The 15 Best Streetwear Brands You Need to Know in 2023

Streetwear has taken the fashion world by storm over the past few decades, evolving from a niche subculture to a mainstream global phenomenon. The best streetwear brands manage to capture the pulse of the streets, translating that raw energy and attitude into boundary-pushing designs.

For the uninitiated, streetwear refers to a casual fashion style that first emerged in the 1980s and 90s, growing out of the Los Angeles surf and New York hip-hop scenes. Hallmarks of the aesthetic include bold graphics, oversized silhouettes, and influences from sportswear and military garb. Over the years, streetwear has expanded to encompass a wide range of looks while staying true to its laidback, youth-driven roots.

So what makes a streetwear brand one of the "best"? While taste is certainly subjective, the brands on this list are here because they check the right boxes: unmistakable style, loyal followings, and an authentic connection to street culture. Some are established names that have been molding trends for years, while others are freshmen bringing new energy to the class.

Without further ado, these are the 15 best streetwear brands to put on your radar right now.

1. Supreme

No list of top streetwear brands would be complete without Supreme. Founded by James Jebbia in 1994, the New York label is one of the most influential names in the game with a legacy that includes legendary collaborations, high-profile fans, and eye-popping resale prices.

Supreme releases small batches of products in weekly "drops" that sell out almost instantly, whether it‘s hoodies plastered with their iconic red box logo or more out-there accessories like branded bricks and dog bowls. With its defiantly DIY approach and ability to generate massive hype, this brand set the blueprint for what a streetwear brand could be.

2. Palace

Self-described as "a skateboard brand for people not willing to conform to the norms of society," Palace has brought a uniquely British flavor to the streetwear scene since 2009. Built on a foundation of cheeky slogans and 90s-inspired graphics, their pieces are the uniform of choice for cool kids from London to Tokyo.

Palace is arguably best known for their Tri-Ferg logo hoodies and tees, which feature a triangle emblem that resembles the Penrose triangle optical illusion. Other popular items include puffer jackets, track pants, and skateboarding gear. With an irreverent sense of humor, Palace‘s drops always keep fans on their toes.

3. Off-White

The late Virgil Abloh changed the game with Off-White, the Milan-based label he founded in 2012. Describing the brand as "the gray area between black and white," Abloh brought a high-fashion sensibility to streetwear, remixing quotidian symbols into status pieces.

Off-White is probably most famous for their use of air quotes and the industrial-style belt that‘s become a street style must-have. The brand has also released hit collaborations with the likes of Nike, Ikea, and Rimowa. Though Abloh‘s untimely passing left a void, Off-White remains an unstoppable cultural force.

4. Fear of God

Since launching in 2012, Jerry Lorenzo‘s Fear of God has gained a reputation for elevating streetwear to a new level of sophistication and luxury. The LA-based brand mixes street, sport, and grunge influences for a look that‘s sleek yet laid-back.

Fear of God is known for marrying upscale fabrics and expert tailoring with streetwear staples like hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers. Their Military Sneaker has become a modern classic, while their Essentials line offers more affordable everyday basics. With co-signs from a long list of celebrities and athletes, this brand shows no signs of slowing down.

5. Bape

A Bathing Ape (or Bape for short) is a pioneering Japanese streetwear label founded by Nigo in 1993. With a whimsical style that fuses hip-hop, punk, military, and pop art influences, Bape helped put Tokyo on the fashion map while attracting a global fanbase.

Bape‘s calling cards include bold camo prints, cartoon ape head logos, and shark hoodies with zipper mouths. The brand has churned out hit collabs with the likes of Kanye West, Pharrell, Adidas, and even Hello Kitty and SpongeBob SquarePants. Now owned by the fashion conglomerate I.T Group, Bape is as hype as ever.

6. Stüssy

Before there was Supreme, there was Stüssy. Founded in 1980 by surfer Shawn Stüssy, the Laguna Beach brand was a trailblazer in mixing surf, skate, and hip-hop influences into a distinctive streetwear aesthetic.

Stüssy‘s laidback Californian vibe and graffiti-style logo have become iconic, popping up in collaborations with Nike, Dior, and Dover Street Market over the years. In addition to the usual hoodies and tees, Stüssy is also known for their Tribe Pants, bucket hats, and Billiard shirts. Now helmed by an in-house design team, the label maintains its cool factor and cross-generational appeal.

