Then Shawn Stussy signed his surf boards and decided to print graphic t-shirts with the same signature, and the Californian surfers bought his t-shirts to look rad while they held up their longboards after catching some waves. Mix in a little bit of Japanese urban influence, and there you go, streetwear style was born.

Over 70% of millennials consider streetwear brands as their preferred clothing style. But who are the best streetwear brands from the UK, USA, Europe and Japan and how did they get so popular in the fashion world?

Our editor put it very nicely in our history of streetwear guide where he suggested that the music videos of MTV were the main reason it went global as it spread its reach over the world. Youth culture was influenced by people singing about the swag life, now people were seeing it. Pans People on Top of the Tops did not have the same influencer effect. He believes music and streetwear will forever be entwined.

And now we are now firmly in an era of luxury designer streetwear brands which dominate this list. This is fine if you like spending big money on a branded hoodie designed by the same fashion designers as the luxury fashion houses. Not so good if you are struggling to pay your energy bills, extortionate London rent, and stretch your meagre writers’ salary to cover your food costs. But hey, this is the price we pay for looking stylish and on-trend.

The problem with these editorials is they pretty much cover the same USA streetwear brands on repeat. In some cases, this is fair as they influenced so much and deserve recognition. And this is evident that their history is so intertwined and many of their designers have gone on to be creative directors at the big haute couture fashion houses.

By compiling a list of the top streetwear clothing brands we have to follow the definition which is of the most excellent or desirable type or quality. And with high-quality comes a higher price point, and usually better agents, PR, high-profile influencers and marketing. And in terms of streetwear, our working definition is clothing worn by urban youth culture.

But if you do want to know the low-key clothing brands you’ve never heard of or have seen on Instagram, you probably need to look at our A-Z of streetwear brands rather than this list.

In the meantime, we’ll cover some of the same big hypebeast names everyone else does. Just in our unique cynical but informative style, and put in a few more British brands for good measure.

So this is the incredibly catchy ultimate list of most popular and best streetwear brands in the world for your urban wardrobe essentials you should shop and cop right now in 2022 (in alphabetical order & may contain affiliate links so I can eat) © ™ 

A Bathing Ape (BAPE)

• Origin: Japan
• Founded: 1993

Japanese heavy-weights BAPE is the top of most lists of streetwear brands thanks to their clever use of the letter A. The lifestyle and street wear brand was founded in 1993 by DJ Nigo (aka Tomoaki Nagao), with it’s signature ape logo reminiscent of the 1968 Planet of the Apes film that inspired the name and Bape Sta (a star on their shoes, much like converse but with a lighting bolt).

Being a hip-hop DJ enabled NIGO to not only get his brand on the backs of mega superstars like Kanye West, but after selling BAPE lead to starting up Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear with Pharrell Williams. While staying on with BAPE until recently, he is now creative director at Kenzo. Not bad for someone who does not speak a word of English.

The clothing label does merit a high placing though, it’s always had a Japanese utilitarian styling vibe and bold colourful designs were trail-blazing. The many high profile collaborations gave the successful blueprint for the likes of Supreme and Hype to copy.

With trainers costing over $300 and T-shirts ranging from $117-$250 you got to want it as the official website clearly states all sales are final and cancellations and returns not possible. So it’s best to use a UK website to get that long distance selling regulations cover on items you’ve not seen let alone tried on.

End Clothing have a good range of BAPE in a selection of sizes and accept returns (free delivery on orders over £150), so are a far better choice for UK residents for online shopping and delivery. As we (and many others) have had positive experiences with the retailer, we have linked to them. Other retailers are available.

Shop Now at End.

A Cold Wall

• Origin: London, England
• Founded: 2015

A-COLD-WALL* was founded in 2015 by the London-based designer Samuel Ross, a one-time assistant of OFF-WHITE founder Virgil Abloh who’s influences are evident in marketing and design.

ACW is modern minimalist luxury menswear, made with high-quality materials like 100% 240gsm cotton on the essential tees. Mixing high-performance fabrics with artisan hand-finished techniques delivers quality garments not to be mistaken for a high-street knock-off. Often oversized silhouettes, the price point may raise eyebrows but you get the what you pay for.

Collaborations with Converse, Dr Martens and Beats by Dre prove they must be doing something right.

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Adidas

• Origin: Herzogenaurach, Germany
• Founded: 1924/1949

The German sportswear label date back to 1924 when brothers Adolf and Rudolf Dassler making running shoes as the imaginatively named Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory.

They famously fell out in 1949 and went their sperate ways with Adolf on one side of the Bavarian town’s river in his Adidas factory, and Rudolf establishing business rival Puma. Their spate continued to death, where they are buried as far apart as possible in the town cemetery.

The three stripes of Adidas are arguably more famous and is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and West Germany’s success wearing his football boots in the 1954 World Cup final helped make the sports brand an international name. And in 1967 the Franz Beckenbauer tracksuit moved them beyond shoes into mainstream sportswear.

Adi Dassler died in 1978 when many people think streetwear style was in it’s infancy, and why are they on this list? Well in 1986 Run-D.M.C released a song titled My Adidas. And you can’t cite hip-hop as spawning a dress style about smart casual clothes, and then ignore the fact one of the biggest 80’s groups in that genre were not just wearing the brand, but singing about it without sponsorship or endorsement.

Even 100 years after Adi Dassler started thinking about trainers, they are still in many sneaker collections and the older streetwear fanatics tend to continue to revere them.

