Be honest. You’ve bought a hoodie because somebody online wore it, and then it sat in your closet because it never looked the same on you. It happens to everyone.
The fix isn’t another hoodie. The men’s streetwear fashion boils down to only a few items of clothing, a couple of rules on fit, and some patience. Here’s the lowdown in simple terms: What to buy, how to wear it, and what not to look like when you do.
What is men’s streetwear fashion?
Think of it as casual clothing that came out of street culture. PBS says streetwear is the style that came from the fusion of hip-hop and skater culture, and from there it spread everywhere. It’s older than most people assume, though. This is according to an UAL webpage on the V&A’s Streetstyle: From Sidewalk to Catwalk show which looks at streetwear fashion from the classic zoot suits of Harlem in the 1940s to the layered styles of the 1990s. The page also says big designers have admitted the street inspires them.
So what should that mean for what you wear? Comfort wins. Roomy shapes, soft fabric, sneakers in place of dress shoes. Then there’s the vibe, which I’d say matters just as much. It should look like you threw it on in two minutes, even if you didn’t.
The core pieces of men’s streetwear fashion
You can ignore the huge shopping lists. Five things take you most of the way there.
Begin with the hoodie. Opt for a simple black, gray or navy one, while keeping the prints away until you know what suits you.Secondly, a tee. Try the material. It should be thick; cotton maintains its shape. Otherwise, you may be left with a tattered fabric.
Thirdly, choose the pants – where most get confused. Cargos, relaxed jeans and joggers are all fine options. If skinny jeans were your go-to for the past five years, then the new loose ones seem strange for a week and then back to the skinny ones.Sneakers are not last in the list. They are essential. Keep them always cleaned and only neutral colors.The last one, an outerwear, such as a bomber, a coach jacket or a simple zip-up. A cap is optional. Those five pieces alone can build a full week of outfits.
How fit works in men’s streetwear fashion
Fit trips up most beginners. In men’s streetwear fashion, baggy doesn’t mean sloppy. It means roomy on purpose, and that gap is huge.
The rule I lean on is to balance your shapes. A big top pairs well with a slimmer or straight bottom. Go roomy on both, and you vanish. A hoodie should end near your hip. Your sleeves can hide part of your hands but never hang over your fingertips. Your pants have to sit nice and comfy on top of your shoes, not bunching up around your ankles.
Having difficulty deciding on what size to go for? Go for one size bigger than usual and try them next to your regular size in front of a mirror. Your eyes will pick up better than any table ever will. Take a profile picture as well, since the fit may look completely different.
Colors and Layering
Keep it neutral with your black, whites, grays, olive, and tan colors, they don’t really match anyway. Pick a standout piece – like a bright colored jacket or a graphic t-shirt – and then let all the other pieces be neutral.
Layering is your secret weapon which will turn a basic look into something more interesting. T-shirts underneath an open overshirt work. Hoodies inside a jacket works. A long t-shirt under a short hoodie works too. Different lengths give an interesting effect. Three layers are enough. More than that and you’ll become a human closet.
How to dress streetwear: three easy outfits
Need a starting point? Pick one.
First: black hoodie, olive pants, white sneakers. The standard go-to combo, and to be frank, very difficult to mess up.
Second: solid, thick shirt, flannel shirt left open, blue jeans, cap. Mellow, simple, and not too flashy.
Third: track jacket, T-shirt underneath, gray joggers, sneakers. Sports-inspired, comfortable, and perfect for a full day out.
See the pattern? Each one has a roomy piece, a calmer piece, neutral colors, and clean shoes. Any of these is a smart way into men’s streetwear fashion, and mixing them up gives you a dozen more looks at no cost.
Men’s streetwear fashion on a budget
It won’t require you to break the bank. Good-quality inexpensive streetwear depends on whether the foundation is in place and the clothing item fits properly. Second-hand shops, used clothing applications, and clearance sections are included. It will always win over an expensive hoodie that doesn’t fit well. Tip: Always wash your dark items in cold water and inside out.
If you need a base, our guide to the basic fashion pieces that belong in your closet is a good place to begin, and those pieces slide right into a streetwear look. When you do spend extra, I’d put it into sneakers and one good jacket. Leave the rest simple.
Mistakes that make outfits look off
Logos on everything is the classic error in men’s streetwear fashion. One bold piece is enough. Copying somebody’s whole outfit, shoes included, is another one. The body, wardrobe, and climate are not your own, and things will rarely turn out that way.
Dirty sneakers can ruin an entire look, but a fast clean-up will take care of it.And keep an eye on size. Oversized by accident looks nothing like oversized on purpose.
When to spend more
After you have developed your sense of taste, there will come a time when a couple of more enduring items, or some with a label, are justified by their price. Good quality is found in fabric weight and durability after numerous washings. It doesn’t hide in the size of a logo. Do some homework first. Our guide to luxury streetwear brands that back up the price separates the ones that earn it from the ones that lean on hype.
Your next step
Step into your closet. Grab a hoodie, some loose jeans, and a pair of your best shoes. Dress up, take a picture, and see what seems to be missing. Replace it with something else. Try this for a month. No one gets it right from the get-go, and those who make it look easy have a collection of outfits that were never worn. After a while, men’s streetwear fashion will start making sense to you.
FAQ
What is streetwear?
Casual clothing that is derived from street culture with an influence of hip-hop and skateboarding. Hoodies, graphic T-shirts, cargo pants, and sneakers come to mind.
How do I begin to dress in men’s streetwear fashion?
It’s easy. Get yourself a solid-colored hoodie, pants, and a pair of neat sneakers. Stick with a neutral palette of colors and then include one accent piece in there.
Does streetwear belong only to young guys?
In no way! It’s about style and comfort, and everyone at any age can rock this fashion trend. Wear comfortable items only and avoid all those costumes-like clothes.
What kind of footwear can I choose for streetwear?
Classic white or neutral sneakers will fit perfectly well, but chunky sneakers or court shoes can also suit your look.
Is streetwear fashion expensive?
Yes, it is possible to spend a lot, but there are many people who created a whole streetwear wardrobe with just basic items of clothing and thrifting.
