The Best Streetwear Brands of 2023
Rare, underground, unique, and desired, these are the BEST 33 streetwear brands you can wear right now.
Created by upcoming designers, these popular streetwear brands are trendy, modern, casual, and stylistically unique.
In high demand by streetwear lovers worldwide, these 33 coveted streetwear brands blend hip-hop-leaning old-school with luxury-forward new-school.
Time to explore the 33 best streetwear brands in 2023 and the emerging streetwear designers worth keeping an eye on.
1/33
SUPREME
New York, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Get a piece of streetwear history from the most iconic streetwear brands. Always fresh and relevant, thanks to the OG’s red and white logo.”
Founded in 1994 in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, Supreme is considered one of the most popular streetwear brands ever.
Moreover, marketing experts say that Supreme’s logo is sufficient to make any clothing expensive and desired.
Over the years, Supreme has been endorsed by Kanye West, Travis Scott, Mike Tyson, and many more celebs, putting the brand on the top rank of Streetwear brands.
Supreme was started as a small skate label by James Jebbia, to the point of scoring a billion-dollar valuation a few years ago.
The label has an intelligent approach to marketing by launching new items in limited weekly drops.
This approach gets customers to form queues around the block, prepared to sleep on the street to have the chance to grab one of the brand’s latest releases.
It’s a move that has seen the skate brand ascend to one of the most revered names in fashion today, with collaborations with top fashion brands like Rolex and Louis Vuitton.
New York’s Supreme is one of the streetwear OGs and a brand that has revolutionized the urban clothing scene by throwing the traditional supply and demand model out of the window.
By collaborating with high-end designer brands, Supreme has etched its name into the fabric of streetwear history.
Nowadays, it is one of the first street clothing brands to elevate streetwear styles to luxury.
The American skateboard and clothing label has graced the backs of fash packs and ballers everywhere, earning its status as one of the most iconic streetwear brands of all time.
Reinventing the supply and demand wheel, Supreme drops a limited range of new items weekly.
So you know you’ll always be able to update your wardrobe with a fresh take on the OG red and white logo.
2/33
OFF-WHITE
Milan, Italy
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A rare taste for tongue-in-cheek branding bold prints, ironic tags, and high-profile collaborations that touched the world’s runways.”
We live in an age when you’re just as likely to see streetwear paraded down the runway as the urban youth is rocking you.
It’s a shift that has redefined streetwear, and it’s fair to say Off-White was one of the few labels responsible for the shake-up.
The brand is the brainchild of Virgil Abloh, one of the best fashion designers of all time.
He was also appointed as the creative director of Louis Vuitton and was considered one of the most influential figures in fashion.
Abloh’s own brand Off-White has become one of the hottest streetwear brands on the earth.
But not many buyers know that Abloh cut his teeth working alongside Kanye West and Fendi before launching his label in 2013.
Ever since, Off-White’s designer streetwear pieces have been making waves on the couture runways and streets with their bold prints, ironic tags, and high-profile collaborations.
Arguably the engine behind the streetwear’s take on the luxury segment, Off-White is now gracing London fashion week’s runways and the backs of hype beasts.
Abloh’s melding of culture and couture has birthed a streetwear name known for innovative designs and forward-thinking, bold, and distinctive prints.
Moreover, Off-White, a relatively new name to the streetwear style scene, has earned an iconic status through exciting collaborations.
3/33
STUSSY
California, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“The original streetwear label is known for innovative and eye-catching designs in the purest streetwear ethos.”
No conversation on the contemporary streetwear scene is complete without paying tribute to Stussy.
Credited as the original streetwear label, Stussy began as a small graphic tee brand in 1980.
After generating a lot of buzz with his tees, The California surfer Shawn Stussy – the label founder – has expanded his design to include surf and skate apparel.
Forty years later, the Cali-born brand became a streetwear empire known for innovative and eye-catching designs and purest streetwear styles.
Stussy started by labeling the bottom of surfboards. Soon the logo was on tees, crewnecks, and hoodies.