And they are not alone, with Adidas and Nike responsible for approximately 45% of all streetwear sales worldwide, thanks to also selling styles like cargo pants, dresses, leggings, socks, sweatshirts, beanies, shorts, trousers and other options as well as their retro tracksuits and trainers.

Their styles are still fashion forward, and being a large leisurewear brand, they will always have a market share across generations for both men and women. Everyone has some Adidas in their wardrobe, and if you don’t, it’s an easy fix to level up your streetwear apparel game.

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Aimé Leon Dore

• Origin: New York, USA
• Founded: 2014

Founded in Queens by Teddy Santis, you’d be forgiven to not knowing of the brand despite it’s London store and high profile collabs with New Era, Puma, New Balance, Woolrich and Porsche. The seasonal collections and lines come with a heavy nod to 80’s retro nostalgia.

The success of ALD has seen designer Santis take a recent creative role at New Balance to oversee their premium Made in USA label.

Shop Now at End.

Billionaire Boys Club

• Origin: USA
• Founded: 2003

It’s hard to pass over Pharrell Williams who shot to fame in 2001 with N.E.R.D and producing a string of hits for the likes of Nelly, Kellis, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z. Often noted for his fashion style, it’s no surprise he is the brainchild of a streetwear clothing brand.

He makes this list as he co-created the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice cream footwear with BAPE founder NIGO, which explains the fusion between American and Japanese aesthetics.

Debuting his new brand in his first solo single Frontin’, it was always going to get exposure, and further collaborations with Jay-Z only strengthened brand awareness. With 3.75M subscribers on YouTube at the time of writing, Williams still has the social reach to push the brand.

It’s pretty expensive so it’s rare to see it worn, but there is no denying their products and accessories are trendy high end.

Pharell has also worked with Louis Vuitton and Moncler on eyewear collections, and partnered with Adidas.

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Carhartt WIP

• Origin: Germany
• Founded: 1994

Firstly lets clarify, Carhartt Inc was founded in 1889 in Michigan USA, making workwear and jackets and still runs today.

Edwin and Salomée Faeh of Germany were given a license to have their own line of clothing in 1994 under the label Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP).

The streetwear label has the same rugged quality with a skateboarding and graffiti influence, and has collaborated with BAPE and Vetements among others.

Shop Now at End.

Cav Empt

• Origin: Tokyo, Japan
• Founded: 2011

When NIGO sold A Bathing Ape, ex-designer SK8THING and Brit Toby Feltwell decided to go alone and C.E was born. Named from the Latin caveat emptor, the brand is full of sci-fi inspired designs and some are bright and colourful graphics so not everyone’s cup of tea, but iconic streetwear clothing none the less.

Either way, the Japanese label has a collection of bold prints that are sure to garner some attention and turn some heads. The brand have gained plaudits in the fashion industry and contemporary streetwear scene.

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Converse

• Origin: USA
• Founded: 1908

If you want to make a Gen Z misty eyed, just mention the words Converse All-Stars, which at one point were the most sought-after shoes in history. The style was introduced in 1918, and after many years of being the official footwear of the NBA, it exploded into modern popularity in the 1980’s.

As always it was music that drove the clamour, with fashion icons Kurt Cobain and Guns N Roses leading the grunge and rock revolution. They are still available to buy for any nostalgia fuelled millennial with a love of the sneaker culture.

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Criminal Damage

• Origin: London, England
• Founded: 1991

Criminal Damage have been a mainstay in East London for decades for the alternative crowd and the UK punk scene. Focusing on denim, they soon expanded into a signature style for goths, hipsters, punks, skaters and hip-hop fans in the UK capital. Sunny Aytan still owns the independent streetwear label, and takes inspiration from retro fashion fused with modern trends.

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Heron Preston

• Origin: New York
• Founded: 2016

The eponymous label by Heron Preston Johnson, a creative director and designer for Nike and Kanye West. Preston has also worked alongside streetwear alumni Virgil Abloh of Off-White and his own label is known for signature bright orange branding and stylish designs.

Shop Now at End. 

Hype

• Origin: Leicester, England
• Founded: 2011

Every British school kids favourite brand was started by friends Liam Greene and Aidy Lennox when they won a Printing Firms Facebook competition. The entry was a reimagined image of Albert Einstein and as a prize they had free run of 150 screen print tees to kick start their business venture.

Now the once underground brand’s history is forgotten as Hype’s back to school sale sees huge turnover but the clothing brand are more than bags and water bottles. Their summer 2022 collection of streetwear styles had a clear street style vibe and using 11 Degrees Josh Flannery as a model is likely a more aggressive and ambitious move into the urban fashion market.

With a host of high-profile endorsements including Jay-Z and 50 Cent, and collaborations with Disney, Star Wars and more, their platform is global.

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Manière De Voir

• Origin: Manchester, England
• Founded: 2014

Maniere De Voir has been the most popular streetwear brand in the UK for a few years and is still growing, effortlessly combining contemporary designs with fashion week worthy streetwear.

MDV was started up by former footballer Reece Warbara with the help of Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan of Gym Shark, it’s only a matter of time before they are internationally recognised as one of the top street style brands.

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New Era

• Origin: Buffalo, USA
• Founded: 1920

Baseball caps are synonymous with streetwear, and no-one comes close to rivalling the dominance of the New Era Cap company with their status as official partner to all of the major sports leagues in the US.

It’s not just their dominance of the headwear market, they genuinely make superior caps and as such often manufacturer for the big clothing labels.

