The Evolution of Streetwear Through the Years

Emerging in the 1970s, streetwear drew its inspiration from the surfing and skateboarding culture. Crafted with hard-wearing materials and reinforced stitching, streetwear is made to handle the demands of the sport while combining style, comfort, and practicality. In this blog, we will delve into how streetwear has transformed over the years.

The late 1970s

Streetwear has its roots in the hip-hop culture, notably recognized in the Bronx, New York City during the 1970s. Hip-hop fashion involved a fusion of sportswear elements and urban street styles, often characterized by oversized clothing, vibrant colors, prominent logos, and tracksuits. Fashion labels like Le Coq Sportif, Kangol, Adidas, and Pro-Keds became renowned for their participation in the burgeoning hip-hop scene.

1980s

Streetwear began gaining traction in the 1980s. It was a mixture of subcultures including hip-hop, skateboarding, and surf culture with popular brands such as Vans, Stussy and Santa Cruz. Arising from the desire for comfortable and casual clothing it was designed to be practical, featuring relaxed fits and durable materials. Streetwear offered a means to express individual identity as it incorporated elements from music, art, and sports.

1990s

As the 1990s approached, more brands started adopting the streetwear style, including names like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Carhartt. Street skating gained popularity, necessitating clothing to offer more protection and comfort. Brands began acknowledging this, leading to the increased popularity of denim jeans, bulkier shoes, and oversized t-shirts.

2000s

Throughout the 2000s, the streetwear scene continued to develop and expand its audience, largely due to social media. Celebrities and influential figures embraced the rise of streetwear, causing it to grow in popularity daily. Leading brands such as Burberry, Gucci, and Fendi appeared in hip-hop videos, while luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci partnered with streetwear designers to create upscale collections. The streetwear culture of the 2000s was heavily influenced by the music one listened to and often featured bold logos and graphics, along with accessories like gold chains and beanies. Streetwear in the 2000s predominantly featured boxy fit hoodies, cargo pants, chino shorts, graphic t-shirts, logo hats, trucker hats, and puffy skate shoes, with companies like Nike SB, Supreme and Levis gaining more popularity.