Since its launch in the 80s, Stussy’s stunning graphics have gained immense popularity, transferring into a wide range of streetwear the brand offers.
The brand branched out into surf and skate apparel, becoming the first recognized streetwear label and laying a foundation for generations to come.
Although Stussy, the designer, is no longer involved with Stussy, the label’s offerings are still top merch, including its rare selection of camp-collar shirts.
And if Shawn Stussy hadn’t surfed his way into the 1980s fashion through his t-shirt business, today’s fashion landscape would be very different.
Modern Stussy is a driving force in the streetwear couture scene by providing forward-thinking designs while always remaining true to its Californian roots.
4/33
NOAH NYC
New York, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Streetwear for grown-ups. Compared to Supreme, Noah has a slightly preppier take on the freewheeling skater aesthetic.”
What do you do when you hit your mid-twenties and start to wonder whether or not you should still be rocking an oversized hoodie and Air Jordans at your age?
Of course, you start shopping at Supreme or the New York-based Noah NYC.
Supreme’s success is due in no small part to the highly talented people it hires.
Noah was launched by one of the most talented design directors Brendon Babenzian who worked for Supreme for over a decade.
Compared to Supreme, Noah has a slightly preppier take on the freewheeling skater aesthetic he helped make a look in the first place.
Last year, Noah collaborated with Adidas and revived classic streetwear shoes.
According to Brenden Babenzien, Noah is streetwear for grown-ups.
Noah has everything, from corduroy caps and collegiate sweats to Oxford shirts and tailoring with a twist.
5/33
VETEMENTS
Zurich, Switzerland
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Super’ streetwear chic’ garments infused with ironic designs and tongue-in-cheek prints.”
Vetements is founded by Demna Gvasalia, a Georgian fashion maverick who now sits at the helm of Balenciaga,
The luxury brand proves streetwear has thoroughly infiltrated the once-exclusive world of high fashion.
Recognized as one of the top fashion brands for its innovative and highly diverse designs, Vetements has taken runway couture and brought it to streetwear chic.
Vetements’ streetwear pieces are as divisive as they come.
The label is known for causing a stir in the broader culture through ironic designs and tongue-in-cheek garments.
Remember that DHL T-shirt ticketed for over £300? Fashion or farse? You decide.
6/33
AWAKE NY
New York, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Launched by Ditto Angelo Baque, another former Supreme director, this streetwear clothing brand stands out through its unique NY-inspired colors and cuts.”
Here’s another streetwear brand launched by Ditto Angelo Baque, another former Supreme director.
The founder named his brand Awake NY and finds inspiration in the latest streetwear trends to design standout graphics.
Some of the most anticipated pieces from Awake NY streetwear apparel in 2023 are bomber jackets, statement hoodies and sweatpants, and edgy jeans.
In particular, Awake NY’s latest signature clothing collection fully uses designers’ streetwise awareness.
7/33
PALACE
London, UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Sporty aesthetics, tracksuits, baseball caps, and the occasional snakeskin loafer.”
If someone asks which streetwear brand is most popular in the UK, the answer is Palace.
With a proper British style, even though it was launched just in 2009, Palace has made a good name in streetwear couture.
Lev Tanju started the cheeky, subversive label to become Supreme’s spiritual successor (the brand’s US stores were some of Palace’s first stockists).
However, the British brand has a take on skate culture that’s all of its own.
Within the next ten years after its launch, Palace has become the UK’s most prominent skateboarding and streetwear label.
A skate label with a sense of humor (not to mention a knack for whipping hypebeasts into a frenzy), Palace has been putting the UK firmly on the streetwear map since 2010.
The London-born brand has achieved a hype level similar to its transatlantic counterpart, Supreme.
After taking cues from sportswear kings – namely Adidas and Reebok, Palace’s logo has become one of the most recognizable signifiers.
The USP of Palace is its sporty aesthetic; think tracksuits, baseball caps, and the occasional snakeskin loafer and smoking crop jacket thrown in the mix too.
Safe; however, it is not. So don’t be surprised if you see the odd snakeskin loafer or smoking jacket crop up from time to time.
