Top 10 Streetwear Brands

This is a list describing the top 10 streetwear brands which includes brands that are currently at the top of their game and/or are highly regarded by many. The list I have put together takes into account both clothing and footwear since both are very essential to streetwear. Without further adieu, let's get into the list:

10. The North Face: This might come as a bit of a surprise but the outerwear/jacket producing company has always collaborated with other streetwear companies, and have done so since the 90's. A prime example is the recent collaboration with Supreme where they released a reflective jacket. North face wind breakers are also always  a common item in any streetwear fan's wardrobe.

9. Palace: Palace is a British based skateboard company that is fairly new. It has taken a model similar to Supreme's where the items are limited and they are often sold out. This brand can also only be bought online, or at their only store in London. Very simple with their clothing but the designs are raw and innovative. They're triangle logo is becoming increasingly noticeable and has been worn recently by many artists including; Rihanna, A$ap Rocky, and Drake.

8. Norse Projects: This brand is one of the more lesser known brands on this list and its surprising considering that they tend to be ahead of the curb when it comes to trends and looks. They're clothing design's are very original and in particular the outerwear/jackets are they're strong suit.

7. Nike: I chose Nike in a broad sense. For one, footwear is crucial to any streetwear outfit and Nike has always been a big part of that. They have a boot line under the name ACG that has grow in popularity, well liked shoes like the Roshe's, Air Force Ones, Air Max's, and Foamposites, and finally also own Jordan Brand which is well liked in streetwear because of their retro Jordans. Nike also has they're skateboard line under Nike SB which includes popular collaborations such as Stefan Janoski, Eric Koston, and Paul Rodriguez.

6. A Bathing Ape ("Bape"): Bape has been a staple in streetwear for many years now. Their designs are experimental and a lot more out of the ordinary than the rest of the brands listed here. The brand has always had a long list of artists that have publicly worn its products.

5. Adidas: Adidas is very similar to the Nike, again reminding you that footwear is key. However, they are higher on the list because they collaborate with designer's that are well liked in streetwear and have done a better job recently with the products they have released. Some of the better collaborations include; Stan Smith, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto (Y-3), and rapper's Kanye West ( Yeezy Collection), and A$ap Ferg. They've also always had the Adidas Originals line which was marketed and well known from the endorsement of musical group RUN-DMC in the 80's.

4. Only NY- Another brand out of New York that started as a small boutique store. One of my personal favorite brands. Their designs are very fresh and they draw their inspiration from skateboarding, sports, and city life. Their use of art (graffiti and photography) is very evident and it's what has set them a part.

3. Saint Alfred's: This brand is more of a homer pick for me. Saint Alfred's is a brand out of Chicago and they have a store located in the wicker park neighborhood. The store itself sells other streetwear brands (some are on this list) but they are known for their own STA brand and often collaborate with shoe companies like Adidas, Nike, and new balance where they release exclusive shoes.

2. Stussy- Stussy has been household name in streetwear for a long time now. It's one of the older brands on the list and still remain relevant and popular today. Its major influences come from the hip-hop and skate/surfer scene. Most recognizable by their popular logo.

1. Supreme- Supreme is easily the most well-known and recognized streetwear brand out there. You know a brand has a strong cult following when people are willing to do anything to get their hands on items in order to resale them and rake the profits (read my previous blog post "Supreme: The Resale Market"). Supreme is heavily inspired by skateboarding and hip-hop and started in New York as a skateboard shop that sold items on a limited basis. They currently still follow that model and are very limited in inventory, even with demand being above and beyond what the supply is the brand has not skipped a beat and remains the most desire streetwear brand. Also a personal favorite of mine, and why not. Who wouldn't want to get their hands on one of those famous box logo t-shirts?

Honorable Mentions- Asics, Visvim, A.P.C., Vans, and Pyrex Vision