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Nike

• Origin: Oregon, USA
• Founded: 1964

When you think of fashion forward luxury sportswear or streetwear labels, it’s unlikely Nike will be first to come to mind. But the OG sports label swoosh logo and slogan (Just Do It) is more recognisable than any other brand on this list. So I do find it ironic that the editor insists on calling them Nike (rhyming with like) rather than the correct pronunciation Nikey (rhyming with likey)

Name aside (and skipping past they were called Blue Ribbon originally), Nike Air Jordan’s are another footwear staple for the streetwear style, but their clothing is now more in keeping with their urban fashion rivals with t-shirts and tracksuits and more.

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Off-White

• Origin: Milan
• Founded: 2013

American Off-White founder Virgil Abloh was in the Fendi internship class of 2009 with Kanye West. His time at the Italian Fashion house carved the path as he joined West’s Donda creative agency before starting high-end streetwear brand Off-White.

Abloh previously studied as an architect, so his use of clean diagonal stripes were a key signature design in the streetwear brands clothing line. His obvious talent led to being appointed the first African-American artistic director at Louis Vuitton in 2018.

This was streetwear that hit the Paris fashion week runways, and collaborated with a host of big-name brands and designers, which pushed a sale in 2019 before LVMH took controlling shares in 2021.

Abloh sadly passed away in November 2021, aged just 41.

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Palace

• Origin: London, England
• Founded: 2009

Palace Skateboards make the list as Lev Tanju’s clothing line is the most famous UK skate apparel brand. The designs are dripping with 90s nostalgia and pop culture influence, but the skate label are not the force they once were regardless of what the cool kids think.

Of course they still deserve a place on any reputable list of street brands.

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Patta

• Origin: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Founded: 2004

Patta is our first European representation and the Dutch streetwear and sneaker store was founded by Surinamese friends Gee Schmidt and Edson Sabajo. The boutique started by selling imported trainers, hence the name Patta which Suriname street slang for sneakers.

The European streetwear brand evolved and grew into a powerhouse with a cult following, and collabs with Nike, Vans and Asics gave them global exposure.

Shop Now at End.

Sik Silk

• Origin: Scarborough, England
• Founded: 2012

This inclusion will surprise and annoy the sneaker and streetwear world snobs. But Sik Silk have done something no-one else has on this list, and brought affordable streetwear to the British high-streets and to a collaborative collection with Leo Messi. Palace might have built a cult following within the skate board community, but the boys from unfashionable Scarborough kickstarted the mass appeal for big logo tees, all from their bedroom.

Streetwear is casual clothing for urban playgrounds, and on British streets you will be far more likely to see Sik Silk than other brands on this list.

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Stone Island

• Origin: Italy
• Founded: 1982

Stone Island will likely also spark some vitriol from puritans. If streetwear is defined by a casual clothing style worn by urban youth subcultures, then the Italian clothing brand merits it’s place with it’s adulation from the UK football culture. And so they should love it, the high quality all-weather jackets are popular for a reason for the outdoors.

Partnerships with Supreme and Drake and a takeover by Moncler have taken them to the next level, and they continue to churn out great designs. Their place on a list of best streetwear brands might be up for debate, but the quality workmanship of their jackets is not.

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Stüssy

• Origin: California, USA
• Founded: 1980’s

Undisputed streetwear legend Shawn Stüssy was a popular figure on the California surf and Laguna Beach skate scene, selling sold graphic tees with his signature that was applied to his custom boards. The clothing was a side hustle, but spread to the American skateboard community in LA and New York.

Inspired by global trendsetters he now rolled with, the music and fashion collective played a big part in designs and reach. The surf and skate apparel brand became the streetwear staple internationally to inspire so many in the space.

Considered the first real streetwear label with his reasonable pricing and limited stock in select stores, he sold up in 1996 but it continues to thrive and influence as the one of streetwear’s most iconic names.

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Supreme

• Origin: New York, USA
• Founded: 1994

Founded by Brit James Jebbia who had worked at Stussy’s NYC store, it’s fair to say New York’s Supreme iconic status remains as the most talked about streetwear brands with their canny hype of limited edition collections.

Supreme New York are more than just the coolest kids clothing collections imbedded in streetwear culture. The Supreme box logo hoodies are a staple of the cool kids, and the limited drops sell out in minutes.

Supreme, one of the most popular streetwear brands, has collaborated with over 100 different artists and designers, ensuring exclusive designs. Their outerwear pieces are probably the most common on the actual streets of the UK cities.

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VETEMENTS

• Origin: Switzerland
• Founded: 2014

Demna and Guram Gvasalia’s brand found fame after Gosha Rubchinsky went viral with the DHL t shirt in the SS16 show mainly on it’s eye-watering price of €245. Named after the French word for clothing, the brand has a wealth of celebrity fans, which helps drive awareness (and orders).

Shop Now at End.

Weekend Offender

• Origin: Wales
• Founded: 2004

I really want to include Welsh brand Weekend Offender for the same reasons as Stone Island and Sik Silk. Starting as a small graphic tee brand graphic, their urban garments played a big part in British youth culture and deserve a mention for what they have done for the British streetwear scene.

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Other top streetwear brands

Honourable mentions go to the following streetwear brands and I will write these up too at some point:

• New Balance
• CDG Play
• HUF
• Kith
• The Hundreds
• Undefeated
• Undercover
• WTAPS
• Neighbourhood
• Awake NY
• Brain Dead
• Cactus Plant Flea Market
• FUBU
• Golf Wang

What countries produce the best Streetwear Brands?