7. Aimé Leon Dore

One of the buzziest names on the streetwear scene, Aimé Leon Dore was founded by Queens native Teddy Santis in 2014. The New York label has cultivated an air of sophisticated cool with their vintage-tinged designs and lush campaigns shot against the backdrop of city streets.

Aimé Leon Dore‘s old-school prep-meets-sportswear aesthetic manifests in retro-style crewnecks, cords, and cable knit sweaters that look straight out of a ‘90s Ralph Lauren ad. The brand has earned clout through collabs with the likes of New Balance, Drake‘s, and Woolrich. With Santis now in charge of New Balance‘s Made in USA program, expect even bigger things to come.

8. Kith

Part streetwear label, part retail experience, Kith was founded by Ronnie Fieg in 2011. With eight brick-and-mortar locations across the globe, Kith has made a name for itself with its curation of hard-to-find sneakers and high-profile collaborations.

On the in-house apparel front, Kith is known for its box logo hoodies and tees, as well as its ongoing partnership with Russell Athletic. The brand has also teamed up with a head-spinning roster of names that includes Nike, Adidas, Versace, Coca-Cola, and the Notorious B.I.G. estate. With its innate understanding of hype, Kith has helped redefine what a streetwear brand can be.

9. Cactus Plant Flea Market

With its playful, DIY-inspired designs, Cactus Plant Flea Market has become the streetwear brand of choice for in-the-know fashion heads. Founded by Cynthia Lu in 2015, the mysterious label keeps a low profile, shunning interviews and rarely offering more than cryptic captions on Instagram.

CPFM‘s trippy, puff-print hoodies and tees often feature smiley faces, scribbled text, and retro pop culture characters. The brand has collaborated with Nike, Stüssy, and Kid Cudi, among others. While CPFM might seem too cool for school, the brand has a genuine sense of fun and idiosyncrasy that sets it apart.

10. Undercover

Helmed by Japanese designer Jun Takahashi, Undercover has been pushing the envelope since 1990. With its dark, punk-meets-streetwear aesthetic, the brand has built a cult following among those who like their fashion with a subversive twist.

Undercover is known for its edgy graphics, avant-garde silhouettes, and unexpected collaborations with the likes of Nike, Uniqlo, and Valentino. The brand‘s Gilapple light, a lamp in the shape of the fruit of knowledge, has become a design object of desire. With Takahashi‘s uncompromising vision, Undercover continues to prove that streetwear can be cerebral and conceptual.

11. Carhartt WIP

Carhartt Work in Progress (WIP) is the cooler European cousin of the classic American workwear brand. Launched in 1989, WIP takes Carhartt‘s rugged silhouettes and fabrics and adapts them for a street-savvy crowd.

WIP‘s boxy Detroit Jacket, Cargo Pants, and Watch Beanies are go-to pieces for those who like their streetwear with a side of utility. The diffusion line has also released covetable collaborations with A.P.C., Junya Watanabe, and Motown, among others. By bringing a fashion-forward sensibility to blue-collar staples, WIP has earned its stripes as a streetwear essential.

12. Awake NY

Founded by former Supreme brand director Angelo Baque, Awake NY is one of the most exciting names in contemporary streetwear. The brand combines classic prep and sportswear influences with a diverse, community-driven ethos.

Awake NY has put out hit collabs with Lacoste, Reebok, Moncler, and Merrell, but its in-house offerings are just as strong. Hero pieces include varsity jackets, rugby shirts, and logo tees and hats. With its sharp design vision and commitment to supporting creatives of color, Awake NY is a brand to believe in.

13. Noah

Noah is the brainchild of former Supreme creative director Brendon Babenzien and his wife Estelle Bailey-Babenzien. Launched in 2015, the New York brand delivers elevated streetwear staples with a preppier, more grown-up feel.

Noah is known for its thoughtful takes on classic menswear pieces like Oxford shirts, pleated pants, and camel coats, as well as its community-minded ethos and commitment to sustainability. The brand has collaborated with the likes of Adidas, Solovair, and Vuarnet. By catering to a slightly more mature consumer, Noah has carved out a unique space in the streetwear landscape.

