One common misconception about streetwear is that it is easy and rugged. The truth is that putting together a strong outfit – streetwear or no – calls for smart judgment, as well as a solid selection of staples that you can build upon as your wardrobe grows. When putting up a streetwear wardrobe, these are the basics to look for:
1. A pair of dark blues
If your streetwear wardrobe doesn’t start with a decent pair of jeans, then someone’s led you astray. This is the very guts of any solid streetwear line-up, and the piece you’ll likely bolt everything else onto. It is generally a mark of superior quality and durability when it comes to denim.
2. Army outwear
While menswear pieces have been lifted from other areas of life, few have endured in the same way as those pulled from military ranks. Whether it’s the cultural ties of the clothes, the classically masculine cut and fit of the garments or how versatile they are when it comes to creating ‘fits, there’s something about a good military jacket that just puts the cherry on any ensemble.
3. Sweats life
It’s not every day a jeans and chinos thing. Some days, take it easy. Some days, enjoy some soft cotton fleece against your legs. Once considered the very antithesis of style, the humble sweatpant is now practically a status symbol in certain fashion circles, with designers like Thom Browne, Gosha Rubchinskiy and Alexander Wang. Sweatpants have only just found acceptance in fashion beyond sportswear.
4. Printed Tees
When urban subcultures happened on screen-printing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it opened up a world of possibilities. If you’re finding your feet in the graphic game, then stick to the certified classics.
5. Hoods
The hoodie is to streetwear what Snapchat is to DJ Khaled. It’s the one garment that has captured the essence of street. Short body, big hood, tight cuffs, it’s the original fit – there’s a reason Supreme keeps collaborating with them, guys. Otherwise you might want to go a bit more branded.
6. Sneakers
The sneaker trend is moving from basketball and tennis towards running styles right now, and leading the pack is Adidas Originals. We all know how sneaker culture works when the hype takes hold. Start by picking up a solid pair of everyday court trainers – Adidas Samba/Gazelle/Stan Smith or Puma Suede.