WORLD'S BEST STREETWEAR BRANDS 2022
By Rashmi Goel
Streetwear has made its way into luxury fashion without a doubt. It has become commonplace to see sneakers and hoodies on the runways of Paris along with courtside seats at football games, once reserved for skater kids and countercultures. As a result of this fashion revolution, you are now able to combine comfort, convenience, and style without compromising on either.
The following are the streetwear brands, which are still rare and underground at the present time. Designed by upcoming fashion designers, these popular streetwear brands are trendy, modern, casual, and stylistically unique. This coveted streetwear brand blends hip-hop-leaning old-school with luxury-forward new-school to meet streetwear lovers' demands worldwide. Let's take a look at the best streetwear brands of 2022 and the emerging streetwear designers that are worth paying attention to.
Obey Clothing
https://obeyclothing.com
It was founded in 2001 by street artist and illustrator Shepard Fairey as an extension of his activism work. Known for its use of politically and socially provocative propaganda in its clothing designs, the brand is well known for its politically and socially oriented designs. Keeping in line with his populist views, clothing became another medium through which he spread his art and message to a wider audience. A great deal of inspiration for the clothing comes from classic military design, work wear basics, as well as the elements and cultural movements upon which Shepard has based his artistic career. Mike Ternosky and the obey clothing team work with Shepard to create designs that represent his influences, ideals, and philosophy.
Heron Preston
https://www.heronpreston.com
It was founded in 1997 by artist, designer, and DJ Heron Preston Johnson. Preston began his career as a co-founder of Been Trill streetwear brand and DJ collective with Matthew Williams, Virgil Abloh, Heron Preston, Justin Saunders, and YWP. During Paris Men's Fashion Week in 2016, he debuted his inaugural collection under the Heron Preston label. The Preston label has emerged as one of the most influential forces in contemporary fashion while maintaining a cult-like following. Featuring oversized cuts, quirky patterns, and signature bright orange branding, this range is sure to turn heads.
Neighborhood
https://www.neighborhood.jp
Shinsuke Takizawa, a motorcycle enthusiast who spotted western influences on the Japanese streetwear market in the 1990s, founded Neighborhood. The collection is inspired by biker gang culture, London's punk scene, and military influences. Expect paisley-printed bomber jackets, and utilitarian t-shirts, along with a statement line of gothic homewares. Brands such as Converse, Dr. Martens, and Timex frequently collaborate with the brand.
Vetements
https://www.ssense.com
There is no doubt that Vetements is one of the most talked-about labels in fashion right now. Vetements is currently headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. The brand was founded by the Georgian fashion designer Demna Gvasalia and his brother Guram, who serves as its CEO, overseeing its business operations. Vetements is a brand that creates clothing for men and women inspired by daily fashion, as well as regular individuals - the brand's name literally means "clothing." Streetwear has thoroughly penetrated the once-exclusive world of high fashion, as demonstrated by the luxury brand. Known for its innovative and diverse designs, Vetements has taken runway couture and brought it to streetwear chic. As divisive as they come, Vetements' streetwear pieces are no exception. Through ironic designs and tongue-in-cheek garments, the label is well-known in the broader culture.
Noah Nyc
https://noahny.com
As Noah is a brand that criticizes many of the appalling practices in the fashion industry. These garments are manufactured in countries, mills and factories where tradition, expertise, and human dignity take precedence over profitability. Their clothing is inspired by a wide range of interests and influences across generations. Fabrics and designs inspire their ideas as much as their commitment to living an active and engaged lifestyle. Based on principles they determine themselves, they believe that they should do things their own way, with conviction. It is this attitude embodied in punk rock that they are interested in, and they are interested in the endless ways in which it is manifested by people from all walks of life.