8/33
NEIGHBORHOOD
Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Unique, dark casual overall aesthetic and moody streetwear – think clubbing ready and an ‘I don’t care’ vibe all around.”
Although founded by an American designer, the Neighborhood streetwear brand is crazy famous in Japan.
The longtime streetwear vet crowd adores the Japanese fashion brand, often mentioned in their discussions about the rise of streetwear and other prominent brand names.
The brand frequently collaborates with casual streetwear brands such as Converse, Dr. Martens, and watch brand Timex.
The label’s overall aesthetic is smart casual, dark, and unique; think moody streetwear, clubbing ready, with a ‘don’t care’ vibe all around.
9/33
HERON PRESTON
New York, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Stunning oversized cuts, quirky motifs, and signature bright orange branding from a musical-driven streetwear label.”
Heron Preston, a founding music and fashion collective member, followed in his fellow members’ footsteps, Virgil Abloh and Matthew Williams, and launched his namesake streetwear label.
Since launching HPC Trading Co. in 2016, Preston’s brand has become known for its genre-bending and unpredictable streetwear designs.
Heron Preston’s label has become one of the most influential forces in contemporary fashion while retaining a cult-like status.
Think oversized cuts, quirky motifs, and signature bright orange branding.
10/33
OBEY
California, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Obey’s streetwear clothing has deep roots in skating and punk countercultures. Also, the designer incorporates activism into each piece of clothing.”
The artist Shepard Fairey founded Obey streetwear in 2001 as an extension of his artistic works.
With deep roots in skating and punk countercultures, Obey has reached popularity by incorporating activism into its clothing.
The brand’s creations align with Fairey’s populist views and serve as another canvas to convey his agenda.
The label has been trendy since its inception and remains a staple of the streetwear industry.
11/33
BRAIN DEAD
Los Angeles, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Brain Dead’s streetwear pieces result from unique creative collections with artists and designers from all over the world.”
Kyle Ng launched Brain Dead as a creative collection of artists and designers from all over the world.
Since then, Brain Dead has become one of the hottest streetwear labels in town, collaborating with a ‘who’s who’ in the streetwear scene.
The label has collaborated with big names, including APC, Carhartt, and The North Face.
These collabs covered covetable pieces that charter the brand’s signature doodling and scribbled graphics.
12/33
HUF
San Francisco, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Deeply rooted in the heart of streetwear culture, HUF’s streetwear pieces remind the early 90s in modern contexts.”
Deeply rooted in the heart of streetwear culture, HUF got its start in the early 90s.
Following a stint with Stussy, New York native Keith Hufnagel launched his namesake label in San Francisco.
Since then, the brand has only gone from strength to strength to become a one-stop shop of all things skate and surf.
Now stocked worldwide, HUF is considered one of the most iconic streetwear labels of modern times.
13/33
CARHARTT WIP
Michigan, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“The label combines quality and heritage with contemporary designs and is hailed as one of the greatest streetwear brands globally.”
Who’d have thought that a brand set up to equip the blue-collar workers of North America in the 1800s would one day mutate into every streetwear aficionado’s go-to label for urban wardrobe essentials?
Carhartt WIP (WIP = Work In Progress) is the cooler European cousin of Detroit’s workwear stalwart Carhartt.
Since the sub-label launched in 1994, it has transformed the brand from a purveyor of grubby overalls to the backbone of all the “coolest kids” clothing collections.
Combining the rugged quality of heritage Carhartt with an eye for contemporary design, WIP has earned a spot as one of the world’s greatest streetwear brands.
If you hail from the states, you may still think of Carhartt as a workwear brand.
However, the label’s UK division is perceived as a streetwear staple, quickly being recognized all over Europe.
Moreover, its English version differs from its American cousin in its streamlined silhouettes.
The UK label also features more contemporary streetwear cuts with a skate-centric direction.
14/33
BAPE (A bathing ape)
Tokyo, Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Founded in Ura-Harajuku, Tokyo, A Bathing Ape (or BAPE) is the streetwear brand to go for, especially if you’re after off-kilter streetwear with a Japanese touch.”
