The first streetwear brands emerged in Southern California during the 1980s, when surfers sold screen-printed T-shirts to promote their handcrafted surfboards. Fashion experts at the time simply viewed it as a passing trend. However, 40 years on, the streetwear industry is bigger and better than ever, showing no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re looking to mix up your personal style by shopping at the S/Double street clothing brand or simply love fashion and enjoy exploring different aesthetics and trends, streetwear has cemented itself in high fashion and continues to influence and redefine the industry as a whole.
Start from the Bottom
In the world of streetwear fashion, sneakers are arguably the most crucial element of the overall aesthetic. But this can become a costly terrain to navigate if you find yourself falling into the trap of trying to keep up with every new drop and collaboration, which simply isn’t possible unless you have an unlimited budget.
It is no secret that sneakers are an expensive investment. Many top streetwear brands utilize the principle of scarcity to create hype and excitement around their new releases, thereby heightening their popularity. The key is to invest in sneakers that are not only made from premium materials that will last an extended period of time but are also created by designers who prioritize building high-quality, sustainable, and ethical products. Select styles and designs that you love but also pair well with your existing wardrobe, ensuring you get good wear out of them.
Play With Proportions
A quintessential part of streetwear fashion is breaking the golden rules of proportion to achieve a fashionable effect by introducing oversized sweatshirts, baggy denim jeans, and loose-fitting graphic tees. While streetwear resonates with people of all ages, genders, and walks of life, showing up to a social occasion or semi-formal event in clothes that are three times too big for you may not reflect you in the way you hope to be seen.
Instead, opt for a silhouette that is more relaxed compared to figure-hugging tailoring, which is often emphasized when dressing for more formal events, but nothing so big that you look like you are draped in a blanket with sneakers on.
Luxury Fabrics
Built on the subculture of surfing and skateboarding, streetwear clothing was primarily made from tougher materials like denim and heavy cotton, which allowed for increased movement and could withstand the wear and tear of falling off a skateboard. However, modern streetwear has taken one foot out of the skatepark, with popular designers reinventing classic pieces, such as hoodies, bomber jackets, sneakers, T-shirts, and cargo pants, using higher-quality and more luxurious fabrics.
While this doesn’t mean you have to completely step away from utilitarian fabrics, by selecting some key pieces in these luxurious materials, you can easily elevate your overall look and invest in quality products that will serve you better for longer. Ensure you properly understand how to care for these materials to maintain their structure and integrity in the long run.
Outfit Ideas
When creating streetwear outfits, the key is to stick with the staples that will ensure you build a stylish and versatile wardrobe that can be worn all year round.
Hoodies
Hoodies have long been associated with streetwear fashion, but the key is to find the right balance between oversized and baggy. Oversized hoodies reign supreme in streetwear because the looser fit still roughly fits the natural form of your body. Going too baggy with your clothing can quickly make you look as if you are drowning in the material, causing your overall look to lose form and structure.
Pair a looser hoodie with slightly fitted jeans, cargo pants, or chinos to create a proportional contrast to your look. Straight-leg trousers work best paired with your favorite sneakers or cargo boots; however, the fit of your pants is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Denim
Denim on denim is no longer a taboo look made infamous on a 2001 red carpet. However, while it is a stylish streetwear look to don, it is essential to ensure that you properly match your top and bottom halves to create the desired effect you are after.
To achieve the full denim look, it’s crucial to match the light wash of your denim jacket with your jeans. Pair them with a simple white tee and slightly darker sneakers for a minimalist yet polished look. For a trendy alternative, consider swapping in a different colored denim, such as a light-wash denim jacket paired with black jeans or a black denim jacket with regular blue jeans.
Joggers
In 2025, joggers are at the forefront of streetwear and a fantastic building block when putting together a comfortable and polished outfit. In the realm of streetwear fashion, joggers of all styles have taken center stage, made from traditional cotton, denim, and khaki, featuring a classic tapered ankle and drawstring waistband.
Pair them with hoodies, bomber jackets, or a relaxed button-down shirt layered over a simple white T-shirt. Finish your look off with go-to neutral sneakers and a cap to stay comfortable and on-trend.
