Best streetwear brands to populate your closet with

If it’s time to update those wardrobe staples you love but are looking a little tired, like track pants and T-shirts, here are the brands to know.

Maddison Glendinning

8 min read

August 2, 2021 – 11:03AM

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Loved for comfort and innovation, streetwear has never had such an impact on fashion than right now. Image: Superdry

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Once upon a time, we all left our houses to go to work and wore “hard pants” and heels regularly. These days, much of our collective focus is on pieces that we can live in – comfortable separates that work on Zoom, for our daily walks and for flopping onto the lounge at any given moment of the day. Enter streetwear: the do-it-all, MVP of your wardrobe.

RELATED: Versatile sneakers that will always be in style

“The reason streetwear is becoming part of our everyday wardrobe is because above all else, it’s not only cool, but also comfortable,” Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC explains. “While there are trends that evolve each season, the streetwear aesthetic is here to stay.”

“Born out of a mashup of the surf-skate culture of Los Angeles and the night-life of Japan in the 90s, it’s relaxed and casual silhouettes have stood the test of time.”

BEST STREETWEAR BRANDS GUIDE

Slick jackets, oversized tees, cool jumpers and wear-everywhere track pants are staples in the best streetwear brands on the market – and thankfully, we’re in no shortage of brands to choose from here in Australia. From homegrown heroes to international mainstays, here’s our picks of the best streetwear brands to buy now.

NIKE

No streetwear roundup would be complete without iconic label, Nike. Image: @nikewomen

No streetwear roundup would be complete without Nike. Purveyors of classic cool, they expertly weave technical elements into their casual wear to deliver performance-level pieces that are easy-to-wear everyday.

SHOP NIKE

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Tech Fleece Hoodie, $130

This hoodie comes with a handy arm pocket. Pictures: The Iconic

Nike Tech Fleece hoodie.

This minimalist hoodie is made from a cotton-rich jersey and features a handy arm pocket for storing your essentials on your next outdoor walk.

Sportswear Icon Clash Pullover Hoodie, $95

Wear it at home or on a run. Pictures: The Iconic

Finished in an on-trend tie-dye print.

Finished in an on-trend tie-dye print, this sweater is made with moisture-wicking materials meaning you can wear it at home as well as on a run.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS

you can’t go wrong with Adidas and one of its Trefoil logo-emblazoned staples

Whether you opt for a pair of the brand’s iconic Stan Smith sneakers or a slick two-piece tracksuit, you can’t go wrong with Adidas and one of its Trefoil logo-emblazoned staples.

SHOP ADIDAS ORIGINALS

WHAT WE’RE LOVING

Tracksuit pants, $100

You can never own too many pairs of tracksuit pants, especially when they’re a classic fit like this pair from Adidas Originals.

Trefoil T-shirt, $45

A logo tee is a staple of any good streetwear wardrobe and this piece from Adidas Originals comes in black, white and heather grey so you’ll always have something to wear.

UNDER ARMOUR

Under Armour’s roots are in sportswear but it has expanded its line-up to include streetwear.

Like Nike and Adidas, Under Armour’s roots are in sportswear but it has expanded its line-up to include streetwear. Logo-laden sweats, slick jackets and staple tees will see you through everything from walks to WFH meetings and relaxed weekends.

SHOP UNDER ARMOUR

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Men’s Project Rock Legacy Windbreaker Jacket, $150

Part of the brand’s collaboration with Dwayne Johnson, this windbreaker fuses function with style thanks to its wind- and water-repellent fabric and graphic design.

Women’s UA Rival Terry Crew

Made from a lightweight soft terry, this jumper will fast become your new cosy go-to. Plus, it looks great.

PUMA

The perfect fusion of functionality and fashion. .

The perfect fusion of functionality and fashion, Puma’s streetwear line-up offers great pieces for men, women and children. Its largely monochromatic offering means you can mix and match pieces with ease and they’ll work in with just about everything else you own.

SHOP PUMA

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Men’s Evostripe Full Zip Hoodie, $109.99

We love the versatility of this khaki jacket – wear it with confidence while you exercise thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric, or throw it on to keep you warm at home. You can’t go wrong.

Women’s Essentials 7in Shorts

Bike shorts are here to stay and we love this pair with its soft grey hue and cotton-blend fabric that lets you move with ease.