BAPE is one of the most famous Original Gangster players in the Japanese streetwear movement.
Founded in Ura-Harajuku, Tokyo, in 1993 by Nigo (real name Tomoaki Nagao), A Bathing Ape (or BAPE) has become known as the place to go for, especially if you’re after off-kilter streetwear with a Japanese touch.
DJ and fashion designer BAPE’s founder is a cult figure in the scene.
His obsession with sneakers, toys, and in-your-face graphics has seen his label grow into one of the most recognizable streetwear brands.
BAPE’s quirky and colorful shark hoodies with eccentric design motifs gained tremendous popularity and became a symbol of alternative street fashion.
Nigo’s bright, multi-colored camouflage prints and shark hoodies zip right up over the wearer’s face are extraordinarily well-received in men’s streetwear fashion.
The use of bold design motifs has made the label popular with teenage hypebeasts worldwide, while older streetwear fanatics tend to stay clear.
If you’re on the hunt for a killer streetwear brand with a bit of Japanese fusion, then A Bathing Ape should be at the top of your checklist.
15/33
AIMÉ LEON DORE
Queens, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Communicate retro streetwear nostalgia (that feels equally fresh) through the language of affordable streetwear.”
Queens native Teddy Santis launched Aimé Leon Dore in 2014 as a way of communication style through streetwear language.
After a few initial and critical co-signature launches, the label’s gone from success to success to (yep) another success.
To date, no brand elevates affordable streetwear quite like ALD.
Santis imbues each collection with a retro nostalgia touch that feels equally fresh.
The designer does this by filtering his singular take on throwback style through particular inspirational touchstones that somehow always look like something new.
16/33
BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB
Tokyo, Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Founded by Pharrell Williams, Billionaire Boys Club is one of the best streetwear labels right now, with rare collections of tees, jackets, and hoodies.”
Founded by Pharrell Williams, it’s no surprise Billionaire Boys Club earned its status as a streetwear legend so quickly.
With ‘outer space’ being a significant influence for many designs, Pharrell has been known to source materials directly from NASA.
The brand has a playful, colorful, unique, and all-around relaxed effect, while some looks are straight out of the 90s fashion.
The brand’s logo was designed by Sk8thing, the brains behind Cav Empt.
The label markets rare collections of tees, jackets, and hoodies.
Pharrell also launched a sister label, Icecream, which houses women’s streetwear.
If you wonder how to look rich, the answer is simple: wear this streetwear brand.
17/33
CAV EMPT
Tokyo, Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“If you’re a streetwear hardcore, you’ve surely outgrown your Supreme box logo hoodies and want something fresh and exciting; Cav Empt is what you’re looking for.”
Cav Empt is a streetwear brand championed by those who outgrew Supreme’s box logo hoodies and went looking for a new, fresher, and more exciting streetwear brand.
With an emphasis on unique prints, practical detailing, and futuristic styling, this Japanese label has taken Europe and the US by storm.
Sk8thing created Cav Empt – you may know him as the brain behind the iconic graphics of Human Made, Billionaire Boys Club, Ice Cream – and music industry veteran Toby Feltwell.
The brand’s unique garments have made this Japanese streetwear king one of the most sought-after names in this post-streetwear age.
18/33
GOSHA RUBCHINSKIY
Moscow, Russia
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“The only streetwear clothing brand integrating post-soviet skate-influenced designs and vibes.”
Russian photographer-slash-designer Gosha Rubchinskiy‘s name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.
While the designer’s eponymous label is tricky to pronounce (it’s goh-shah rub-chin-skee), the name hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most talked-about labels in streetwear fashion.
Rubchinskiy earned his peers’ respect early on and was taken under the wing of Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo, who now assists in producing his seasonal collections.
Embodying post-soviet youth through sport and skate-influenced designs and the use of unconventional models, this eponymous label has become one of the most talked-about streetwear brands.
