12 Best Streetwear Brands You Need To Know
Whether you’re a streetwear hypebeast (aka a streetwear lover who collects limited-edition hoodies, sneakers and the like) or you’re just keen to discover a casual, contemporary outfit to add to your ensemble, we’ve combined the latest streetwear trends, edgy streetwear styling tips and our favourite streetwear brands just for you. Read on to find out everything you want to know about streetwear in Australia!
Current Streetwear Fashion Trends
From the streets of Melbourne and Sydney through to the most revered runways of Paris, streetwear has become an incredibly popular fashion in its own right, and for good reason.
Not only do these modern outfits offer a fresh alternative from the stale formalwear and strict couture rules of yesterday’s fashion, they also allow you to choose comfort and convenience without compromising on style. What’s more, streetwear is often the first to draw inspiration from social changes.
A notable feature of streetwear is the limited quantities produced of many of its releases, which creates scarcity, high demand and hype. As such, streetwear lovers are known to pay big money for rare and collectible items.
In recent times, streetwear has become equally loved by TikTok kids and the fashion elite. Streetwear has been a major inspiration for numerous labels and designers and it’s now common to find sneakers, hoodies etc. in luxury fashion.
Streetwear Styles for Women
The concept of womens and girls streetwear began in the 1980s. This casual fashion style took inspiration from hip-hop culture, skater style and sportswear to create comfortable yet trendy clothing such as graphic tees, hoodies, sweatpants, and expensive sneakers.
This year women’s streetwear styles are influenced by three overarching trends. The first is a global rise in more conscious lifestyle choices. The second is the world’s changing views on masculinity, climate, and politics. And the third is Covid.
By wearing more relaxed, comfortable, athleisure-like styles over the skinny, on-the-body silhouettes of yesteryear, women can at once be conscious, make a protest statement against the patriarchy, and reflect the growing demand for highly comfortable, stylish clothing that suits the times we live in.
Men’s Streetwear Clothing Trends
Similarly to the women’s trends, men’s streetwear styles are defined by these extraordinary times, which are characterised by more time spent at home and thus on casual everyday comfort.
While comfort is paramount, the lines between streetwear and high-fashion continue to blur. Recent seasons have seen historic haute-couture houses partnering with skatewear brands, and hoodies and cross-body bags are routinely seen on fashion-week runways.
From this, one of the most popular current men’s streetwear trends is the utility trend, such as the safari jacket that hit its stride in 2020 or the explorer/adventurer themes seen so far this year. These functional utility vibes can be found in this season’s men’s cargo pants, printed short-sleeve shirts, general loose fits, lightweight yet durable fabrics, and bucket hats.
Streetwear Styling Tips
The whole idea of streetwear fashion is to be comfortable, cool, and stylish. No matter what you wear, a touch of casual carelessness is always allowed. From hoodies to jumpsuits, there is no rule as to what you cannot wear with streetwear clothing.
Having said that, here are a few streetwear styling tips to help you make the most of your streetwear and create the best ensembles...
Combine with some bold sneakers
Sneakers are an incredibly important part of any hypebeast's look. If you want to make a big style impact with just one clothing item, sneakers are the move. What’s more, bulky and bold sneakers are a great match for oversized streetwear styles.
Stick to a single logo or go eclectic
Brand loyalty is an important part of streetwear culture. We recommend uniform layering of one streetwear brand in a single look or showing off just one central logo and supplementing the rest of your look with low visibility branding. Alternatively, a complete, dedicated mish mash of brands can work a treat.
Blend casual clothes with elevated pieces
This is also the year of the classic-casual mix. So if you want to stand out from the crowd with your streetwear outfits, consider mixing a few pops of couture into your ensemble for a chaotically beautiful look. This could be a designer jacket over the top of your baggy tee and tracksuit pants. Or a pair of luxury jeans under your comfy hoodie staple.
Be yourself
Streetwear's origins lie in counterculture and DIY. This means that the true essence of streetwear is about being yourself. So don't be afraid to have some fun and put together unexpected combinations for a unique look all your own.
