What once was a defiant subculture, birthed on the no-nonsense streets of Los Angeles and New York, has blown up into the mainstream.
From skate parks to runways, this genre of fashion has captured the attention of the universe at large and has changed and morphed at breakneck speed. But where does streetwear go from here?
Which streetwear trends in 2024 should we be following, and which new brands are pushing the boundaries of this dynamic industry?
Let's dive into what the future of streetwear holds in a fresh mix of complexity and depth, unexpectedness included.
Streetwear in 2024: How It's Evolving
Streetwear is anything but a linear development. As fashion houses and high-end designers coin the term, it simultaneously celebrates and challenges the core of streetwear's identity.
In 2024, streetwear's core, meant to be anti-establishment in its roots, meets a new evolution: interwoven with luxury, technology, and sustainability.
1. When High Fashion Meets Streetwear
Over the course of the past decade, high fashion has increasingly blended with streetwear. 2024 will be no exception.
Already, brands have pressed onward with silhouettes inspired by the street, from Off-White to Louis Vuitton to Gucci.
But what is next? We see avant-garde collaborations that make our hearts flutter with what may be coming from fashion.
- Unexpected Collaborations: Imagine a Balenciaga collaboration with a skate brand or Supreme with high-end watchmakers. The exclusivity and surprise element of such collaborations cannot be ignored.
- High-End Materials: The use of higher-end materials, such as silks, cashmere, and even metals that would be incorporated into the look, is bound to increase. This brings an air of sophistication to what usually came off as raw and gritty.
- Runway Meets Street: Now, we have interesting happenings where street brands launch their own runway shows. The streets have literally become the new runway, turning the whole story back on its head.
2. Tech-Infused Fashion: The Rise of Wearable Streetwear
Technology is changing human lives, and it is breaking into fashion in amazing ways.
For 2024, streetwear will be beyond statement graphics and oversized hoodies; it's literally and figuratively one step into the future where technology plays the most crucial role in design and function.
- Smart Fabrics: From self-cooling jackets to color-changing t-shirts, streetwear has moved completely into a different segment of fabrics that react to the environment. Technology-infused streetwear will grow over simple gimmicks into really practical and functional applications.
- AR Fittings: Brands are playing with AR, offering virtual fittings. Visualize trying on a sneaker while using the camera on your phone and seeing exactly how they would look in different lighting conditions or environments.
- Digital-Physical Hybrids: The mania of non-fungible tokens hasn't passed by streetwear. In 2024, it would become possible for collectors to get possession of physical pieces supplemented with their digital versions thanks to the interconnectedness of fashion and digital art.
3. Sustainability: The Rule, Not a Fad
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but an actual act to embody consistently.
In 2024, going green will no longer be the exception but the rule as sustainable practices will become standard, especially within streetwear, where fast fashion has mostly become the order of the day.
- Recycled Materials: Expect a further number of brands to make use of fabrics that are of recycled nature- from water bottles turned into polyester to discarded fishing nets remade into sneakers. Finally, sustainability isn't going to be ethical; it's going to be fashionable.
- Repair and Reuse: It's a time when vintage streetwear is heavily getting back in the limelight. Indeed, people are calling for more avant-garde pieces that have been repaired, repurposed, or upcycled.
- Eco-Friendly Dyes: Another point of focus has to do with eco-friendly dyes and means of production, which are less destructive to the environment. Patagonia and Veja are at the forefront here.
Best Forthcoming Streetwear Brands in 2024
Streetwear has never been short of innovators, and going into 2024, a clutch of new and new streetwear brands shapes the landscape of street fashion.
These brands aren't just following the trends; they actually create them. Here are some to keep a close eye on.
1. Loominous
This company represents a perfect combination of sustainability and futuristic design. Since its soft launch at the tail end of 2023, it has gained attention.
Biodegradable fabrics come in with advanced tech as the brand offers streetwear that is fashionable yet ecological.
Pieces are versatile and functional, from jackets with solar-powered phone chargers to shoes made fully from recycled material.
2. Neon Dusk
Neon Dusk captures a retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by cyberpunk and 90's rave culture. Collections are bold and visually striking with neon-soaked pieces emitting UV-reactive elements.