19/33
10.DEEP
New York, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Versatile ranges of seasonally-themed street-savvy apparel from one of the most respected streetwear designers operating in the field of urban clothing brands.”
Launching its first foray into streetwear in 1995, 10.Deep has cultivated a rep for producing some of the highest quality gear on the market.
Scott Sasso, the brand owner, is a true master craftsman and one of the most respected designers in urban clothing brands.
10.Deep is known for its versatile range of seasonally-themed street-savvy apparel.
Think military jackets, camouflage blazers, cowl-neck sweaters, and Letterman jackets.
20/33
PATTA
Amsterdam, Netherlands
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“The fastest way to express your love of sneakers, music, and streetwear in one go.”
Patta is the brainchild of two veteran players in Amsterdam’s hip-hop scene.
The pair decided to channel their love of sneakers, music, and streetwear into a store housing all their favorite gear.
Patta’s logo was printed onto a small batch of tees for family and friends in the early days.
But, as demand grew, the idea became a fully-fledged in-house brand.
The focus is on big logos, loose cuts, and vibrant colors, with seasonal collections routinely flying off shelves in no time at all.
21/33
KITH
New York, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Logo-heavy, urban garments, and limited-run streetwear clothing collaborations, with some of the most coveted brands right now.”
Kith is a streetwear giant known for collaborations with some of the biggest names in the world of men’s and women’s sneakers and streetwear.
Featuring logo-heavy urban garments and limited-run collaborations with some unexpected brands, this is a streetwear brand you can’t miss.
In the past, Kith has joined forces with names as obscure as Bugaboo, the luxury pram manufacturer, and Coca-Cola.
More recently, the label teamed up with Tommy Hilfiger to produce a nostalgia-laden capsule collection for AW18.
22/33
CDG PLAY
Tokyo, Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Constant locus on staple items such as Breton tops, hoodies, and classic tees – distinguished by the iconic bug-eyed heart logo.”
Comme des Garçons is a fashion house renowned for outlandish designs and bizarre runway shows.
However, the label’s Play imprint is known for quite the opposite.
Featuring the iconic bug-eyed heart logo, CDG Play’s output instead focuses on simple staple items like Breton tops, hoodies, and logo tees.
There’s also a long-running collaborative effort with Converse.
The converse collaboration has seen Rei Kawakubo’s brand put its stamp on the Chuck Taylor All-Star 70.
It has also created one of the most popular streetwear shoes in the process!
23/33
UNDEFEATED
Los Angeles, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Premium sneaker and streetwear clothing range at the high-end/luxury boutique level..”
Undefeated is a premium sneaker and streetwear boutique oozing that east-coast American streetwear aesthetic.
Based in Los Angeles, California, it has quickly cemented itself as the go-to destination for street-style pieces and gear worldwide.
Founded by James Bond and Eddie Cruz, Undefeated frequently collaborates with A Bathing Ape, Champion, Neighborhood, Wtaps, Adidas, ASICS, Converse, Nike, and Vans.
24/33
THE HUNDREDS
Los Angeles, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Maybe not one of the cheap streetwear brands out there, but ‘The Hundreds’ makes clothing dedicated to the street culture from around the world.”
Above all, the guys over The Hundreds do ‘streetwear things’ differently.
Not only do they run a streetwear brand, but their site is also a media platform dedicated to street culture worldwide.
Based in Cali, the label was founded in 2003 by Bobby Kim (Bobby Hundreds) and Ben Shenassafar (Ben Hundreds).
Maybe not one of the cheap streetwear brands out there, the label’s offering includes fashion handbags, T-shirts, denim, wovens, fleece, headwear, and outerwear.
25/33
WTAPS
Tokyo, Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“With a military background, the label’s baggy cuts, soldiery workwear, and Japanese utilitarian pieces are the best in the game.”
Hard-to-pronounce names are ten a penny in the fashion world, and if you thought streetwear was going to be any different, you’d be sadly mistaken.
According to the Japanese label’s creators, WTAPS is pronounced ‘double taps.’
However, we’re not quite sure where they got that from.
