, balaclavas, sunglasses, a phone protection pouch, among others, are used.
- Clothes are combined with sports shoes. They can be of different colors or classic white.
Urban style is based on the use of bomber jackets, ripped jeans, and t-shirts with fun prints in a logical combination. Accessories such as scarves and vests also stand out in this style. Everyone who bets on this look doesn’t look the same; the idea is not to be uniform, so you can look unique by showing your personality when you dress.
If you are one of those who bet on this way of dressing, know that blazers, suits, and formal wear do not fit this look. Although being faithful to a fashion style does not mean breaking the dress code, you must adapt to each occasion.
B) Color combination for streetwear clothing
Every time we get dressed, we do our best to make the colors we wear match, or, if they are opposites, look good. But have you thought about whether there are specific tones for each style that enhance it? When it comes to streetwear clothing, there are shades that help achieve this.
In order to show off these colors, it is important to know the theory of color combination. To combine clothes like a fashion specialist, you must base yourself on one of these three chromatic proposals:
- Similar colors: we obtain a similar color palette when we dress in shades of the same kind. In other words, a dark blue with a sky blue; a beige with brown.
- Opposite colors: also called complementary colors, those that are at the opposite poles of the color palette: yellow and blue, green and pink.
- Three-color combination: to achieve this combination, you must choose one tone from each of the base colors. For example, an orange color with purple and green.
These are the basics for matching the colors of your clothes. We are now going to teach you how to apply it in a streetwear or urban style. After all this, you are going to become a true urban expert!
C) The right contrast for your streetwear outfit
If you want a look with opposite colors, focus on the sweatshirt or t-shirt and the pants. These should be totally different shades. You can wear black Carhartt pants and white tops. It’s a very classic, not-at-all risky combination with which you will surely look great.
Also, black is a basic of streetwear style. Prefer it in bottom garments like jeans, chinos, joggers, or dresses (if you are a woman).
Know that you don’t always have to use black. There are other dark colors that can replace it. Of course, always follow this rule if you wear dark pants with a light top or vice versa. If you choose this option, always bet on pieces of opposite colors on the color wheel.
How do you know if you are doing it correctly? Look in the mirror and see which garment stands out the most in the outfit.
D) Monochromatic Streetwear Look
On the other hand, if you like to dress in a more conventional and less risky way, preferring a monochrome look, you need to familiarize yourself with the colors. Combining similar tones is a bit like creating a gradient.
Although white is another base tone of urban style, it is perceived in outfits because its function is very complementary. Because it is a neutral color, it acts as a wild card in the wardrobe of those who prefer city clothes. Unless you include it at the bottom of the outfit or wear it in total white.
Choosing the Right Streetwear Clothing
Choosing clothes for an urban look is a bit less complicated than in other styles. Streetwear stands out for its simplicity. It is a mix of very urban basics, such as jackets, windbreakers, pants, sportswear, and sneakers like the Nike Vapor Max Plus or high-top sneakers. These are very easy to combine with other clothes.
What also facilitates the combination of the urban wardrobe is that their fabrics are generally monochromatic. Although stripes and checks can be used, they are not predominant in the outfit. It is usually worn in color blocks, whether similar or opposite.
The colors that should not be missing from your wardrobe are black, white, and blue, especially black. These will make it easier to combine bold shades.
Regarding fabrics, cotton is the favorite; it is ideal for warm months. However, this does not mean that you cannot wear your favorite look during colder times. To do this, wear windbreakers, jackets, sweaters, and dress warmly to keep your body warm!
A) The basics of urban style
Whether you are a man or a woman, in theory, the clothes are the same. Regardless of your gender, these ideas can help you go out and enjoy the city environment. We know that these are wardrobe essentials for both sexes. What varies are the cuts, colors, and some patterns.
- Leggings: a specific piece for women. They will match any shirt and jacket.
- T-shirts: ideal for the warmer months, or to wear under a jacket.
- Sweatshirts: they are an integral part of urban style.
- Caps: women and men can wear them.
- Wallets: specific for women, look for those with original designs.
- Sports shoes: they are basic, the Converse style is the one that best suits the urban look. But, there are other models that also go very well with this look.
- Cardigans: for more casual events, instead of a sweatshirt, a cardigan can help you look a bit more elegant.
- Jeans: skinny jeans are key elements of the urban look. They go with everything, you can use them for different occasions, and depending on what you wear and the shoes, you vary the look.
The urban look is about looking rebellious but casual. And depending on the accessories you use, you could achieve a more glamorous style. For example, women could wear heels instead of sneakers and thus look great for a night out.
B) Outfits for a Top Streetwear Look!
Urban style is very easy to design if you follow these combination ideas:
1. Navy blue bomber jacket + faded jeans + white pop-print t-shirt + white sneakers.
2. Gray sweatshirt + black joggers + red sneakers + cap matching the colors of the outfit.
3. Striped t-shirt + burgundy chino pants + black sneakers.
4. Button-down shirt with mini prints + solid-colored pants + matching colored sneakers.
5. Mid-calf cotton dress (perhaps with a round neck and sleeves) + sports shoes with a slim sole and a gold anklet.
6. Straight fit jeans + sweatshirt or sweater + and classic sneakers.
7. Button-down shirts or polos + skinny jeans + sports shoes of different models.
8. Black t-shirt + leather jacket + cowboy + ankle boots.
9. T-shirt + favorite pants + sneakers. Complete the look with a beanie, a hat, or a scarf.
Streetwear Styles for Men
1. Men’s street style: wool coat and plaid pants
A unique look that stands out for its large oversized wool coat and its chic skinny plaid pants.
2. Men’s street style: patchwork jacket and chain pants
We love this typical streetwear outfit with its patchwork jacket and chain pants accompanied by a yellow beanie for a fun touch.
3. Men’s street style: turtleneck sweater and brown chain pants
Vintage urban style, this outfit is very trendy with its light green coat and white turtleneck sweater, a classic of streetwear fashion.
Streetwear Styles for Women
1. Women’s street style: ripped black jeans and white crop top
We choose this outfit with ripped black jeans, a white crop top, and white sneakers. Break the mold.
2. Women’s street style: gray coat and white sneakers
City style is beyond reproach with this inspiration in an oversized coat and white sneakers. The glasses are for class!
3. Women’s street style: Mario Kart printed t-shirt and black leather pants
Don’t let Mario Kart fool you! Besides, you could very well have worn a SpongeBob sweatshirt… Or even a Flamingo t-shirt that you can find on this site! This outfit is an extra mix between trendy leather pants and an unusual printed t-shirt for an unusual style!
Conclusion: Streetwear Style
Dressing according to the environment is not complicated, especially if you bet on a very urban style. Combining basic clothes with others that are a bit more elaborate is very easy.
This way of dressing is not unique to young people who like going out with their friends. Those who work in an office can also show off this style. In the latter case, only do so if the work dress code allows it and stand out with pieces such as cardigans, button-down shirts, and vests.
It’s just a matter of knowing how to use the clothes that make up the urban style and its accessories. For example, during winter, you can go to work with skinny jeans, a t-shirt, and a leather jacket. Complete your look with flat-soled ankle boots also in leather. Or chinos with a navy blue polo, a long beige coat, and Timberland boots. Ideal for the office.
To achieve an urban style, you just need to know the basics: its representative colors, the parts that make up the clothes, and knowing how to play with other pieces. For you, what are the best urban fashion combinations? Which look do you prefer when you dress? Let us know.