Clothing manufacturing is a global business, but our most iconic streetwear brands list is made up of the United States. the Far East and Europe.

Last point, there are some affiliate links in this, which is the same for the other articles from other sites you’ve probably visited. This just means if you buy something we get a small percentage from the retailer at no charge for you.

The global vintage sportswear market is estimated to be worth over £4 billion, with vintage Adidas tracksuits are among the most sought-after items, with prices increasing by 42% over the past three years. Authentic vintage sportswear can be quite valuable, especially if it is in good condition and has iconic branding or rare pieces.

Sportswear is defined as clothing and footwear specifically designed and worn for sports activities or physical exercise, and it’s history is entwined with a move into a crossover into casual leisurewear, and everyday wear.

Lets be blunt, despite people playing sports for thousands of years, when we think of sportswear it’s garments such as athletic shorts, tracksuits, sweatshirts,
jerseys, leggings, sports bras, t-shirts, sneakers.

Modern sportswear is designed to enhance performance, typically made from breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics and technology that help regulate body temperature and enhance performance. It may also incorporate features like padding, compression, or reflective elements for safety and functionality.

But sportswear has made a remarkable impact on the fashion industry since the introduction of female activewear in the 1870’s when British John Redfern introduced sports-specific clothing for sporty women who rode horses or played tennis and other active sports. For reference French brand Le Coq Sportif was founded in 1892. Of course that era is more defined as antique sportswear, with the 1920’s haute couture fashion houses also borderline on the cusp of true vintage.

Where do I personally draw the line between antique and vintage? Well anything Victorian (her reign ended in 1901) and Edwardian (until 1914) for sure. To put it into perspective though, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star came out in 1917, and perhaps due to it’s limited design change that I consider it a definite vintage sneaker. Rightly or wrongly, I would classify those styles discontinued as antique.

We’ve covered in depth before with Lacoste’s polo shirt in the 30’s, and baseball caps in the 50’s. The latter is an absolute staple of urban streetwear, and with the continued design it’s definitely in the retro category.

For me, vintage sportswear style is really the 1970’s onwards though, with Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Bill Blass, plus Adidas Stan Smith’s truly iconic trainer shoe. By the mid-1980s, sportswear had become a key part of the international fashion scene, with the boundaries between activewear and fashion sportswear increasingly blurred. There is no doubt hoodies, tracksuits, yoga pants, and other garments explicitly associated with athletic wear were common as athleisure everyday outfits and a staple in many people’s wardrobes.

80s and 90s stand out brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Fila, Reebok, Lacoste, K-swiss, Ellesse, Umbro, Kappa, Macron, Champion, and Sergio Tacchini have played a significant role in this rise, offering stylish and comfortable options for both athletic activities and casual wear. And this is the appeal for men and women in their 40’s and 50’s, with a disposable income and a nostalgia for our youth.

Sportswear is no longer just limited to the gym or the field; retro sports apparel has seamlessly merged into everyday fashion. Athleisure enthusiasts can effortlessly transition from a workout session to a social gathering without compromising on style. And with vintage clothing more available than ever, you can define your favourite eras just by finding the right vintage branded joggers and hoodies.

Top Brands For Vintage Sports Apparel

In the realm of vintage sportswear fashion apparel, there are several top brands that have earned a prominent place in the fashion industry. One such obvious brand is Adidas, renowned for its innovative designs and high-quality sportswear, coupled with its timeless look that has attracted rock stars, actors, athletes and influencer to adorn themselves in this iconic fashion apparel.

Its iconic three stripes logo has become synonymous with the brand, making it instantly recognizable and highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts and athletes alike. From classic tracksuits to retro sneakers, Adidas continues to dominate the vintage sportswear scene with its timeless appeal.

Run DMC were rocking a classic pair of Superstar sneakers in their video of Walk This Way which was at the time the most requested music video on MTV boosted sales for this type of low level sneaker and its counterparts like the Puma Clyde and Nike Cortez.

Another notable big name brand in the vintage sportswear fashion domain is of course Nike. Established in 1964, Nike has cultivated a strong following by catering to athletes’ needs while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of fashion. With its signature swoosh logo, Nike has successfully combined style and performance, creating a cult-like following around the world. From its iconic Air Jordan sneakers to the ever-popular Windrunner jackets, Nike’s vintage sportswear collection offers a diverse range of clothing that seamlessly combines comfort and sophistication.

When it comes to vintage sportswear, these brands stand out, not just for their quality and craftsmanship, but also for their ability to transcend time and remain relevant in an ever-changing fashion landscape. With their iconic designs, logos, famous affiliations and rich heritage, Adidas and Nike continue to capture the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and sportswear aficionados alike. Their influence on the industry is undeniable, and their vintage collections serve as a testament to their enduring appeal.

As the demand for vintage sportswear fashion continues to grow, these top brands will undoubtedly continue to dominate the market, inspiring future generations of fashion-forward individuals to embrace the allure of retro-chic.

The 80′ Casual Scene In The UK

The 80’s witnessed the emergence of a distinctive fashion subculture known as the casual scene in the UK. This movement was characterized by the adoption of sportswear as everyday attire, blending elements of both athletic and casual clothing. Influenced by the rising popularity of football hooliganism, young British men began to embrace a style that reflected their rebellious nature and loyalty to their favourite teams.