Supreme
https://www.supremenewyork.com
The Supreme Clothing and Skateboarding Lifestyle brand was founded in April 1994 in New York City. Skateboarding and hip hop cultures, as well as youth culture in general, are the target markets for the brand. Clothing and accessories are produced by the brand, as well as skateboards. Kanye West, Travis Scott, Mike Tyson, and many more celebrities have endorsed Supreme over the years, putting the brand at the top of the streetwear industry. The brand has become one of the most renowned names in fashion today, collaborating with top brands such as Rolex and Louis Vuitton. One of the OGs of streetwear, Supreme is a brand that has revolutionized the urban clothing industry by throwing the traditional supply and demand model out of the window.
Awake NY
https://awakenyclothing.com
Awake NY was launched in 2012 to capture the unique culture and sensibility of New York City. The cultural landscape of the city has been shaped by a diversity that is reflected in Awake NY. In evoking New York's timelessness and changing aesthetic vibrancy at the same time, Awake NY is simultaneously classical and contemporary. Awake NY streetwear apparel pieces that are in high demand right now in 2022 include jackets, hoodies, jeans for women, and sweatpants. Awake NY's latest signature clothing collection capitalizes on street-smart designers' knowledge.
Brain Dead
https://wearebraindead.com
A creative collection of artists and designers from around the world, Brain Dead was founded by Kyle Ng. The Brain Dead collective is comprised of artists and designers from around the world. Taking cues from post punk, underground comics, and the spirit of subculture as a whole, the brand employs a disruptive, graphic-led approach. The concept of Brain Dead extends beyond one individual or one idea. There is a space between people where it sits. It has been just a matter of time before Brain Dead has established itself as one of the hottest streetwear brands in town, collaborating with a 'who's who' of the streetwear industry. Several collabs were undertaken by the brand that showcased their signature scribbled and doodling graphics.
Huf
In the gritty streets of 1980s New York City, HUF-founder Kieth Hufnagel grew up skateboarding. In the early years of street skating, he was part of a melting pot of city countercultures, including hip hop, punk, graffiti, streetwear, and other underground movements. With headquarters in Los Angeles, HUF has become one of the most respected and pioneering skate and lifestyle brands in the world. A collective of skateboarders and ambassadors, it collaborates with artists, designers, photographers, musicians, and unconventional tastemakers. It is through HUF that Hufnagel demonstrates its progressive vision, which has driven it since its founding. Clean aesthetics, provocative designs, and quality craftsmanship are the hallmarks of the brand. HUF is an iconic streetwear brand stocked worldwide today.
Carhartt Wip
https://www.carhartt-wip.com
Since 1889, Carhartt, the original workwear brand, has made enduring products to protect and serve hardworking people. It is Carhartt's aim to build gear that is high quality, extremely durable, and forever dependable to function in the worst conditions and any weather, because we make gear that you can count on to work all day, every day, 24/7.
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Carhartt's founder, Hamilton Carhartt, was an independent thinker, an endless creator, but above all he believed in doing what had never been done before. It was evident that he believed in himself and the goods he made. He firmly believed that every man should be treated equally, regardless of whether he worked for me or purchased from me. By doing so, he built not just a workwear brand, but friendships that have endured for 129 years. It stands as a symbol of any individual who strives to live life in the same spirit as Hamilton did.
Bape (A Bathing Ape)
Based in Tokyo, one of the world's leading fashion hubs, Nowhere Co., Ltd. strives to spread Japanese fashion culture internationally. More than 29 years after its establishment in 1993, the brand remains an iconic symbol of street fashion. The company has so far produced iconic designs, original patterns and characters such as "APE HEAD", "BAPE® CAMO", "BAPE STATM", "SHARK HOODIE" and "BABY MILO®". The company has now expanded into a range of men's, ladies' and children's clothing that is available at stores throughout Japan and also in the United States, UK, France, China and other Asian countries. A number of successful collaborations have been created between the company and established international brands and reputable artists. It is recognized that these collaborations are genre-neutral and flexible, not limited to only fashion and apparel.
