The 90's streetwear scene was more than just a fashion moment; it was a cultural revolution that brought together music, sport, and individual expression. This era saw the emergence of styles that blended laid-back comfort with urban edge, resulting in a distinctive look characterized by oversized silhouettes and bold graphic statements.
Brands like FUBU and Stüssy captured the essence of the time by appealing to the streetwear movement's pride in cultural identity and community. Similarly, Nautica’s nautical theme infused a fresh twist into sporty aesthetics, making each piece a staple for those looking to define their style with a hint of sophistication. As we dive into the best of the 90's streetwear landscape, you’ll find plenty of gems that continue to resonate today.
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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.
Supreme is an NYC streetwear and skateboarding brand known for its limited-edition drops and collabs with premier brands and artists. Supreme's collections feature a mix of streetwear and skate culture-inspired clothing, accessories, and skateboard decks.
Tommy Hilfiger is synonymous with classic American style, offering preppy and casual clothing for men, women, and kids. Known for its iconic logo, its designs often feature nautical and patriotic themes, blending traditional and modern styles.
Puma is a German athletic brand known for its stylish and high-performance sportswear and footwear, with a focus on soccer and running.
Carhartt is a respected and trusted brand in the world of workwear and casual fashion. Known for its durability and toughness, Carhartt offers a range of clothing and accessories designed to withstand even the toughest working conditions. The brand is also well-known for its classic styling and timeless design, making its pieces popular not just for work, but for everyday wear as well.
Reebok is an American athletic brand known for its innovative and comfortable sportswear and footwear, with a focus on fitness and cross-training.
Adidas is German sportswear company founded in 1949, that offers a wide range of products including footwear, clothing, and accessories. Known for its iconic "stripes" logo, and for its collaboration with designers and fashion icons. You already know.
Nike is one of the world's most well-known and recognizable sportswear brands, offering a wide range of products including footwear, clothing, and accessories. You already know.
Burton is an American brand known for its trendy, functional snowboarding gear and apparel. You'll find a line of bags in a range of styles from daily to travel (including larger format luggage).
Helly Hansen is a Norwegian brand that specializes in creating high-performance outdoor clothing and gear for a wide range of activities, from sailing and skiing to hiking and fishing. They are known for their waterproof and insulated clothing, such as jackets, pants, and overalls. They also offer a wide range of footwear, such as boots and shoes, as well as a variety of accessories, including hats, gloves, and backpacks.
Gucci is known for its high-end fashion and luxury accessories, featuring iconic symbols like the GG logo and the red and green stripe.
North Face is a renowned and well-loved brand in the world of outdoor and fashion apparel. The brand is known for its exceptional quality and style in its range of jackets, coats, footwear, and accessories. Expect rugged, durable, and stylish clothing that is perfect for any adventure, from a day hike to an expedition to the top of a mountain. Find more brands like The North Face here.
Timberland is most well-known known for its high-quality outdoor footwear, including its iconic yellow boots. The brand has a reputation for producing durable, comfortable shoes and boots that are popular among hikers, construction workers, and streetwear enthusiasts.
90's streetwear was characterized by a blend of casual, comfortable clothing and urban aesthetics. Key elements included oversized t-shirts, baggy jeans, hoodies, and snapback caps, often adorned with bold graphics and logos. Influences from hip-hop culture, skateboarding, and graffiti art played a significant role in shaping the unique style of the era. Brands like Supreme, Stussy, and A Bathing Ape significantly contributed to establishing the streetwear identity during this period.
Hip-hop emerged as a major cultural force in the 1990s, directly influencing streetwear fashion. Artists like Tupac, Biggie, and groups such as A Tribe Called Quest showcased their personal styles, incorporating baggy pants, excessive jewelry, and casual athleisure pieces. This movement emphasized self-expression and individuality, propelling streetwear into the mainstream and encouraging the blend of high fashion with everyday urban attire.
Several brands became synonymous with 90's streetwear, including:- Supreme: Initially starting as a skate shop, it gained a cult following for its limited drops and logo-centric designs.- Stussy: This brand combined surf culture with hip-hop sensibilities, becoming a staple for streetwear enthusiasts.- A Bathing Ape (BAPE): Known for its distinctive camo patterns and ape logo, BAPE's clothing items like the Shark Hoodie became iconic.- Tommy Hilfiger: Although a lifestyle brand, it became associated with urban fashion, especially in the hip-hop community.- Champion: Their reverse weave sweatshirts and athletic gear became a 90's staple for both comfort and style.
Skate culture had a profound impact on 90's streetwear by promoting a sense of rebellious individuality and creativity. Skate brands like Etnies, Vans, and Element pushed the boundaries of casual fashion, emphasizing functional yet stylish clothing suited for skateboarding. This culture's DIY ethos encouraged unique fashion choices, leading to a fusion of skate aesthetics within the broader streetwear movement. The popularity of skateboarding in music videos and movies also helped elevate the style's visibility among youth.
The 90's laid the groundwork for modern streetwear by establishing key principles of branding, collaboration, and cultural relevance. As fashion evolved, nostalgic elements from the 90's have been reinterpreted, leading to the resurgence of oversized fits, graphic tees, and bold logos. Today, modern streetwear often incorporates luxury elements and high-fashion collaborations (e.g., Off-White and Balenciaga) while maintaining the original ethos of self-expression and community. The internet and social media also play crucial roles in propagating trends, enabling streetwear brands to gain global reach similar to the grassroots movements of the 90's.