One of the key features of the 80’s casual scene was the strong affiliation with certain sportswear brands. Classic sportswear labels like Adidas, Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and Sergio Tacchini became iconic symbols of this fashion movement. Genuine pieces from this decade are true vintage sports clothing in my humble opinion.

The distinctive logos and designs of these brands created a sense of identity and belonging among the members of the casual scene. Plus, the quality and durability of these sportswear pieces made them suitable for both fashion and function, making them an ideal choice for those who wanted to look stylish while engaging in their rowdy activities.

It was surprising to see the smaller, less established brands like Fila and Sergio Tacchini emerge from this scene, but their now iconic tennis shirts and tank tops become de rigeur for any self-respecting casual.

The classic brand Fila had the Bj range, part of a sponsorship deal with legendary tennis player Bjorn Borg and who can forget John McEnroe in his Nike Court sneakers strolling out onto Centre Court. Shoe like those and the Diadora’s worn by Borg became part of the culture which has had a new lease of life in the retro releases since those heady days.

The current trend of the retro style has opened up these iconic brands to a new audience of ever hungry fashionistas. Its not uncommon to see a middle aged man strolling down the street wearing a classic Fila tracktop, coupled with and box fresh pair of Diadora Gold trainers, or how often do you see a famous person on the red carpet with a vintage Fred Perry underneath his or her dress jacket.

What Makes Sports Clothing Brands Fashionable

Sportswear brands have become ever more fashionable in recent years, and there are several key factors that contribute to their popularity. Firstly, the emphasis on comfort and functionality is a significant reason why sportswear brands have gained favour in the fashion world.

Secondly, the power of branding cannot be undermined when it comes to the fashionability of sportswear brands. Many well-established sportswear brands have cultivated a strong brand image over the years, associating themselves with athletic prowess, fitness, and a youthful spirit. Consumers are not only drawn to the aspirational lifestyle that these brands represent, but to the vintage styling and cool street nature of the clothing and sneakers, fuelling their desire to own and flaunt their products.

Additionally, collaborations with high-end fashion designers, athletes, and celebrities have helped sportswear brands further elevate their status and appeal to a broader audience.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it is likely that sportswear will maintain its status as a go-to choice for those seeking style and athleticism in their wardrobe.

Other Iconic Vintage Sportswear Brands

Puma, one of the iconic vintage sportswear brands, has been a prominent force in the fashion industry since its establishment in 1948. From their classic suede sneakers to their comfortable tracksuits, Puma has continued to redefine sportswear fashion, making it a staple for athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Think Steven Tyler of Aerosmith prancing around stage in his Puma Clydes whilst also remembering their dominance of the early hip-hop scene in New York. Originally a basketball shoe, a lifestyle equivalent was brought out.

Another iconic vintage sportswear brand that has left an indelible mark in fashion history is Champion. Founded in 1919, Champion has been a pioneer in creating high-quality sportswear that seamlessly blends style and functionality. Retro is the way forward for Champion as opposed to vintage.

Fred Perry is the quintessential English brand of understated style and elegance. From the days of the Mods wearing them as a casual item to its resurgence to a global brand issuing old colour waves and new products that emulate their original and vintage styles from yesteryear.

Famous People Wearing Vintage Retro Sportswear

In recent years, the trend of famous people wearing vintage sportswear has gained significant traction. Celebrities from different industries and backgrounds have been spotted rocking throwback jerseys, athletic hoodies, and retro sneakers. This fusion of fashion and nostalgia has become a hallmark of individual style and a way for these celebrities to pay homage to the iconic pieces of the past.

Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have capitalized on this trend by releasing limited-edition collections and collaborating with famous personalities to create unique, vintage-inspired pieces that resonate with both fashion enthusiasts and sports fans alike. This is not to say they don’t have a high share of the market with proper running shoes, just that they crossed into the fashion purchase too.

One of the key reasons why famous people choose to wear vintage sportswear is its ability to make a statement. By donning iconic pieces from the past, these celebrities can express their individuality, showcase their knowledge of fashion history, and create a sense of nostalgia. Searching out that elusive, hard to find piece of sportswear folklore and wearing it in front of friends is a conversation piece as well as a great achievement.

Additionally, vintage sportswear allows famous individuals to connect with their fans on a personal level, as it reminds them of memorable sports moments or highlights important milestones in their careers. Whether it’s an iconic basketball jersey worn by a famous musician on stage or a throwback track jacket sported by an actor during a casual outing, these vintage pieces become symbols of identity, influence, and cultural significance for both the wearers and their admirers.

Vintage Or Retro Sportswear?

With the rise of nostalgia in fashion, many people are seeking out unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from the past. Vintage sportswear refers to clothing or accessories that were made in an earlier era, typically from the 1960s to the 1990s. These rare pieces have a certain charm and character that cannot be replicated by trendy modern-day brands. From classic Adidas tracksuits, Fila track tops, Ellesse tennis shorts, to old-school collectible Nike sneakers, vintage sportswear allows individuals to showcase their love for both fashion and sports.

The appeal of vintage sportswear lies in its authenticity and history. Each vintage piece tells a story and represents a certain time in fashion and popular culture. Whether it’s a vintage NBA jersey or a pair of vintage Converse sneakers, these items are not just clothing, but also artefacts of a bygone era.

