Boosted by the rise of hip-hop and skater sub-cultures, streetwear as a concept came to prominence in the late 1990s. Unlike high fashion, which is led by established global designers, this new style places priorities on comfort and DIY creativity.
Though streetwear styles can vary greatly from wearer to wearer, there are some immediately recognizable common elements. Baggy clothes with room to move are favored while playing with perspective by contrasting loose with tight is also popular.
Graphic tees, rather than button shirts, are among the core streetwear items, often combined with hoodies for warmer layers. Key accessories include sneakers and hats such as beanies and baseball caps.
The DIY and small-business element to streetwear brands is also important with corporate producers often shunned by streetwear aficionados. The rise in visual social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has helped a stream of streetwear entrepreneurs to grow.
Trending Today
In 2024, streetwear is as popular as it has ever been, and many believe the style is here to stay. As with all areas of fashion, however, streetwear trends ebb and flow with brands and styles constantly evolving.
With that in mind, this is our guide to the most “in” streetwear styles in 2024.
Sustainability is Key
Taking responsibility for our environment and our societies has never been more important than it is right now. Ethical production and sustainable practices are high priorities for streetwear buyers in 2024.
This means paying a fair wage to workers who are treated with respect throughout the manufacturing and distribution process. Brands that take care of both their employees and the environment will be at the forefront of 2024 streetwear fashion.
Baggy is Big
In 2024, streetwear is all about being comfortable in your own skin without feeling the need to conform to expectations. By mixing up baggy and fitted items you can choose to show the world your body exactly how you wish.
Big hoodies are worn with leggings, oversized coats are wrapped around fitted dresses, and loose blazers are covering sports shirts. Baggy, distressed, or men’s stacked jeans are also a great complement to printed tees.
Focus on Happiness
Recent years have seen a huge rise in understanding when it comes to taking care of our mental health. Brands such as Boys Get Sad Too and Happiness Project are among many pioneers in putting positive messaging into streetwear.
In a world where printed slogans and artwork have always been important, pivoting into socially responsible messaging seems natural. In 2024, we’re more aware of what we put out into the world, and this is reflected in our fashions.
Sportswear Everyday
Streetwear style was founded, in part, around sports such as skating and surfing. In recent years, athletic wear of all kinds has become the daily wardrobe of people all over the world.
As huge numbers of people choose to feel more comfortable and move more freely, sportswear and streetwear have come together. In 2024, these two complementary areas of fashion will integrate seamlessly into everyday outfits.
Streetwear has always appealed to the young because it is authentic and responsive to the world around it. Traditionally, it is created by people who live similar lives to those for whom it is created.
As the children of the 90s have grown into 21st-century adults, their love of streetwear has grown too. Now, several successive generations have fallen for its comfortable, adaptable, and constantly evolving appeal.
Social Influence
One factor that continues to inform and drive streetwear trends in social media – particularly TikTok. Since taking over from Instagram, TikTok has given a wide-reaching and democratic voice to young people all over the world.
While young people have platforms to champion the brands and styles they believe in, streetwear will always have passionate advocates. This is clearly demonstrated by the fashion and streetwear trends proving most popular in 2024.
So long as this continues, it’s hard to see the allure of streetwear fading anytime soon.