WTAPS comes from a military term that pretty much means kill shot, and the aesthetic is much simpler than its name suggests.
But the brand’s name isn’t the only thing military-inspired.
The label features baggy cuts, soldiery workwear influences, and Japanese utilitarian styling.
Think of army green, cargo pants, loose-fitting hoodies, with the occasional preppy Ivy League style.
26/33
A COLD WALL
London, UK
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Trailblazing imprints that divide avant-garde and wearable loved by top streetwear heavyweights.”
When thinking of British brands, heritage names spring to mind instead of genre-bending Haute streetwear.
But that’s set to change with London-based A-Cold-Wall going from strength to strength in recent years.
Designer Samuel Ross’s trailblazing imprint straddles the line that divides avant-garde and wearable, earning him nods from several industry heavyweights.
His label’s designs employ utilitarian silhouettes and rare fabrics to create fashion-week-worthy streetwear.
Oh, and he’s not opposed to sending the odd naked model down the runway, either.
A-Cold-Wall also has built a reputation as a genre-bending brand by merging the lines between high-end couture and street-style casual wear.
27/33
UNDERCOVER
Japan
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Weirdly wonderful designs and graphic prints make it a pillar of the ultra-hip Ura-Harajuku scene.”
Undercover‘s weirdly wonderful designs and next-level graphic print T-shirts made it a pillar of the ultra-hip Ura-Harajuku scene in ’90s Tokyo.
Nowadays, Undercover is one of the most respected fashion-leaning labels in streetwear and a favorite among those in the know.
When he was younger, the brand’s founder, Jun Takahashi, was profoundly influenced by the UK punk scene, which inspired some of his most daring designs.
Aside from that, Undercover produces fashion-forward luxury sportswear in collaboration with Nike under the Gyakusou name.
Renowned in Tokyo during the 90s, Undercover is the streetwear industry’s most prominent and respected label in 2023.
The staples of Undercover are quirky tees splashed with over-the-top printed graphics.
28/33
CACTUS PLANT FLEA MARKET
Anonymous
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A super enigmatic label that has lent its signature DIY typography and smiley face motif to Nike – and just about every other major player in the streetwear.”
Want to know the fastest way to create a successful streetwear/hypebeast brand?
Partner with Cactus Plant Flea Market (lather, rinse, repeat).
The intentionally enigmatic label, founded by Cynthia Lu in 2015, has lent its signature DIY typography and smiley face motif to Nike and just about every other major player in the streetwear space.
Cactus Plant Flea Market represents a notable standout by a WOC in a male-dominated fashion segment.
Known for everything streetwear and beyond, the brand is particularly sought after for its techwear for women and cyberpunk clothing styles.
29/33
GOLF WANG
Los Angeles, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Striking visual aesthetics, this is a top streetwear brand for clothing, footwear, jewelry, and other related products.”
Golf Wang is an American streetwear brand established in 2011 by American musician Tyler, the Creator.
Golf Wang’s name originates from his Los Angeles-based musical collective, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), or Odd Future for short, of which Tyler was a co-founder.
Golf Wang has expanded beyond the Odd Future affiliation and has established itself as a name in the fashion industry, known for vivid visual aesthetics.
The brand offers streetwear clothing, footwear through Golf le Fleur, jewelry, and other related products.
Golf Wang is Tyler’s outlet to express his singular take on the skate-rat look he made mainstream, now updated to reflect his maturation as an artist and a man who gets off perfect fits.
30/33
THE NORTH FACE
San Francisco, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Extended beyond outdoor clothing enthusiasts, The North Face has become a streetwear fashion style symbol.”
The North Face is an American outdoor recreation products company that produces outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment.
Founded in 1968 to supply climbers, its logo draws inspiration from Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
By the late 1990s, the label had expanded beyond outdoor enthusiasts, and in the 2000s fashion, it became a streetwear fashion style symbol.
Nowadays, The North Face is regarded as the best mountaineering brand of streetwear brands.
Over the years, the brand has collaborated with several streetwear brands, such as Supreme.