Owning and wearing vintage sportswear allows individuals to express their personal style and individuality, while also paying homage to the fashion icons and trends of the past. Vintage sportswear is not limited to specific brands or styles – it encompasses a wide range of garments and accessories that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

The rise of retro fashion now being manufactured by most of the leading sportswear brands has seen them reissue classic items from their back catalogue that are appealing to a new generation of young people. Using retro items to boost sales also increases brand loyalty and will continue to evolve as vintage and retro fashion remains popular.

The average British woman is 5ft 5 inches tall and weighs 11 stone, with a dress size of UK 16 with a 36DD bra size. And let that sink in my body confident queens in waiting. While you are likely stressing about your weight and body shape, base yourself on the average and not what you see on social media. Be body confident and own your style!

Finding apparel with inclusive sizing for the curvy lady, in general, can be difficult to find if you are not looking for it specifically too. There is nothing more heart-breaking than finding the perfect dress and then seeing that it’s not sold in your size.

Also, a dedicated plus size fashion range will focus on style, designs and colour with body shape in mind. Ensuring your go-to outfits are not reliant on spandex pants all the time.

So here are some of the best plus-size brands for women; stylish and affordable without sacrificing quality or style.

The Best Plus Size Clothing Brands in the UK

The links below may contain affiliate deals, which means we get a small commission directly from the retailer for any purchases made. This is at no cost to you or influenced me, but saves you getting ads every few lines to give you readable content.

As always look out for sale products for an extra discount. These are high-street rather than luxury fashion brands which are only now starting to embrace inclusive sizing. Versace have used plus-size model Precious Lee, who has also graced the cover of Vogue.

Boohoo Plus – Sizes up to XXXL and UK 30

If you love fashion but don’t have a huge spending budget, it might be time to shop at Boohoo. The site offers new outfits each week at budget-friendly prices and it a great plus size fit shop.

If you’re looking for fashionable pieces that are affordable, Boohoo is a great place to go. With Maternity as well as more tall and plus-size options, there’s something for everyone. If you’re on a date night or just want an update your wardrobe without breaking the bank, get ready with the new arrivals at Boohoo to stay on trend and fabulous.

One of my favourite oversized hoodie is from Boohoo and I practically live in it with a t-shirt bra underneath. And my recent green tapered trousers purchase is turning heads and getting compliments.

Ulla Popken – Sizes up to XXXL and UK 30

For more than 20 years, the German label has been internationally known for its quality, fit and pricing in large sizes. Covering sporty, elegant, comfortable and feminine the styles are great for the summer season. The sizing can be European but they do have a handy size guide, plus we have covered the UK-USA-EU conversion below too.

I buy my swimwear from here and just love the colourful designs and matching sets with either bikini bottoms or printed shorts. They ship from the UK but do not offer free returns which is something to consider.

Asos Curve – Sizes up to UK 38

If you are a plus size lady and need a place to buy fashionably designed clothes at rock bottom prices, ASOS Curve collection is the one for you. It features so many great new style designers for voluptuous ladies plus it sells its own brand at ridiculously low prices. It’s truly a one-stop online shop for affordable and fashionable plus size clothing collection that includes bridesmaid and wedding dresses and glamorous evening wear.

You’ll get to browse thousands of fashion and lingerie and hosiery items in extended sizes (7,696 products at the time of writing) at the biggest online fashion retailer including popular brands such as Boohoo, New Look and River Island.

Basically at Asos you will have no issue finding top brands that stock maxi dress, nightwear, underwear, pyjamas, cropped trousers, jumpers, t-shirts, trainers, socks, sandals, vests, bodysuits, dressing gowns, jeans, jumpsuits, smocks, shirt dresses, hoodies, tights, cardigans, sweatshirts, tracksuits, playsuits, and accessories like sunglasses, necklaces and scarves. They also often have a sale so some great bargains to be had.

New Look Curve – Sizes from UK 16 to 32

Plus size fashion has become more and more accessible as New Look has developed its Curves collection, which offers a huge range of affordable neutrals and wardrobe essentials for the curve clothing market. Their prices are affordable, making them a great option for those looking to update their daily outfits or get travel and beach ready.

Make sure to check out their shoes in the curve range too, they have a choice that will fit comfortably and are designed to match the fashion on the site. I tend to purchase my shoes here and my treasured denim jacket.

SimplyBe – Sizes from UK 12 to 32

Simply Be stocks a diverse range of gorgeous and fashionable pieces in different sizes and is a dedicated women’s plus size retailer. They offer fabulous tops, coats, tees, denim jeans, blouses, shorts, skirts, dresses, jackets, activewear, lingerie and swimwear and much more for the woman who has curves-celebrating their size is central to the brand’s ethos.

The online store also has brands like Adidas, Levi’s, AX Paris, Monsoon and Figleaves so you can shop your perfect look from head to toe without disappointment.

River Island Plus – Sizes from UK 18 to 30

For 60 years, River Island has brought everyone in the UK fashionable items at affordable prices without compromising on quality. The Plus collection exclusively ranges on their website and offers casual and clubwear such as sleeveless and flattering dresses, comfortable joggers, wide leg trousers, and new prints that are perfect for your closet upgrade this year. My cherished slip dress was bought here.

There are limited styles compared to the bigger fast fashion retailers above, but it’s worth a look.

From the national chains to small independent stores, there is more than just online websites available for your favourite Urban Clothing Retailers. But both can be hard to find so we thought we’d collate a list of fast fashion retailers for where you can buy streetwear in the UK. We also have a dedicated streetwear brands page if you’d prefer to shop direct.