Picturing oversized bomber jackets that would beam in the dark, and pants embedded with LED strips- basically, this is the brand for the one who wants to make an impression at any time of day and night.
3. Subtide
Subtide is minimalist, subdued, and effortlessly cool because it's picking up speed for its less-is-more approach to considered design.
The label prides itself on the concept of "quiet luxury"- garments that don't raise a ruckus but reflect quality.
Subtide's aesthetically disposed spirit of timelessness echoes decorum pieces that are made to last and are constructed from premium organic cotton, and hemp blends.
Streetwear Trends to Keep an Eye On in 2024
The deeper we get into 2024, the more the meaning behind streetwear continues to evolve. There are, however, a few core trends in streetwear taking precedence.
These few capture the heart and spirit of the movement in continuing to mash up culture, art, and rebellion.
1. Fashion is Genderless
The future of streetwear will be unisex. In 2024, the fashion world will continue to dissolve the bars between genders, and streetwear will be one step forward.
Unisex silhouettes will dominate the collections and blur the line separating the menswear from the women's wear.
- Baggy is Back: This literally means that one can look forward to seeing oversized fits, relaxed tailoring, and baggy pants for all genders. Comfort and freedom of expression stay right at the fore.
- Playing with Color: Where neutral tones of black, white, and gray will always be the mainstays, brands really push the envelope with new, bold colors to really offer something for every taste.
2. Hyper-Localism
Streetwear has always been closely related to native culture, but in 2024, things are going to move to an even more extreme level.
Hyper-local brands are going to take center stage, focusing on community-driven design and sometimes highlighting the culture and history of their city or neighborhood.
- Regional Significance: Be it a nod to the skate culture of Venice Beach or the most underground, grittiest scenes in Tokyo, hyper-local brands will make claims of roots and authenticity.
- Collaborations with Local Artists: Ongoing collaborations by streetwear brands with local creatives-from graffiti artists to musicians-imprint a sense of place in every piece.
3. Statement Accessories
Accessories will take center stage in streetwear in 2024: big, bold, and unapologetic pieces that complete the look.
- Chunky Sneakers: Clear out some closet space, because this killer chunky sneaker trend isn't leaving anytime soon. Designs will continue getting more and more exaggerated soles, and become chunkier, as brands keep innovating with this classic streetwear staple.
- Graphic Caps and Beanies: Headwear will turn into an element of outfit priority, with bold, graphic-driven designs often acting as the statement piece for an overall look that is minimalist.
- Crossbody Bag: Utility meets fashion. Utility crossbody bags, with extensive abilities inside many compartments and sleek designs, will be a go-to for the streetwear enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Defines Streetwear Fashion Today?
ANS: Modern-day streetwear is a blend of casual wear with tools of cultural expression, mostly emanating from music, sports, and art. It's high fashion meets urban style in dynamic fusion.
2. How is Technology Influencing Streetwear Trends?
ANS: Technology is burrowing into streetwear through smart fabrics, augmented reality fittings, and digital collectibles, with fashion meeting its functional features.
3. Which Streetwear Brands Are Leading The Sustainability Movement?
ANS: Brands like Patagonia, Loominous, and Veja go against the tide with environmentally friendly practices in which ecological materials are used, production is ethically processed, and there is an aim toward a circular fashion economy.
4. What is Gender-neutral Streetwear?
ANS: Gender-neutral streetwear rejects boundaries between traditional garment categories and provides unisex designs, comfort, style, and fluidity of expression.
5. What Are The Biggest Streetwear Trends of 2024?
ANS: Look out in 2024 for genderless fashion, tech-wear, hyper-localism, and chunky sneakers, graphics worn on the head.
6. Do Luxury Brands Still Collaborate With Streetwear Brands?
ANS: Yes, collaborations between luxury and streetwear continue to rise, but more unexpected partnerships, for that matter, arise to give further dissolution of boundaries between the two worlds.
Conclusion
Streetwear has done nothing but continue to shape-shift its way into shaping fashion within the bold and raging spirit.
The future of streetwear promises great innovation, inclusivity, and creativity. Judge these trends, brands, and movements up above, because this is going to be streetwear's future.
