All thanks to Vetements, Off-White, Supreme, and more brands, the fashion world is taking a second look at streetwear style. This style, however, is not just a new fad, mind you. In fact, we first saw its rise to popularity in the '70s and '80s, particularly in the West where surf culture played a key role. Shawn Stüssy, a surfer himself, was one of its early pioneers, and his namesake brand continues to be popular until today, with his aesthetic that primarily underlines art, surfing, and hip-hop.
The '90s also became the streetwear culture's petri dish, as hip-hop music came to be mainstream, and for some, a way of life. The subculture of surfing and skateboarding also carried out streetwear's easy and relaxed vibe, which we continue to sport until today. Since then, streetwear has become ingrained in our everyday lives. More than a fashion trend, it's a culture that we all share. Now, it's even given a luxury take, further elevating the movement and validating its importance in the world of fashion.
Today, the streetwear culture is very much alive and thriving. Even here in the country, this is evident through the many international brands that are locally available, alongside under-the-radar Philippine brands that are simply waiting to be discovered.
How to Pull Off Streetwear Style
There is a certain way to dress up in streetwear that won't make you look like you're trying too hard or make you appear too sloppy. Below, heed these easy tips as your guideline so you can find your own style and make your streetwear aesthetic your own.
1. Luxe fabrics are key.
Streetwear thrives in simplicity and context. If you've nailed down and understood the meaning behind certain pieces already, consider upping the fabric of your simple tees. Look for premium fabrics that will not just level up your outfits but will also last you a long time.
2. Mind your silhouette.
Structure and fit are two of fashion's trickiest details to ace. It's especially difficult to do when you're aiming for an oversized and loose fit since these can risk looking baggy and ill-fitting. The trick is to just go one size bigger for tees and opt for loose, straight-cut pants but fit true to your waist. Be sure to add a piece that will contrast and balance off the baggy silhouette. Try cropped jackets to start.
3. When in doubt, keep it simple.
You don't need flashy 'fits to fit in the streetwear culture. Just stick to what feels comfortable to you, silhouette-wise and aesthetically. Trust us, people will know when you're trying too hard! Edit down your look and always dress with intent. Mind where you're going and use your best judgment if this kind of style will be appropriate to wear.
Now that you know how to style yourself, below, we list down 51 of the coolest emerging streetwear brands that you should know now—plus some our recommended tees you can add to your collection!
International Streetwear Brands
Collective boutiques are becoming a trend in Manila today. From luxury brands housed by various boutiques like Univers, Homme et Femme, Distinqt, and more, streetwear brands are also given a common house where you can easily shop a bunch of labels all at once. International brands have found it an easy entry way to reach the local market. We're frequenting boutiques like Akimbo, Cul-De-Sac, and Case Study Atelier where you can find cool and emerging streetwear labels you'll love to have in your closet.
1. Rhude
Where: Akimbo, Greenbelt 5
2. Fingercroxx
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
3. Jungles Jungles
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
4. Chinatown Market
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
5. Pleasures
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
6. Tonal
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
7. The Quiet Life
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
8. The Damn Tokyo
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
9. Forgotten Youth Supply
Where: The Good Neighborhood
1o. GDCS
Where: Akimbo, Cul-De-Sac
11. Wood Wood
Where: Akimbo, Cul-De-Sac
12. X-Large
Where: Akimbo, Cul-De-Sac
Local Brands
The local fashion scene is brimming with budding streetwear designers waiting to be discovered. Some brands below have made noise online—like Don't Blame the Kids, Thy Origins, Proudrace, SYF, and more—for their unique pieces that are contextualized to the Filipino society, thus adding a local flair to their clothes. With their witty yet insightful and creative take on local streetwear, we're seeing an influx of brands that document today's times through cool tees distinct from international brands. Today, we find hubs like Cubao Expo, Escolta, and Makati where these up-and-coming brands are stocked.
13. Don't Blame the Kids
Where: dbtkco.com
14. Support Your Friends
Where: syf.ph
15. THE
Where: theclothing-twpm.com; Unit 4A, Cubao Expo
16. Thy Origins
Where: The Good Neighborhood
17. Proudrace
Where: proudrace.com
18. The Twelfth House
Where: www.thetwelfthhouse.com
19. WSH
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
20. Based Bastard
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
21. Nobody Clothing
Where: madebyabunchofnobodies.com
22. We Drool Supply Co.
Where: The Good Neighborhood
23. Enimal
Where: enimalworldwild.com
24. Hundo Clothing
Where: Hidden Space, Cubao Expo
25. Nick Automatic
Where: thenogoodcrew.com
26. Trapped Out
Where: The Good Neighborhood
27. Not Withstanding Us
Where: wednesdaynu@gmail.com
28. Complicit
Where: Hidden Space, Cubao Expo
29. KLTRD
Where: Unit 24, Cubao Expo
30. Renegade 6
Where: Hidden Space, Cubao Expo
31. Revere The Risen
Where: Case Study Atelier, BGC
32. Uplifted
Where: upliftedmnl.com
33. Thank You
Where: 65 Concept Store, Capitol View Park, Malolos, Bulacan
34. Rua Apparels
Where: ruapparels.com
35. Factory
Where: factorymanila.com
36. Medium Designwear
Where: facebook.com/pg/MediumDesignwear
37. Pay Your Dues
Where: payyourdues.co
38. Episodes
Where: episodesupply.co
39. Royalty
Where: royalty.com.ph
40. Somewhere 1109
Where: Unit 24, Cubao Expo
41. Killing it Daily
Where: The Good Neighborhood
42. Drone Clothing
Where: Merch Distrct MNL (QC, Malolos, Bulacan, Angeles City, Pampanga)
43. Do Good Co
Where: The Good Retail, Avanceña St., Molo, Iloilo City
44. Black Verse Co
Where: The Good Neighborhood
45. Skoop
Where: skoop.com.ph
46. Brklxx
Where: brklss.com
47. TCMF
Where: facebook.com/tkcrmf
48. Momentum Away From Keyboard (MAFK)
Where: Unit 24, Cubao Expo
49. Tomorrow
Where: facebook.com/tomorrowlabel
50. Staff Co. Wear
Where: staffcowear.com
51. Our Tenement
Where: ourtenement.com
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