Please note it is difficult to keep up to date with streetwear retailers that close, rename or move. This is intended to help you find fashion stockists and you should always check they are still trading. Urban Celebrity has recently ceased trading for example, and the local high streets have been decimated. Clothing retailers in particular have struggled in 2020 and 2021, but there is plenty of shopping available for urban clothing online.

This list is also useful if you are aiming to be stocked in a retailer as a clothing brand owner. We advise you read our post on how retailers choose brands before making contact if you are a clothing brand wanting to be stocked. If you are a consumer looking to buy the best streetwear fashion, we aim to deliver in this fashion retailers list.

We have not separated out between womenswear and menswear, as most clothing retailers stock both. Also most of these stock the big fashion brands so your favourite streetwear clothing label might not be stocked here.

Best Urban Clothing Stores list

Other Urban Clothing Websites

Submit a streetwear retailer

There are other online urban fashion stores of course, and it seems redundant to list every single one that doesn’t suit our focus. Most of these stores can be found in town centres and shopping centres around the UK or are dedicated urban streetwear websites.

What is Urban clothing?

Urban just means related to towns and cities, so urban culture is just associated with the youth in inner-city populated areas. The apparel style can vary across different countries and municipalities, from the American ghetto to the streets of Japan.

Urban clothing and fashion forward streetwear are more casual and associated with jeans, unique designs on t-shirts, hoodies, tracksuits, shorts, sneakers and caps. It’s often heavily associated with skate parks and surfing culture and the hip hop scene.

In the UK there is a heavy cross over with sports and athleisurewear and collections for men, women and children. The design intention was always stylish enough for the gym or bar and the fashion industry were adapting.

The trendsetting brands often were successful based on one pioneering product that was in high-demand, for example, the Sik Silks baseball jersey and Hera London’s skinny jeans. Luxury sportswear is popular with Generation Z as they always want to look good even in the Gym, pushed by the pressure of social media.

In Britain especially, Reality TV played a big part in showcasing streetwear to the masses. Shows like Geordie Shore, Made in Chelsea, and The Only Way is Essex were highly popular in the youth demographic, with the stars becoming social influencers with huge Instagram followings inspiring their audience to purchase.

Successful fashion brands used social media to increase their brand awareness, which was a powerful marketing tool. They may not have been the best high quality items, but they were in high demand. And UK clothing retailers began to stock them with exclusive deals to cater for their mass appeal.

What is an Urban clothing store?

These are either physical stores or online shops. Internet based online retailers has enabled consumers to buy from websites worldwide to find that unique trend and style. Of the back of the bedroom brand success, high-street stores started to produce their own streetwear brands or urban styles to cater to the youth market, such as Footasylum’s Kings Will Dream clothing brand.

Urban clothing stores are a great place to go if you’re searching for the latest in fashion. They typically carry clothes that can be worn both casually and formally, though some stores sell only streetwear.

Buying online on urban online clothing stores securely

We’d always recommend buying your clothing online through reputable stores to avoid any issues. While there are precautions you can take to avoid getting scammed, simply using websites you know reduce the risk. Something to bear in mind though, any online purchases have great protection from Distance Selling Regulations and under the credit card consumer act.

We love streetwear brands here at Fast Fashion News, so we strive to know all of the best urban clothing labels out there, old, new and upcoming. So we compiled a comprehensive list of all UK streetwear brands and added in some of the best from Europe and USA for good measure.

With new streetwear labels coming out all the time, it’s a never-ending job adding to our mega list so if we have missed your favourite streetwear brand, get in touch at the bottom of the page so we can get it included.

Below is our list of British streetwear brands and urban clothing websites that are the hottest trending now in streetwear.

You can buy direct at their websites for the biggest range available, but some are stocked in other online shops too. If you want to see a list of retailers and stockists, then head over to our A-Z of retailers page.

The coolest UK streetwear brands have been covered in detail in our Brand Spotlight section where we review them and look into their history, with a general UK streetwear history covered in depth too.

Best UK Streetwear Brands

Women Only Streetwear Clothing Brands

Popular Japanese and US Urban Clothing Brands

Top European Brands

Established Streetwear UK Labels

Up and coming UK Streetwear Brands

Underground streetwear brands are always available, but you may need to go off the beaten track as the big retailers won’t stock them. It’s usually best to buy direct from their websites as they are usually independent. While some are obviously influenced by the American big names, there are a few gems with a signature unique style.

What is Streetwear clothing?

UK Street style is a type of fashion that originates from British urban fashion culture and produces styles that differ from mainstream fashion. Street fashion is considered to have emerged from grassroots streetwear fashion and youth culture. Different clothing brands can have various influences such as Californian surf, skate culture, hip hop fashion, 1980s nostalgia, modern haute couture fashion and Japanese street fashion.

But ultimately the streetwear world of logo and graphic tees is mostly inspired by surf and skate apparel. Although in recent years there has been a noticeable shift towards fashion forward luxury sportswear as the target audience ages, while some have stuck close to their roadman origins. Either way, the UK streetwear scene continues to grow and evolve with Manchester based brand MDV constantly levelling up the streetwear game.

Urban clothing and streetwear style is often casual, comfortable basics such as t-shirts, skinny jeans, snapback and baseball caps, and trainers (sneakers for you yanks). A style we know and love with the top streetwear brands UK and beyond. From Manchester to London streetwear brands match the fashion industry toe for toe with footwear, headwear, tee’s, retro and athleisure.