Top 12 Streetwear Brands From Glue Store
To help you up your street style game, our team of Glue Store curators and writers have compiled 12 of our favorite streetwear brands you need to know!
1. ADIDAS
A brand that requires no introduction, adidas has gone from creating humble footwear in a family laundry room over half a century ago to becoming one of the most successful clothing brands in the world.
Today, adidas is an undisputed leader in authentic and timeless streetwear. Their signature Trefoil logo and 3-stripe branding are well known within street culture and are worn by countless modern fashionistas, celebs and influencers everywhere.
Our men’s adidas and women’s adidas streetwear range features the hottest streetwear styles, fits, patterns and silhouettes to help you express your personal style and authenticity, such as sweatshirts, track jackets, loungewear tights, trackpants and more.
2. CARHARTT WIP
Founded in Detroit, Carhartt began creating high-quality workwear way back in 1889, but it wasn’t really until its Work-in-Progress (WIP) project in 1994 that Carhartt became a leading name in streetwear.
Carhartt WIP effectively merged the brand's high quality essence with skatewear and streetwear trends, producing sleek designs and bold graphics on T-shirts, hoodies, and utility jackets, as well as altering Carhartt's signature overalls and workwear pieces.
Even better, Carhartt has always placed a strong emphasis on its Carhartt WIP streetwear ranges, the latest and greatest of which you can find at Glue Store. From classic hoodies and puffer jackets, denim overalls to work jeans and beanies, Carhartt WIP has all your streetwear essentials.
3. CHAMPION
Champion’s rich history dates back to 1919. Among their accolades, Champion created the first ever hoodie, the world's first reverse weave sweatshirt to prevent shrinkage, and the first supportive jogging bra, among other game-changing innovations.
Today, Champion continues to be beloved by so many people around the world because of their authenticity, timeless styles and on-trend colours. Champion’s streetwear continually takes the world by storm with its relaxed cuts, vibrant colours and timeless designs.
Known for standing the test of time with their comfy designs and effortless style, Glue Store’s fresh, stylish collection of Champion women’s streetwear and men’s streetwear sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, pants, shorts, tights, tank tops and more are sure to wow.
4. DICKIES
Traditionally known as one of the world’s favourite workwear brands, Dickies has been designing some of the toughest, highest quality clothing through innovations like its patented twill technology since 1922.
In recent decades, Dickies has successfully branched out to accommodate the latest trends and technologies, which draw inspiration from a variety of cultures and interests. This foray has resulted in some of the most iconic and sought after women’s streetwear.
From regular hoodies to Insta-worthy sweatshirts, normcore tees to versatile work pants, the Dickies streetwear range is sure to have the perfect additions for your everyday ensembles.
5. DEUS EX MACHINA
Deus ex Machina (god from the machine) roared into Australia’s cultural consciousness in 2006, with some neatly customised motorcycles and a quaint notion that doing something is more fun than just owning something.
Deus is reinjecting into the streetwear scene not just a reverence for fun, but a focus on it. It's not just about looking the part, but embracing all aspects of the street scene.
With industrial art at the forefront of their graphic tees, oversized and relaxed silhouettes as well as functional outerwear, Deus practices what they preach. Whether you are a motorcycle fiend or not, it doesn't matter. Deus stands for fun first.
6. GRAMICCI
Since 1982 Gramicci has been paving the way in outdoor gear made for adventuring both functionally and fashionably. What began in a garage in Ventura, California has traveled to the streets of Tokyo and beyond, making an impact on streetwear scenes globally.
In California in the 1970s, a new generation of free-spirited rock-climbers known as the Stonemasters took residency at Yosemite National Park, pioneering a new way of climbing—with a strong focus on speed and style. These new methods required a new uniform, and whilst painter pants and army surplus gear worked to a point—flexibility was needed. Mike Graham, a Stonemaster with a keen eye for design, set about creating the first true climbing shorts. Now featured throughout Gramicci designs, the gusseted shorts for full-range of movement and an integrated webbing belt allows the wearer full adjustability with one hand only.