REEBOK

UK-born Reebok has earned cult status with the fashion set, only amplified by their collaborations with designers like Victoria Beckham. Image: @reebokau

Started in the UK in 1958 and bought by the Adidas Group in 2005, Reebok has become one of the most well-known streetwear brands in the world. For the fashion-obsessed among you, look to the brand’s collaboration with Victoria Beckham to add a designer edge to your look.

SHOP REEBOK

WHAT WE’RE LOVING

Victoria Beckham Seamless Tights, $180

A good pair of tights is an essential building block to any streetwear wardrobe. This pair from the Victoria Beckham collaboration features a high-waisted, seamless construction for support and style.

Identity Vector Joggers, $75

Crafted from a soft fleece, you’ll never want to take these track pants off – good thing they go with everything.

SUPREME

Famous for their high-profile collaborations and distinct logo-laden designs, Supreme is now synonymous with coveted streetwear. Image: @supremenewyork

One of the most in-demand streetwear brands in the world, Supreme is famous for its collaborations and limited drops that often sell out within minutes. In addition to hoodies and tees, its signature red and white logo can also be found on accessories including bags, beanies and briefs.

SHOP SUPREME

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Rainbow Knit Beanie Hat, $141

Feel warm and look great. Picture: Farfetch

Take your headwear game up a level with this knit beanie that’s warm and also looks great.

Logo Canvas Tote Bag, $229

Supreme tote bag to keep everything you need.

Who doesn’t love a classic tote? Take this one on your next outing – it’s big enough to fit all of your essentials.

CHAMPION

Transeasonal wear has never looked better than in the perennially stylish gear from Champion. Image: @champion

Heritage American streetwear brand Champion offers classic separates in timeless colours that you’ll reach for season after season. Its matching tracksuits in rainbow hues are just the pick-me-up you need at any time of year.

SHOP CHAMPION

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Script Hoodie, $74.99

This classic hoodie has stretchy rib cuffs and hem for a closer fit, and is finished with the brand’s iconic logo stamped across the front.

Script Pant, $49.99

You’ll never regret buying a pair of track pants in a fun hue, like this super soft pair finished in a punchy lilac hue.

ASICS

Asics also serves up a selection of streetwear in men’s and unisex styles

Best known for its performance activewear, Asics also serves up a selection of streetwear in men’s and unisex styles that you’ll reach for time and time again. Opt for a matching tracksuit or take your Olympics fever to the next level by scoring a replica of the Australian team’s green and gold suits.

SHOP ASICS

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Replica Village Hoodie, $149.99

Tap into the Olympic spirit with this replica hoodie that will have you feeling like an athlete whenever you throw it on.

Pull Over Hoodie, $120

This unisex style is made with a soft knit fabric that feels great to wear and looks just as good. We love the oversized logo design on the arm, too.

P.E NATION

Streetwear is the perfect fashion for right now.

Turning our attention to our own shores, since its launch in 2016, P.E Nation has fast become one of the country’s favourite streetwear brands. Bold colours punctuate the brand’s collections that brim with comfortable separates that work for almost all occasions.

SHOP P.E NATION

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Set Match Hoodie, $249

Set Match Hoodie, $249 from P.E Nation. Picture: P.E Nation

An oversized hoodie is a key streetwear piece and this iteration from P.E Nation has cool black and white detailing on the body, as well as gold hardware to give the piece an elevated feel.

Courtside Cap, $69

A hat is an essential part of any outdoor look and we love the cool logo details on this classic black offering.

FILA

Streetwear is the perfect fashion for right now.

One of the poster brands of the 90s, Fila has had a resurgence of late thanks to the wave of nostalgia that’s swept pop culture. The Italian brand is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year and it’s showing no signs of slowing its production of effortless heritage-inspired classics. For extra street cred, opt for a piece with the brand’s logo in full view.

SHOP FILA

WHAT WE’RE LOVING

Unisex Classic Fleece Crew Sweatshirt, $30

You’ll never tire of a logo sweater, especially when it’s a classic like this grey marle option made with a brushed fleece lining.

Men’s Gerado Tech Hoodie, $50

We love the street-ready colour-block design on this wear-everywhere hoodie from Fila. The pop of neon adds a cool finishing touch, too.

THE NORTH FACE

Formerly the domain of adventurers and mountaineers alone, The North Face has emerged in recent years as a must-have label for streetwear lovers. Image: @thenorthface_aunz

After beginning as a brand for outdoor enthusiasts, The North Face’s timeless, cool designs have moved from the mountains to the mainstream in recent years. Its high performance separates will last for seasons, helping to justify the higher price point of some of its hero items.

