What is Streetwear Style?
Streetwear is a style of casual fashion that developed from skate culture, hip-hop, sportswear and youth subcultures. It focuses on relaxed silhouettes, graphic tees, hoodies, sneakers, branded outerwear and limited-edition drops that create hype and collectability.
Streetwear is hugely influential in modern fashion and has a strong presence on second-hand marketplaces, where rare or sold-out pieces often gain value over time.
Streetwear Meaning
Streetwear means a casual, urban fashion style inspired by skateboarding, hip-hop, sportswear and youth culture, known for hoodies, graphic tees, sneakers and limited-edition releases.
Streetwear blends comfort, functionality and brand identity, making it both wearable and highly collectible.
Where Streetwear Comes From
Streetwear emerged between the 1980s and 2000s, shaped by:
skate brands like Stüssy and Vans
hip-hop culture and sportswear adoption
Japanese street fashion
sneaker culture and limited releases
early streetwear pioneers in Los Angeles and New York
Over time, luxury designers began collaborating with streetwear brands, blurring the line between high fashion and everyday style.
Common Streetwear Pieces
Streetwear includes a wide range of items, such as:
hoodies and sweatshirts
graphic tees
oversized jackets and puffer coats
cargos and baggy trousers
branded beanies and caps
flannels and workwear shirts
sneakers, especially limited-edition drops
varsity jackets
tracksuits and sports jerseys
crossbody bags and backpacks
The look is relaxed, practical and brand-driven.
Why Streetwear Is So Popular
Comfort and practicality: Streetwear is easy to wear and suits everyday life.
Strong brand identity: Logos, graphics and iconic silhouettes help fans express personality.
Limited drops and collectability: Scarcity drives hype and makes certain pieces valuable.
Social media and celebrities: Artists, influencers and athletes have pushed streetwear into mainstream culture.
Crossover with high fashion: Brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga collaborate with streetwear designers.
Second-hand communities: Streetwear thrives on resale culture through online marketplaces.
Streetwear and the Second-Hand Market
Streetwear has one of the most active resale ecosystems, because many pieces:
sell out instantly
gain value over time
attract collectors
hold cultural significance
Second-hand shoppers and collectors often buy and sell streetwear on:
Depop
Grailed
eBay
Vinted
StockX
Goat (for sneakers)
Facebook Marketplace
Rare streetwear and sneakers can resell for several times their original price.
Types of Streetwear Communities
Streetwear culture is built around passionate communities, including:
sneakerheads
skaters
hip-hop fans
archive fashion collectors
vintage sportswear lovers
techwear and gorpcore fans
online marketplace sellers and resellers
These communities keep trends moving and influence the second-hand market.
Streetwear vs Vintage Streetwear
Vintage streetwear refers to older pieces from past decades that have become collectible, such as:
90s Nike or Adidas
early Supreme items
vintage Stüssy
old band tees
Y2K skate brands like Etnies or Element
Vintage streetwear often commands higher prices because of rarity and nostalgia.
Tips for Buying Streetwear Second-Hand
verify authenticity, especially for popular brands
check sizing, as streetwear fits vary widely
look for original tags or receipts
inspect graphics and stitching
compare prices on platforms like Grailed and StockX
consider the condition rating (new, NWOT, used, etc.)
Because demand is high, knowledge is key to avoiding fakes and overpaying.
Related Terms
Discover vintage and second-hand streetwear shops near you with the Ganddee app, and explore the best second-hand fashion in your area.