Aimé Leon Dore
With a strong focus on simple yet powerful design, Aimé Leon Dore strives to create timeless work that reflects an aesthetic that is uniquely ours. Aimé Leon Dore was founded in 2014 by Queens native Teddy Santis in order to communicate style through streetwear. It has gone from success to success to (yep) yet another success after a few initial and critical co-signature launches. Each Santis collection is infused with a retro nostalgia feel that is both timeless and contemporary. This is achieved by filtering the designer's unique take on throwback style through a particular inspiration that somehow always appears to be new.
Billionaire Boys Club
https://www.bbcicecream.com
Pharrell Williams and Nigo founded Billionaire Boys Club in 2003. Known for its blend of streetwear and luxury, the brand has influenced countless pockets of fashion, music, design, and culture worldwide. With Billionaire Boys Club evolving into ICECREAM, Bee Line, and Billionaire Girls Club, we have built a universe from our foundation. Authenticity and aspiration are key components of both brands' DNA, as well as our brand motto, "Wealth is a state of mind and heart". The name "Billionaire Boys Club" was chosen with an ironic intention to provoke thought. Rather than focusing on the direct financial implications of our name, they at the Billionaire Boys Club are perpetually concerned with originality and authentic self-expression. The purpose of their work is to inspire our community to see wealth in humanity, compassion, creativity, and curiosity.
Cav Empt
https://www.cavempt.com
The company was founded by BAPE and Billionaire Boys Club alumni Toby Feltwell and SK8Thing, along with their production partner Hishiyama Yutaka. Known for pushing boundaries and setting trends before the rest of the fashion world can catch up, Cav Empt achieves great success with its collections. A good example of this is Cav Empt's hole-ridden hoodies, released before the YEEZY clothing became trendy, as well as SK8THING's retro-future graphics that have caught the attention of the rest of the streetwear market. Besides its eye-catching imagery, paneled designs, and a unique, yet highly wearable aesthetic, Cav Empt's tracksuits-a British streetwear staple-feature boxy, oversized cuts with mysterious graphics and far-flung references. Skepta is one of its fans.
Gosha Rubchinskiy
https://www.calvertjournal.com
The Russian designer Gosha Rubchinskiy became arguably the most popular in just over a decade. His eponymous fashion label was launched in 2008. As a graphic tee line, Rubchinskiy's label was inspired by art, youth culture, and the fall of the Iron Curtain. Together with Comme des Garçons, Rubchinskiy grew his namesake brand into a full clothing line, including sweatshirts and pants. Furthermore, Rubchinskiy has collaborated with Adidas and Kappa. Rubchinskiy came under fire in 2018 for allegedly requesting lewd photographs of a 16-year-old model. It was not long after this that Rubchinskiy shuttered his eponymous brand, noting on Instagram that the label would end "as you are used to it." Rubchinskiy may not be producing new clothing under his eponymous label, but he is working on other projects, such as his skateboard brand Paccbet.
Patta
https://www.patta.nl
Edson Sabajo and Guillaume 'Gee' Schmidt founded Patta. During the 1990s and early 2000s, both men contributed significantly to the Dutch hip-hop and nightlife communities. Patta opened its doors in 2004 through love and necessity rather than profit and novelty. With its location right in the heart of Amsterdam's city center, the store became the focus of attention by bringing new excitement to the Dutch streetwear scene. There are a few internationally revered, black-owned streetwear brands today and Patta is one of them. It consists of a clothing line, a sound system, a running team, and, most recently, a foundation dedicated to educating young people about culture. Patta promotes inspirational collaborations, cultural crossover, and unconventional forms of expression.
Kith
https://kith.com
With over twenty years of hands-on experience in the footwear industry, Ronnie Fieg founded Kith. Kith aligns itself with brands and ideas that have stood the test of time, as well as those from Fieg's childhood which solidified the roots of his upbringing. The Kith brand is conceptualized as a direct extension of Fieg himself, and he seeks to alter the current landscape of the fashion industry while adhering to a personal philosophy of guaranteeing the consumer more than what they pay for. A multifunctional lifestyle brand for men, women, and children, Kith also operates as a progressive retail store.