It has also helped new labels, such as the Japanese “Purple Label” line, gain recognition and followers.
31/33
NIKE
United States
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Nike’s collab with Off-White alone put them back at the top of streetwear brands, fast.”
Nike is one of the Original Gangster brands famous for streetwear and sports couture.
No sneakerhead can ignore Nike’s beloved logo as, throughout the years, the brand has evolved into a modern giant, always up to date with fashion trends.
The brand has collaborated with other consecrated streetwear brands such as Off-White and Patta and has successfully launched some of the best street style pieces.
Sneaker culture is a massive part of streetwear, and any sneakerhead worth his or her salt will tell you that ole Swoosh is the most respected label in the game.
A fair share of its success is the masterful work of footwear designer Tinker Hatfield, who created some of the brand’s most iconic silhouettes, including the Air Max 1, MAG, and countless Air Jordans.
There’s also an intelligent approach to unique partnerships to be thanked.
Via a long list of exciting collaborations, the brand established itself as one of the leading names in this difficult-to-please, stylistic scene.
With no sign of slowing down, it looks like Nike will be rocking the streetwear stage for many years.
32/33
ADIDAS
Germany
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“Hailed as ‘the badge of sports,’ Adidas is pushing forward brand ultra-modern styles.”
The iconic three-stripe sneaker has been stomping its place firmly on the street-style pavement thanks to its popularity in the 80s and 90s.
As an OG sports label, Adidas is one of the top street-style brands.
The German sportswear label is responsible for gifting us Kanye West’s Yeezy line of sneakers and Pharrell William’s NMDs, amongst many other celebrity collaborations.
The Yeezy Boost range, designed in conjunction with Ye, produced some of the most talked-about and sought-after shoes in recent history.
It also helped to put Adidas firmly on the streetwear map.
Nowadays, Adidas’ streetwear kicks appear on the world’s best sneaker websites.
And now, with the 1990s footwear trend in full swing, ‘Three Stripes’ place within the scene is only becoming better established.
33/33
NEW BALANCE
Boston, US
EDITOR’S NOTE:
“A full range of models and widths, and you should be able to find the perfect shoe not just for your streetwear style but also for your gait and foot shape.”
Who are the real winners of streetwear’s explosive popularity over the last few years?
Sportswear giants like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance have benefitted from the movement’s sudden rise.
But, from all, New Balance stands atop by borrowing some of its design chops, often in the form of sold-out collaborative collections.
From its vegan sneakers to retro dads trainers, New Balance has always been spot on when it comes to the latest fashion trends.
What is Considered Streetwear in 2023?
The ‘streetwear’ term describes the latest fashion styles as spotted on the streets of the world’s fashion capitals; London, Paris, New York, or Toyo.
Before it became a cultural and stylistic phenomenon, streetwear meant “unflattering fashion consisting of graphic T-shirts, baggy cuts, and worn-out sneakers.”
Nowadays, hoodies and harness bags are sent down fashion-week runways by the best streetwear brands, competing for attention with luxury labels recognized for their razor-sharp tailoring and trench coats – you know who I am talking about.
Supreme is the perfect example: the OG streetwear label has become a billion-dollar behemoth and one of the best streetwear labels in the world right now.
Supreme has partnerships with historic haute couture and luxury houses on outdoor and skatewear styles.
And thanks to Supreme, BAPE, Y-3, and many other streetwear names, styles, and cuts once reserved for the skater community have become the norm on London, New York, and Paris runways.
Chinese or Japanese Streetwear Brands?
Asian streetwear clothing brands have always influenced the trends in Europe and the US.
After Japan, it seems that Chines streetwear brands are taking center stage with their outstanding men’s and women’s hoodies, shoes, T-shirts, and jackets.
Li Ning, STA, Occupy, SMF, and Afewgoodkids are some of the most popular Chinese streetwear brands right now, worth mentioning here.
While remaining true to the street-wear culture, these brands revive the Chinese artistic style through compelling and unique creations.
However, I’ll cover more about these emerging brands in my next article.
