Whether it’s an expensive logo tee with a designer label slapped on it or some plain old Nikes, the clothes you wear say something about who you are. They reflect your personal style and fashion preferences, but also speak to your income level, lifestyle choices, and values.

Streetwear is a global style that became popular in the 1990s, growing from New York hip hop fashion and Californian surf culture to incorporate elements of sportswear, punk, skateboarding, 1980s nostalgia, and Japanese street fashion. It’s characterized by casual but trendy apparel like graphic tees, hoodies, and sweatpants as well as high-demand, limited-edition sneakers that often resell for much more than their original retail price. Followers of the genre are known as “hypebeasts” and go to extreme lengths to secure rare, limited-edition pieces.

Musicians have played a big role in the rise of streetwear, with rappers and musicians adopting the style as part of their image. According to a recent survey, 65% of consumers cited musicians as their preferred source of streetwear inspiration, ahead of 52% who chose industry insiders and 31% who selected social media influencers.

This close-knit community of musicians, skaters, and artists who inspire each other has allowed streetwear to evolve into a multibillion-dollar industry. Designers like James Jebbia and Shawn Stussy pioneered the movement in the US, while designers like Nigo and Hiroshi Fujiwara — the godfather of Harajuku style — led it across the Pacific.

While incorporating the latest trends and styles into your wardrobe, there are no hard-and-fast rules for how to dress in streetwear. A basic streetwear outfit consists of a pair of baggy jeans or camo pants and a matching hoodie or tracksuit. The hoodie should feature a bold logo or graphic print that reflects your personality.

Another important consideration is the quality of your footwear. Streetwear brands often collaborate with leading sneaker manufacturers to release limited-edition pairs. The shoes should fit perfectly, with a sleek design that doesn’t look sloppy or worn out. A classic stripe or block-color pair of Adidas sneakers works best, but you can’t go wrong with any brand that has a reputation for quality and durability.

The popularity of streetwear is expanding into new genres, resulting in fresh designs that are both trendy and timeless. For example, original streetwear brands are dusting off their vintage designs and reworking them into new garments that feel both nostalgic and modern. Other new trends in streetwear are eco-friendly materials, repurposed clothing, and revival styles that feel fresh and innovative but still have a nod to the past.

The future of streetwear is bright. As the industry continues to expand and evolve, we expect to see new influences from different segments of pop culture, from K-pop bands to the growing popularity of urban styles in Europe and Asia. We’ll also continue to see a shift toward premium streetwear, with more expensive products and higher-quality fabrics. In addition, we’ll likely see more collaborations between streetwear and luxury brands, as the public’s appetite for upscale versions of the genre continues to grow. street wear