Undefeated
https://undefeated.com
Since 2002, Undefeated has been providing clothing apparel in Los Angeles, and they have a distinctive style. One of the main reasons that their company is booming not only in America but all over the world is that they managed to mix the gritty skater style with the clean-cut fashion that is everywhere today. This premium sneaker and streetwear boutique ooze east coast American streetwear.
Golf Wang
https://golfwang.com
Founded in 2011, Golf Wang is an American streetwear brand founded by American musician Tyler, the Creator. Originally known as Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), Golf Wang's name is derived from his Los Angeles-based musical collective, Odd Future. Since it emerged from the Odd Future family, Golf Wang has become one of the most prominent names in the fashion industry, known for its vivid visual aesthetics. A variety of products are available from the brand, including streetwear clothing, footwear, jewelry, and other related items. The golf Wang brand is Tyler's outlet for his unique take on the skate-rat look he made mainstream, now updated to reflect his maturation as an artist and a man who gets off the perfect fit. Golf Wang, Tyler expresses his unique take on the skate-rat look he made mainstream, updated to reflect his maturation as a man and an artist.
Undercover
https://undercoverism.com
Its bizarrely wonderful designs and next-level graphic print T-shirts made Undercover a pillar of the ultra-hip Ura-Harajuku scene in the 1990s. A favorite among those who are privy to the latest fashion trends in streetwear, Undercover has become one of the most respected fashion-forward labels in the industry. The brand's founder, Jun Takahashi, was profoundly influenced by the UK punk scene when he was a young man, which inspired some of his most daring designs. Moreover, Undercover produces luxury sportswear under the Gyakusou brand in collaboration with Nike.
Wtaps
https://www.wtaps.com
Among the Japanese streetwear brands, WTAPS was the most desired by Western retailers. In 1997, Tetsu Nishiyama founded the military-inspired label Nishiyama, which has been a vanguard of the OG Japanese streetwear movement ever since. However, Nishiyama's cagey operations and lack of accessibility to stores outside of Japan have made the brand difficult to find. As of very recently, the brand sold exclusively through its showroom, requiring prospective stockists to travel to Tokyo in order to see the collection. There is much more simplicity to the aesthetic of WTAPS than you might expect given its name, derived from a military term that means "kill shot." Nonetheless, the name is not the only thing that is military-inspired. Baggy cuts, military-inspired workwear, and Japanese utilitarian design are the hallmarks of the label's look. The classics include army green, cargo pants, loose-fitting hoodies, as well as preppy Ivy League styles.
The Hundreds
https://thehundreds.com
People Over Products is the motto of The Hundreds, a community-based streetwear brand and media platform. Bobby Kim and Ben Shenassafar founded the company in 2003. Their clothing is reminiscent of 1990s workwear and Californian subculture tribes. Furthermore, The Hundreds is known for its collaborative projects which provide a deeper insight into the story and point of view of our organization. The company has partnered with a number of notable companies, including Adidas, Disney, the NBA, Batman, Garfield, and Jackson Pollock. As well as having a flagship store in L.A.'s Fairfax District, The Hundreds is carried by premier street fashion retailers worldwide.
A COLD WALL
https://a-cold-wall.com
A-COLD-WALL was founded in 2015 and developed through a process of fabric and material study. The company examines the codes and language of modern, luxury menswear from the perspective of class, community, globalization, and modernity. With the brand moving towards a more mature and refined perspective, each season, a collection of sophisticated clothing will be presented to the wearer, with garments paying homage to material, technique, and craft.
In addition to being an artistic endeavor, A-COLD-WALL is now a mature menswear brand with a loyal, knowledgeable customer base. The brand will be able to increase its reach and visibility in the wider luxury menswear market as a result of this change in focus. As a brand that fuses high-end couture with street-style casual wear, A-Cold-Wall has earned a reputation for being a genre-bending brand.
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