SHOP THE NORTH FACE

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

1996 Retro Nupste Jacket, $450

North Face 1996 Retro Nupste Jacket, $450 Picture: The Iconic

Inject a dose of fun into your streetwear wardrobe with this retro-inspired jacket from The North Face that will never go out of style.

Short Sleeve Box NSE Tee, $50

North Face Never Stop Exploring Tee. Picture: The Iconic

This crisp white tee is the perfect building block for your streetwear look.

SUPERDRY

Streetwear is the perfect fashion for right now.

British streetwear brand Superdry fuses a vintage American sportswear aesthetic with Japanese-inspired graphics to create its off-duty staples. It focuses on quality materials so you’ll get plenty of mileage out of your purchase, too.

SHOP SUPERDRY

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Classic Superstate Short Sleeve Polo, $89.95

Whether paired with a tailored chino or shorts, a sharp polo is a great addition to your wardrobe – you might be surprised at how often you find yourself reaching for it.

Orange Label Crew T-Shirt, $39.95

If you prefer to keep things simple, this black tee is for you. Cut in a flattering slim fit, you may never want to take it off.

ONITSUKA TIGER

Streetwear Onitsuka Tiger is the go to streetwear label.

Best known for its tennis-inspired shoes that feature the brand’s signature side stripes, Onitsuka Tiger also offers a range of streetwear to complement its cult footwear offering. Look for the brand’s sharp outerwear and printed tees to complete your look.

SHOP ONITSUKA TIGER

WHAT WE’RE LOVING:

Mexico 66- Unisex, $160

We couldn’t not include a pair of the brand’s iconic sneakers. This slick style will take you wherever you need to go.

Graphic Tee, $50

A graphic tee is always a good idea – especially when it looks this good.

WHAT MAKES A BRAND CONSIDERED STREETWEAR?

Nicole spoke to

news.com.au

about what separates a true streetwear brand from the pretenders.

“A true streetwear brand embraces comfort, creativity, and self expression,” she says. “Streetwear is a combination of having a fashionable, cool, laid-back aesthetic, with a genderless, sporty feel.”

“Celebs such as Billie Eilish and Bella Hadid have led the sportswear trend, which has seen a rise in streetwear brands and labels embracing more relaxed silhouettes.”

“Brands such as Adidas Originals have become a popular choice for off-duty looks amongst the stylish celebrity set,” Nicole continues. “Since durability and comfort have gained popularity among skaters and streetwear icons over the last decade, brands like Dickies have adapted to this shift, prioritising relaxed streetwear inspired styles over traditional workwear.”

Lastly – “Whilst some streetwear brands are also sports brands – think this Adidas Cropped Hoodie or this PE Nation Tee with their Armour Pants – they have a more fashion focus to their silhouettes, which is what differentiates them from the sport department.”

WHAT TRENDS ARE PRESENT IN STREETWEAR TODAY?

“Co-ord tracksuits have always been a streetwear staple, but as we move into the warmer months, we’re going to see a lot of short sets to keep us on trend and cool in summer,” Nicole predicts. “I recommend sticking to neutral tones so you can mix and match sets. Think shades like khaki, brown and nude that are offered by the likes of Champion and Stussy, among other cult streetwear brands.”

“Oversized garments are key, particularly when working with tees and jackets. For an oversized tee, try something like this Dazie Stay Hydrated Oversized Tee, or size up in this Corduroy Overshirt. We’ve also seen a trend for loose cardigans paired with a looser fitting trouser from Dickies. Pair with your favourite tee and complete the look by partnering with Adidas Forum Low, New Balance 237 Classics or Nike Low Blazers.”

For those who shy away from a monochromatic ensemble, you can still work streetwear into your day look. “If you’re after an edgier look, logo or graphic tees that pay homage to the noughties are a favourite streetwear look this year,” Nicole concludes. “Play with lengths and sizing where you feel most comfortable. My suggestions would be to try something like this Stussy Global Tee or a classic like the Adidas Essentials Tee to ease it into your wardrobe.”

Want more of Nicole’s style tips? You can discover her take on blue denim’s edgier cousin, the black jean; understand how to style the transeasonal staple, the puffer vest; and learn all about the smock dress of the year.

Never shopped with THE ICONIC before? A former insider let’s you know all there is to know about the brand.

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Best streetwear brands to populate your closet with

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