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The term “streetwear” is defined in many different ways.
To some, it may just mean graphic T-shirts and hoodies. Others have broadened the scope of the term to include other staples such as leather jackets or rugby sweaters. Admittedly, with the lines between streetwear, luxury, and sportswear blurred so much more than ever, it can be hard to pin down exactly how to explain it. Streetwear is an amalgamation of various subcultures from hip-hop and skateboarding to surfing and graffiti, all rolled up into one. Over the years, it has influenced, and continues to influence, everything from trends on your local block to runways in Paris.
No matter how you personally define streetwear, one thing’s for sure: We are seeing a resurgence of nostalgic, old-school streetwear. Below are some of the brands, old and new, that are making sure streetwear is alive and well. You can purchase them on Complex Shop now.
Also see: Complex Shop’s “Chronically Online” brands and women-owned brands.
Founded: 1978
Based in: New York
Pelle Pelle’s leather jackets are iconic. They initially hit peak popularity throughout the ’90s and 2000s when they were spotted on stars from Will Smith to Dipset. The jackets became collector’s items, thanks to their intricate embellishments and artistic embroidery. Over the past few years, we have seen a resurgence for Pelle Pelle spearheaded by Playboi Carti. His Opium label even released an official collab that debuted at ComplexCon in 2024 and re-released in April 2025. Other new collaborators include Who Decides War and Loso. Pelle Pelle leathers have proven to be timeless. –Mike DeStefano
Founded: 2005
Based in: Montreal
This Montreal-based skate brand has made a name for itself through clever logo flips, playful imagery, and colorful knitwear. If loud graphics aren’t your thing, the brand offers core minimalist staples such as hoodies, sweats, and relaxed-fit chinos. Dime has also racked up collabs with top footwear brands including Adidas, Asics, and Merrell. It’s a well-rounded offering that exemplifies the various avenues that modern streetwear represents. –Mike DeStefano
Founded: 2020
Based in: Los Angeles
Since exploding onto the scene in 2020, Hellstar has quickly become one of the brands defining the new age of streetwear. Its maximalist approach has made its sweatsuits a hot commodity. You’ll likely see them filling up the racks of your local resell shops flipping for big money (just watch out for the fakes). More recently, the brand has shown its potential to grow beyond the trendy sets that made it famous with standout items like printed leather jackets, embellished denim, and camo cargo pants. Hellstar even released an official collab with pioneering leather jacket brand Avirex, complete with a campaign starring rap legend Juelz Santana, back in February 2025. –Mike DeStefano
Founded: 2018
Based in: Los Angeles
Doni Nahmias launched his namesake label in 2018, distilling the worn-in ease of California life into streetwear. Surf towns, basketball courts, and late-night dives all inform the brand’s design language, leaning into the grit and glam of the West Coast. Denim is distressed and paired with crystal trims, while washed silks and painterly graphics land on oversized silhouettes. It’s Americana flipped, roughed up, and reworked for the stage.
The brand has shown in both Paris and its home base of Los Angeles, and has become a go-to for stylists and celebrities alike. Kodak Black performed live at its Fall/Winter ’23 show during Paris Fashion Week, while fans like Lewis Hamilton and Timothée Chalamet have been spotted in the label’s standout pieces. –Shinnie Park
Founded: 1993
Based in: Tokyo
Since being founded in 1993, Bape has grown to be one of the most important streetwear brands of all time. The brand initially gained traction in the US market, thanks to its trailblazing founder Nigo and support from some of hip-hop’s biggest stars like Pharrell and Lil Wayne. Although Nigo stepped away from the company back in 2013, the brand’s signature items like ABC Camo Shark hoodies and colorful Bape Sta sneakers remain popular. Recently, the brand redefined its current era through collaborations with KidsSuper, Crocs, and Don Toliver. –Mike DeStefano
Founded: 2015
Based in: Los Angeles
Founded in 2015, LA-based Pleasures taps into the angst of the underground, channeling the raw energy of punk and grunge. Known for its vintage rock tee-inspired graphics, the brand isn’t afraid to be provocative. Most recently, it collaborated with Joy Division and Reebok to reimagine the Club C 85 with the band’s Unknown Pleasures album art. Pleasures has also teamed up with Dr. Martens on leather mules, and Asics on techy trail runners, showing range in how its subversive edge translates across categories. –Shinnie Park
Founded:1952
Based in: Boston
A streetwear staple that predates streetwear itself, Timberland boots have long been a symbol of style and cultural crossover. What started in New England in the ’70s as a workwear brand became a fixture in NYC’s hip-hop scene by the ’90s, and the rest is history. Today, Timberland continues to blur the line between function and style, teaming up with the likes of Supreme, A-Cold-Wall*, and most recently, Jacquemus. Whether beat-up or fresh out of the box, a pair of Timbs will always hold weight. –Shinnie Park
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