14. Filling Pieces

Amsterdam-based Filling Pieces has been making waves with its artful take on sneakers and streetwear. Founded by architect-turned-designer Guillaume Philibert in 2009, the brand aims to fill the gap between streetwear and high fashion.

Filling Pieces is best known for its distinctive, chunky-soled sneakers, which come in a range of eye-catching colorways and materials. The brand also offers slick apparel and accessories with a minimalist, street-ready vibe. With fans like Kanye West and Gigi Hadid, Filling Pieces is one to watch.

15. Corteiz

One of the most exciting young brands on the UK streetwear scene, Corteiz was founded by Clint419 in 2017. With its cryptic drops, guerilla-style pop-ups, and community-driven spirit, the label has amassed a devoted following in a few short years.

Corteiz‘s hero piece is the Alcatraz hoodie, featuring a front pouch shaped like the famous prison. Other popular items include utility vests and cargo pants, often in black or camo. With its subversive designs and anti-establishment ethos, Corteiz has the makings of a future streetwear giant.

How to Rock the Streetwear Look

Now that you know the best streetwear brands, you might be wondering how to put together a killer ‘fit. Here are some tips:

1. Mix high and low: Pair a designer hoodie with casual track pants, or dress up a graphic tee with tailored trousers.

2. Play with proportions: Streetwear is all about oversized silhouettes, so don‘t be afraid to go big. Try a baggy tee with slim jeans, or layer an oversized jacket over a fitted top.

3. Keep it comfy: At its core, streetwear is about ease and wearability. Look for soft fabrics and relaxed fits that you can move (and groove) in.

4. Accessorize: The right accessories can take a streetwear outfit to the next level. Think bold sneakers, chunky jewelry, and logo-laden bags.

5. Be yourself: Ultimately, the best streetwear looks are the ones that feel authentic to you. Mix and match pieces from different brands to create a style that‘s uniquely yours.

Where to Shop for Streetwear

In addition to the brands‘ own websites and stores, there are a number of multi-brand retailers that are known for their streetwear selections. Some top picks:

• END. Clothing: This British retailer offers a curated mix of streetwear and designer labels, with a particular focus on sneakers and outerwear.

• SSENSE: The Montreal-based e-tailer is a go-to source for high-end streetwear and cutting-edge fashion.

• Dover Street Market: Founded by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, DSM is a mecca for avant-garde fashion and exclusive streetwear drops.

• KITH: As mentioned earlier, KITH is known for its collaborations and hard-to-find sneakers, as well as its in-house line.

• Bodega: With locations in Boston and Los Angeles, Bodega is a top destination for streetwear, sneakers, and books.

Honorable Mentions

While they didn‘t quite make the top 15, these streetwear brands are also worth checking out:

• Pleasures: This LA-based brand puts out punk-inspired graphic tees and hoodies with a provocative edge.

• Chinatown Market: Known for its smiley face logo and DIY-style graphics, CTM has a playful, tongue-in-cheek vibe.

• Heron Preston: A former Kanye West collaborator, Preston brings a workwear-inspired aesthetic to his eponymous label.

• Misbhv: This Polish brand puts a Eastern European spin on vintage streetwear staples.

• Maharishi: Founded by Hardy Blechman in 1994, Maharishi is known for its pacifist ethos and Asian-inspired designs.

The Future of Streetwear

As we‘ve seen, streetwear is an ever-evolving scene that‘s constantly being shaped by new voices and perspectives. While the OG brands like Supreme and Stüssy will likely always have a place, it‘s exciting to see fresh talents putting their own spin on the aesthetic.

One trend we‘re seeing is a move towards greater sustainability and social responsibility, with brands like Noah and Adidas leading the charge. There‘s also a growing appreciation for streetwear‘s diverse roots, with labels like Awake NY and Corteiz centering underrepresented communities.

At the same time, the lines between streetwear and luxury fashion continue to blur, with high-end designers like Virgil Abloh and Kim Jones bringing a streetwear sensibility to the runway. As the world of fashion becomes increasingly democratized, it‘s clear that streetwear‘s influence is here to stay.

Ultimately, what makes streetwear great is its ability to reflect the pulse of the moment while nodding to the past. Whether you‘re a longtime devotee or a newbie looking to up your style game, there‘s never been a better time to dive in. So get out there, experiment with pieces from the best streetwear brands, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, isn‘t that what fashion is all about?