Why do I love streetwear so much?

For me, fashion is all about creativity and individuality. This is where streetwear comes from.  Trends looked completely different five or ten or fifteen years ago. Nowadays, fashion revolves around inclusivity and diversity more than anything else.

Streetwear enthusiasts have also started putting an important factor into consideration — in order to look good, you need to feel good. So, comfort has become a plus. Now, there are people who wear comfortable clothes that feel comfortable and look trendy enough to help them stand out.

Streetwear commonly centers around casual and comfortable pieces. On the surface, it is deceptively simple. It’s generally associated with youth culture and often seen in major urban centers. it originates from the rise of hip-hop and the increasingly growing subculture. 

So, why do I love streetwear so much?

First of all, it’s affordable. 

You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money in order to look and feel great. Streetwear allows people to look amazing without having to feel bad that they can’t afford something. There are always alternatives like thrift stores, repurposing old clothing, and so much more. That’s why high-end fashion brands incorporated streetwear into their products when they realized that it would drive their revenue. 

Second, it’s the attitude. 

After enduring a pandemic, millennials and Gen Zs alike have realized that they didn’t need to put so much effort into their outfit. It’s the attitude that has tempted them — has tempted us. We want to feel free, especially free from the pressure of having to look and act a certain way. That’s why streetwear became so popular. Sweatpants and graphic t-shirts are no longer reserved for gyms and working out. It’s not just the attitude, it’s also the lifestyle. 

Third, streetwear incorporates comfort and sustainability. 

It’s very important to remain sustainable when it comes to fashion. Although luxury brands never paid much attention to this factor, streetwear teaches us to wear something comfortable and flexible without having to further contribute to the waste that the fashion industry releases. Only 15% is recycled or donated, and the rest goes directly to the landfill or is incinerated. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, are plastic fibers, therefore non-biodegradable, and can take up to 200 years to decompose. So, sustainability and thrifting are definitely a must with streetwear.

Since streetwear isn’t clearly defined, you can wear whatever you want as long as you look and feel good. It’s not defined by any standard. Because of its versatility and its ability to transcend labels and descriptions, people usually give it a try. The only way you will ever know if something is streetwear or not is if it is. Otherwise, it’s not. That’s why I love streetwear so much.