The origin of Streetwear

Last week I asked multiple people to define streetwear 

Here’s some of the responses :

- Fashionable casual clothes

- Oversized clothes 

- T shirts with cool graphics 

- Whatever Kanye wears

- Throw in an over sized t shirt with some indie graphics on it paired with some oversized pants

- Wear whatever but with Nike Jordans 

Really though?

Is that what it is? 

Most people my generation (including me) have become susceptible to this laid back casual style so it’s time we find out where it’s from and why us gen z-ers vibe with it. 

Many genres of fashion can be defined with a general understanding and consensus but not streetwear because it’s made not by fashion designers but us consumers! So it started out as a movement really and not a trend. It originated in the 90s, in the hip-hop scenes of New York, the surf-skate and graffiti culture. of Los Angeles, and within the nightlife of Japan. 

In the ’80s and ’90s, many traditional brands would not dress some musicians or sports stars, so the community had no choice but to make their own clothing and define what fashion meant to them. 90’s graphic tees, loose-fitting jeans, and statement sneakers were created purposefully as an expression by their consumer: the rapper, the skater, and the rebel. This is why it’s actually a cultural movement. 

Streetwear is still dominated by a close-knit community of musicians, skaters, artists, and now social media influencers that design clothing and curate looks as a form of self-expression, culture, and communal knowledge. It has risen in mainstream fashion over the past few decades. Unlike most other fashion genres, this growth was not pushed by brands, rather brands were sought out by consumers wanting to be “in” on the exclusivity of streetwear clothing. Streetwear has taught the industry that limited editions do promote a sense of exclusivity, not through prices, but community spirit.

This community spirit is what drives us in. We want to be real and authentic and free from superficialities.  And that’s what it’s all about. Our gen pursues self-expression, authenticity, sustainability, DIY efforts, and unique characteristics in street style fashion. Additionally, we’re more attentive to what a company represents, putting an emphasis on the values of the companies they choose to support. 

Fashion is an unofficial element of hip-hop culture. We today resonate with what street fashion represented in the past. We prefer to support streetwear brands with a mission to have more inclusivity, diversity, and equity. A variety of other styles and aesthetics are frequently included in streetwear. An oversized graphic t-shirt, baggy jeans or other bottoms, and frequently big white sneakers, other types of platform, or chunky shoes with visible socks make up a typical street style ensemble. Layered jewellery, bucket hats, sunglasses, and clothing layering are typical accessories.

Many Gen Z’ers enjoy making their own clothes or accessories, especially through thrifting, which emphasises sustainability and one-of-a-kind items even more.

The key to Gen Z streetwear goes along the lines of wearing whatever they feel like wearing. Through fashionable self-expression, we are removing ourselves from a box of labels full of expectations of who we should be.

(Ps. the definitions given by you all were correct)