By the mid-80s surfers and skaters were seeking out these hard-wearing pants with the little hand-drawn ‘running man’ logo. 40 years later Gramicci's values have stayed the same, this time loved in streetwear circles. It’s hard-wearing, functional clothing, designed with movement in mind.
7. NIKE
Known globally as being one of the true pioneers of clothing as we know it, Nike has continued to change, adapt and reinvent the world of streetwear, sportswear and fashion since 1972.
Part of their success is due to constantly pushing the boundaries of style, comfort and innovation. Nike has also fostered a culture that continues to inspire all those who wear it.
From ever-stylish Swoosh logo jackets to sleek Dri-Fit shorts, comfy track pants to on-trend t-shirts, you can effortlessly step up your game and look casually amazing in outfits from our Nike women’s streetwear and Nike men’s streetwear range.
8. STUSSY
Stüssy is an American clothing brand created in California in the early 1980s by Shawn Stussy. Originally catering primarily to the surfwear market, Stussy’s unique style was quickly adopted by the skateboard and hip-hop scenes and is now a true streetwear icon.
Stussy has garnered a global following thanks to its designs, which appeal to subcultures because of their urban irreverence that fuse elements of gritty street and sun-drenched beach vibes. This can be seen through the label’s iconic scrawl logo, its cuts and defining trends.
The latest Stussy women’s streetwear collection is packed with logo-laden tees, tanks, crops, and track sets that take elevated loungewear to a whole new level, while the men’s streetwear range from Stussy features hoodies, sweatshirts, tees and other on-trend items that allow you to express yourself with ease.
9. VANS
Dishing up comfortable, iconic shoes since 1966, Vans are widely known for their love of creativity, music, skating, art and more. As such, their designs aim to inspire you with their authenticity and passion, and act as a rallying cry for your self-expression.
Vans remains a leader in skate shoes, but today they are also one of the world’s most beloved youth culture and streetwear brands, worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner, A$AP Rocky and so many other fashionable celebrities for their attitude and style.
Combining bursts of colour, pop culture references and icons, and of course their infamous check patterns, the latest men’s Vans collection and women’s Vans streetwear range is full of sneakers, knockout tees, crew socks, snapback caps, and so much more.
10. XLARGE
Since 1991, LA-based brand XLarge has been one of the world’s most well regarded and influential streetwear brands. Back in the 90s, the Beastie Boys were one of the first big acts to embrace the brand and its mantra. Other celebrities to endorse the brand include Spike Jonze and Chloe Sevigny.
Not content to rest on its laurels, XLarge has stayed on top of streetwear trends and diverse inspiration within hip-hop music, skate culture and the clubbing scene, to become a leading name in contemporary streetwear in Australia and around the world.
With its eye for modern details and its iconic gorilla logo, it’s little wonder that so many fashionistas clamour for XLarge’s tees, jeans, jackets, relaxed pants, polos and more. Browse our full range of XLarge streetwear here.
11. WEEKEND CARTEL
Weekend Cartel is designed for those looking to add effortless flair to their wardrobes. In classic silhouettes with urban touches, Weekend Cartel is for those style mavericks adding colour to the urban jungle, or a lighter side to your long weekend plans.
With an aptitude for bold, eye-catching script logos, resort-style bowling shirts and classic slacks and chinos, Weekend Cartel is brand for merging pastels with traditional silhouettes.
12. WORSHIP
Back to business, back to grunge. Worship Supplies is reviving tried and tested styles from the 90s in updated colours and cuts to suit the contemporary sk8er boi and girl.
Drawing a jagged line between subcultures including surf, skate, street, punk and heavy metal, Worship embraces the darker undertones of every day ideology. Established in 2020 in Byron Bay, in amongst a melting pot of creative, DIY spirit, time and place is as important to the brand aesthetic as being trend-setters.
Worship vows to create a culture that embraces those whose values and behaviour differ from the mainstream, diametrically and perpetually opposed to the status quo. Boasting wearable garments with unique graphics in premium constructions, Worship is leading Australia's subculture-inspired streetwear movement.