In 2023, these are the best streetwear brands, loved worldwide by anyone with a strong appreciation of urban fashion.
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Which one of these streetwear brands is your favorite and why?
Do you wear Japanese, Korean, or Chinese streetwear brands? If yes, which ones?
Who will be the king of streetwear brands in 2023, and why?
Are there other hype streetwear labels missing from this list that you would like me to add?
Please leave your comments below so others can benefit from your expertise.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
One of the most informative posts I have ever seen about streetwear brands. And many thanks for sharing with us lots of fashion tips on how to dress and look great with streetwear clothes.
Wonderful collection of streetwear! I like those websites with streetwear girl styles, in particular. I see streetwear brands are having more clothes for women & unisex now!
Everybody is asking for Japanese and American streetwear brands, but very few know that there are lots of Asian super streetwear labels as well
A dope outfit for gals: Belt/chain, just thrift it at RealReal of Goodwill! Platforms and cargo pants from dolls kill (super edgy street style online store).
The best streetwear brand is Lucid (https://www.lucid777.com/). Super dope designs & affordable. Another great thing about Lucid is the guy who runs it, Niko, is an amazing guy. Had an item damaged in the post and asked for a replacement. He told me instead of a return to keep it (barely damaged) and he’d send another! Now I’m a frequent buyer…
Underground streetwear is the future of fashion, here are some of the best streetwear brands you might want to know more about!
Rick Owens
Damir Doma
Maurizio Amadei (MA+)
Yohji Yamamoto
Sruli Recht
Thamanyah *
Kuboraum
Tatsuro Horikawa (Julius) *
Boris Bidjan Saberi
InAisce
Neil Barrett
Alexandre Plokhov
Ann Demeulemeester
Kris Van Assche
Rad Hourani
Yohan Serfaty
Alexander Fielden
Guidi
Daniel Andresen
Cedric Jacquemyn
Gareth Pugh
Individualsentiments
Haider Ackermann
Tobias Wistisen
Munoz Vrandecic
This, this! Gold star comment, Samira, so many brands here that I love (didn’t know half of them) so thank you a million for sharing this!
Supreme always looks nice but to me, streetwear can’t have a $1200 price tag just some plaid shorts.
The title states “(Underground and Upcoming)” but you’ve included brands like Nike, Adidas, and Supreme. Do you know that the mega-corporation that owns Supreme also owns Dickeys and a bunch of other footwear and athleisure companies? I am not sure you understand what’s the meaning of underground in streetwear branding.
Here is a list of underground streetwear names I know and love, to get you started:
The Legits – https://thelegits.com/
Panic 39 – https://panic39.com/
Siplean – https://www.sipleanclothing.com/
Bofresco – https://bofresco.com/
Cypher Code – https://cypher-code-japan.com/
GStyle – https://www.gstyleclothing.com/
Ghetto Fresh – https://ghettofresh.bigcartel.com/
Wildstyle Technicians – http://www.wildstyletechnicians.com/
Forget Never – https://www.forgetneverclothing.com/
Dyzee Threadz – https://dyzeethreadz.com/
Drumz – https://drumzbrand.com/
Streetwear is supposed to be from the streets, not another corporate conglomerate, especially if we’re going to call them underground.
Is it ok to call or consider luxury names like Balenciaga, Dior, and Louis Vuitton as streetwear-making brands? I know these brands are deeply invested in the current streetwear fashion movement but I am not sure if I’d call them pure streetwear brands like Jaded London, KuroHaku, Represent, etc.
Stussy was underground in the 80s but not now. I agree Palace is underground but super pricey. I love Death and Friends Ltd (http://www.deathnfriends.com or http://www.deathandfriends.co.uk) as I’m a bartender and it has my sense of humour. Plus is way way more affordable than all these but still with good quality and cut.
love all the different and new brands
Another one Your list is missing: http://www.kunst-stoff.studio. A fresh Streetwear label from Berlin / Germany.
lol at streetwear/ urban brands with DAMN NEAR ALL WHITE swagless models smh..LOST