Casual streetwear is all about striking the perfect balance between comfort and style, making it a go-to for laid-back everyday vibes. Think relaxed fits paired with graphic tees, hoodies, and sneakers that seamlessly blend with your personal aesthetic and lifestyle.
Brands like Reigning Champ offer elevated basics built for both lounging and layering, while Pangaia champions sustainability without skimping on style. Kith, on the other hand, brings a contemporary edge to classic streetwear with unique collaborations and thoughtful designs, ensuring you’re both comfortable and effortlessly cool. For more brands that embody this ethos, check out the full list below.
If you'd like to learn more about Casual Streetwear, check out our comprehensive FAQ here.
Ronnie Fieg, a legend amongst sneakerheads as a prominent footwear designer, founded Kith in 2012. Fieg has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the footwear industry and was able to build Kith as an extension of his mind, seeking to transform the fashion industry one shoe at a time. He has since built one of the most sought after streetwear brands that blends contemporary design with a more urban aesthetic.
JJJJound was founded as a design blog in order to "examine the recurring patterns in timeless design". From there, it blossomed into one of the best brands out of Canada, delivering a clean, sophisticated and timeless classics of their own and highly-sought after collabs from New Balance to A.P.C.
Adsum (which means “here” in Latin) has been developing a contemporary wardrobe of menswear classics since 2015. Their pieces are inspired by urban and rural life in the American Northeast and stand out in a low-key way. For an technically sophisticated and laidback brand, look no further than Adsum.
Only NY, founded in 2007, has created a fun-loving and community-based NYC streetwear and skate brand. Their graphic-based approach to design brings forth the pulse of NYC in a colorful way. You'll find a wide range of street, sport, and outdoor apparel and accessories. Discover more brands like Only NY here.
Stussy is an California-born clothing brand known for its streetwear and surf-inspired clothing. Stussy, with it's iconic logo, was one of the first streetwear brands and helped to establish the genre and popularize it.
Uniqlo is a major Japanese fashion brand known for its affordable, high-quality basics and casual wear (among many other everyday items). Expect a modern and minimalist style with a focus on fit, comfort and versatility.
Kotn started with a simple goal to create the perfect t-shirt, with quality, price, and integrity of the people who made it. Today, they’re a certified B Corporation voted Best for the World™, with the fourth-highest B Impact Score of apparel brands in North America. With each order, they invest in creating jobs, infrastructure, systems, and education to alleviate poverty and create shared, sustainable growth for their communities.
Muji is a Japanese retailer known for it's simple, high-quality and affordable clothing (and household goods). Expect a minamilist aesthetic with a focus on functional and versatile pieces that can be worn on a variety of occasions.
Casual streetwear is characterized by its relaxed and comfortable aesthetic, often blending influences from urban culture, youth subculture, and high fashion. Key elements include oversized fit, graphic tees, hoodies, joggers, and sneakers. The style emphasizes self-expression, creativity, and a sense of individuality, often incorporating bold prints, logos, and unique designs. It can be mixed and matched with various other styles, making it versatile for everyday wear.
Styling casual streetwear involves mixing and matching both staple pieces and statement items. Here are some tips:- **Layering**: Combine hoodies and jackets for a trendy look.- **Footwear**: Sneakers are a staple; opt for bold or vintage pairs to enhance your outfit.- **Accessories**: Hats, backpacks, and chains can add personality.- **Fit**: Oversized pieces can be balanced with slimmer bottoms, or vice versa. Experiment with proportions to find what suits you best.- **Brands**: Incorporate popular and emerging streetwear brands for a fresh vibe.
The best brands for casual streetwear span both high-end and affordable options. Some of the most notable brands include:- **Supreme**: Known for its iconic box logo and limited releases.- **Off-White**: Famous for its high-fashion takes on streetwear and distinctive designs.- **Stüssy**: One of the original streetwear brands that continues to influence today’s trends.- **Nike and Adidas**: Both brands offer stylish athletic wear that easily fits into streetwear aesthetics.- **HUF**: Known for its skate-inspired clothing and accessories that incorporate bold graphics.
While casual streetwear is typically associated with informal environments, it can be styled appropriately for more formal settings by choosing smarter pieces. Opt for high-quality materials, such as tailored joggers, a fitted sweatshirt, or a stylish bomber jacket. Incorporate clean, minimal sneakers or loafers. Accessories, like a watch or belt, can elevate the overall look. However, assess the specific environment and dress code to ensure suitable attire.
The future of casual streetwear is likely to embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and technology. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands that prioritize sustainable practices and materials will gain prominence. The genre is also increasingly blending with high fashion, with designers incorporating streetwear aesthetics into luxury collections. Furthermore, the rise of digital art and virtual fashion is paving the way for innovative expressions within the streetwear community, including exclusive drops in the metaverse and NFT fashion pieces. Overall, casual streetwear will continue to evolve while remaining rooted in its core principles of self-expression and cultural commentary.