Streetstyle clothing brands have become the fashion choice for the social media savvy Generation Z, the golden age of Social Influencers, and reality TV endorsements. urban garments are now affordable luxury fashion, bridging the gap between the high street and the catwalks. Comfort and convenience, fast fashion at the fingertips. The clothing choice of the Love Island and Hypebeast generation.

Manchester’s and London’s streetwear scene is ever growing, with oversized tees and bold graphics galore.

What are UK Drip Brands?

Drip is a slang word used in American Hip Hop which in effect means dripping with confidence and money by wearing expensive clothes and bling jewellery in a stylish look.

So drip brands are basically the expensive high-end streetwear, and the UK reference is more that’s it’s worn here in Britain and styled by British Influencers, with the brands being the US and Japanese streetwear like BAPE, Ed Hardy, Rick Owens and Supreme.

Submit a brand

Featured Streetwear Brands UK

The 4 types of baseball caps are:

1. Snapback hats – (a hat with a snap closure in the rear) with flat brim, high profile, adjustable.
2. Adjustable hats – (a hat with a velcro closure in the rear) unstructured, low profile, curved brim, adjustable.
3. Fitted caps – curved or flat brim, structured cap, high profile, unadjustable.
4. “Flexfit” hats – curved or flat brim, structured cap, high profile, adjustable by the use of elastic materials.

The evolution of the baseball cap

Baseball caps are the original style made famous by the New Era Cap Company. Everything else is just a modern twist on the classic OG. Mainly worn by old school crowd, hence the nickname the Dad Hat. For those that prefer the curved peak, the old school baseball cap style hat is stylish and practical. A classic and timeless style more favoured by the older generation which still laments after its missing youth.

But how has the simple hat evolved in style?

What is a Trucker hat?

A trucker hat is a baseball cap with foam front panels and pre-curved bill, plastic mesh backing, and snapback closing mechanism. 

In the 1960s Trucker Caps were known as the Gimme Hat as were commonly local merchandising promotional giveaways. The name trucker comes from automobile companies who favoured them, so they were literally the Trucker’s Hat.

It was cheaper to make with plastic mesh and foam rather than cotton so more breathable by nature, making them ideal for hot weather and outdoor activities and the sports clothing headwear of choice. The snapback trucker hats remain very popular.

What is a Snapback hat?

The snapback is named after the plastic adjustable strap at the back where it snaps into place to lock it in the right fit. This can be the trucker and baseball styles, with the term based on the adjuster rather than the style. The common style associated with the snapback caps has a flat peak and is full cotton rather than mesh.

What is a Strapback hat?

As above, this is the same as a snapback but uses a strap made of plastic or leather and a tightener like the metal bar through a hole locking technique.

So the strapback means the fastener and not the hat style. The difference is you rarely see this sold with this description.

What is a Flat Peak baseball cap?

The Hip-Hip style flat peak rather than the Baseball curved. This is usually consisting of plastic or cardboard to stiffen or high-end PU Leather (leather coated with a layer of polyurethane). The flat peak caps are the favourite of the Hip-Hop Fashion scene.

What is a 5 Panel Baseball Cap?

The common style straight out of the skater parks of New York and adapted for fashionistas. The five panels consist of two top panels, two side panels and a front panel (or 2 on the 6 panels). Usually, cotton twill panels are sewn up and held together by the adding of a button. Commonly with a snapback fastener.

The History of the baseball cap

So we now know Baseball caps come in a variety of styles, colloquially called Snapbacks after the fastener at the back. But who invented the baseball cap?

The ballcap was first seen in 1860 in the USA as part of the Brooklyn Excelsiors baseball team uniform. The intention was intended to keep the sun out of eyes for both batter and catcher, made from wool with a bill made from the leather, shorter than styles. These were a baseball cap without strap fasteners that sat loosely on the head.

The modern appearance came with latex rubber stiffening material in the 1940s and continued as the baseball cap for men baseball teams, with logos and colour to identify who was whom. But it was during the 1920’s popularity of Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees that fans bought the replicas to show their support.

The modern baseball cap

They are still often made from wool or the more modern polyester. Since the 1970s, they have included a fastener for one-size-fits all, with the adjustment strap at the back hence the term snapback.

Hats are constructed with the buckram button holding it together, or they are unconstructed as floppy caps. Then you have the stiff bill or peak, which is either hip-hop style flat or curved like the baseball “dad” hat. They are arguably more popular as fashion accessories than ever, although it seems flat snapbacks are falling out of style.

You can blame Tom Selleck for the baseball hats exploding popularity, with the 1980s sex symbol Magnum P.I character starting the trend with his trademark Hawaiian Shirt and Detroit Tigers Baseball cap pushing it out of being simple baseball equipment.

Then in the 1990s, it became a big part of popular pop culture in particular in Hip Hop fashion with Tupac and Ice Cube sporting them along with their durags..

Film-maker Spike Lee has a big influence of the evolution of the baseball hat in modern fashion, when in 1996 he had a custom request for New Era to make him a Yankees hat in red rather than traditional blue.

Across the pond from our American cousins, the most popular type of hats is snapbacks UK side. Although it does get associated with youths and hoodies, it’s still a fashion accessory and on the must-pack list for holidays to Ibiza to stop sunburn.

If you are also a big fan of hip-hop fashion, you definitely need to own a hat in this style as well. You can have your favourite pattern printed on this hat, which avoids you from having the same hats as everyone else and makes you more unique and different. What are you waiting for, come to customize one at Hats.Co!