Utility clothing and streetwear specialist with over 10 years' experience in customer advice, fit and fabric selection.
Step 1: How to choose your top
The top of your outfit is the most crucial part when putting a look together. It serves as the foundation that defines your entire style.
Let’s start with basics like T-shirts or hoodies. Fashion is always evolving! If you don’t want to spend a fortune on clothes, it’s best to stick to neutral colors like black, white, gray, or eggshell, and simple patterns like side stripes.
A great tip for choosing your perfect tops is to opt for 90% or 100% cotton for summer tees to ensure you don’t end up sweating as if you just left the gym.
As for hoodies, thick and oversized hoods are an amazing option. Another thing: you should buy pre-treated fabric rather than raw fabric. This means the fabric has been pre-washed, treated with water, and heat-set to prevent the garment from shrinking later on.
These pieces will last and become your wardrobe staples. From this base, you can mix and match with other items like flannels, coach jackets, or bombers to create your own unique look.
Step 2: How to choose your pants
Alright, when it comes to pants, it’s a bit easier to decide.
First, jeans. Jeans are arguably the most versatile item and the ultimate holy grail of rapper fashion. A good pair of jeans can last you a lifetime. So, if you have the budget and money isn’t an issue, it’s better to invest in high-end brands.
But if you’re working hard every day to pay the bills, the smartest option might be mid-tier brands. They are slightly lower in quality than luxury labels, but far superior to many fast-fashion brands.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fit of the jeans. There is a variety of fits, such as regular, bootcut, or skinny, but in the underground scene, rappers often choose slim fit or baggy jeans, as these two styles are timeless and perfect for this aesthetic. Some jeans feature knee gussets or zippers at the hem, creating a raw and casual look.
Besides jeans, sweatpants or track pants are go-to outfits for rappers because they are comfortable while remaining very stylish and edgy. Some even use long drawstring closure details to highlight the entire outfit.
Step 3: How to choose your shoes
Nothing showcases your personality better than a pair of sneakers. And every sneaker has its own story.
For a beginner, you should start with basic shoes like the Nike Air Force 1. It’s an iconic shoe that has had a huge impact on the street style community.
This significant shoe has been rocked by many rappers and underground icons worldwide because it gives you a fresh, modern, and slightly gritty look.
Skater shoes like the Vans Old Skool can be another amazing choice. One of the unique features of Vans is that you can customize most of their shoes to create a unique piece just for you.
You shouldn’t buy overly sophisticated pairs of shoes right from the start, as it would cost you a fortune. It’s better to dive deeper into the world of street style and learn about their history first.
