Our Guide to The New Wave of Streetwear

Photo Credit: Michael Knapp/HYPEBEAST

Streetwear never died, but the hype certainly slowed down for a few years. For a while, there were a plethora of popular brands like 10 Deep, The Hundreds, and UNDFTD. More sophisticated fashion, like suits and boat shoes, eventually took over and streetwear lingered in the shadows (or on KarmaLoop). While the aforementioned brands are still around and have continued to crank out successful seasonal lines over the years, new ones are on the rise and ready to adorn a new young generation. Streetwear has taken on an interesting role now, where brands like Supreme have gone “mainstream” but the culture as a whole, without sounding too cliche, is still trying to keep its cool, edgy feel with special, exclusive products. We’ve compiled a list of brands that we think are leading the new wave of streetwear.

Dertbag

Leading the pack of this new wave is young Philip Post and Dertbag, perhaps the most exciting new brand in a long time. The Connecticut clothing company comes up with unique and consistent pieces each collection, keeping the designs simple but strong. Tie-dye is also a technique often used (very well) by Dertbag that has pretty much became a trademark of the brand. Fun fact: Phil started at 14 but now, at 17, makes more than one of his substitute teachers.

Prices – Shirts: $28-51, Hoodies: $55

ONLY NY

Influenced heavily by graffiti, ONLY was like a tag for founders Micah Belamarich and Julian Goldstein. The brand grew from stickers to shirts to hats and eventually to a larger range of product like bookbags, skateboard decks, jackets, and more. They’ve been around since 2006 and have lowkey been making moves, but we would say they’re still on the come up and part of this new wave because they’re still a young brand and still solidifying their stamp. We’re sure they will continue to expand and keep the NY aesthetic alive in their fabrics.

Prices – Hats: $20-36, Crewnecks: $40-48, T-shirts: $28-32

Durkl

The D.C.-based clothing brand Durkl has been a force for years now. The company was started in 2004, although jokingly they say that they were founded in 2047 — a play on 24/7. With their funky unusual patterns, recognizable triangle-box logo, and overall style, they have built up a name for themselves. They certainly always put on and represent their city as D.C. provides them with an unconventional and refreshing perspective on streetwear. Fun fact: The name “Durkl” was founder and designer Will Sharp‘s first word.

Prices – Hats: $32-35, Shirts: $30, Shorts: $88

ILLAMERICA

ILLROOTS has been a popular music blog for a while now. Besides just keeping the internet world up to date with hip-hop music, they are able to create original content in the form of music videos, tour episodes, and more. They have developed good relationships with many artists over the past few years, which has obviously only helped them and opened more opportunities. The next step in 2012 for Mike Waxx and Mike Carson (the two top dogs) was to branch out and launch a clothing line called ILLAMERICA with their team. Already seen on the heads and torsos of many artists, the first collection was clearly a success. It helped that they started off right away by doing not just t-shirts, but also snapbacks, hoodies, beanies, sweatpants, and more. They’re the newest brand on this list, but they’re already off to a quick start.

Prices – Hats: $35-38, Shirts: $20-35, Beanies: $22

The Divinities

While the East Coast is the homebase of most brands on this list, there is one West Coast representative. The Divinities is a clothing company started in late 2010 by two brothers, Chris and Alex Hong. Their simple but clever style and designs have already brought them a steady support base as well as retailers stocking them at Hall of Fame in L.A. and another store in Japan. The meaning behind the name, Chris says, is that “a divinity is a god-like individual. So with that we want everyone to live like gods. Live great, be great, do great in every way possible.” Who doesn’t strive for that lifestyle?

Prices – Tees: $24, Long Sleeves: $28, Pullovers: $50

DPI

Kobi McLemore started off with a brand with no name (literally TheBrandWithNoName was the title). Since then the focus for young Kobi, who just graduated high school, has become what was originally a branch-off clothing concept, DPI — short for Death Precision Inc. The idea behind the brand is to “mock the people who are slaves to the stressful corporate life.” With a knack for creative concepts and having an original brand idea on his hands, DPI should get even better as Kobi gets older and wiser. Fun fact: The Houston native is also good friends with Dertbag owner Philip Post and the Divinities co-founder Chris Hong. Instead of competing, they inspire each other, collaborate, and help to have everyone succeed. They’re certainly all winning.

Prices – Tees: 28, Hoodies & Zip-Ups: $60, Crewnecks: $50