Just as any other segment of fashion, streetwear has its own trends. As the look and design sensibilities shift, so do the popularity of the brands. In 2022, we have seen a preference for ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000’s inspired fashion – loose fit tees, straight cut pants and chunky kicks. At the same time, Ye’s influence hasn’t gone unnoticed; we note many streetwear fans continue to seek out neutral tones or simple color palettes in their outfits. Our essential streetwear brands guide for 2022 offers all the labels to add to your wardrobe to nail this year’s trends.
Carhartt was established in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt. The original purpose of the apparel brand was to provide durable workwear for heavy-duty laborers. In 1989, Swiss designers Edwin and Salomee Faeh, signed a licensing deal with the 100-year-old brand to establish Carhartt WIP. They took Carhartt’s durable line of workwear and altered them for street fashion, tailoring the apparel for various underground cultures. Other than the functionality and durability of their clothes, the brand’s authenticity kept consumers coming back for more. Carhartt and Carhartt WIP continue to be the go-to brand for everyday essentials, offering a wide range of neutral-colored accessories, bags, classic tees and jackets plastered with their famous square logo.
Shop Carhartt WIP: Carharrt | End Clothing | Ssense | Farfetch | Asos
Cactus Plant Flea Market aka CPFM was established in 2015 by Cynthia Lu. The secretive designer took nods from the Acid House Fashion trend that was popular among ‘90s ravers. Her distinct designs and close relationship with Billionaire Boys Club and Pharrell quickly skyrocketed the brand. Everyone from Kid Cudi to Kanye West and even Timothée Chalamet has rocked CPFM. The brand’s main appeal has been its eccentric and playful graphic designs that are printed on goods such as hoodies, long sleeve shirts, and hats. You might recognize the brand’s mutated yellow smiley face and distinct use of typography.
Shop Cactus Plant Flea Market: Cactus Plant Flea Market | Farfetch
Levi’s was established in 1853 by Levi Strauss. This denim brand is no stranger to most people and it’s popular for good reason. Rather than playing it safe, Levi’s has continually adapted to the needs of their consumer base. At every era, Levi’s updated their line with new technologies, like the zipfly in the ‘70s, while keeping their design simple for any community to co-op. Bikers, rappers, cowboys, presidents, runway models and tech leaders all rocked Levi’s denim. Plus with a range that comes in different shapes, sizes and colors,you can find the perfect fit for your everyday wear. If sustainable fashion is a considerable factor for you, you are in luck. This versatile apparel uses recycled materials and encourages customers to treat Levi’s jeans as a long-term investment.
Check out our deep dive into the brand’s history when we explored the significance of the Levi’s 501.
Shop Levi’s: Levis’ | End Clothing | Ssense | Farfetch | Asos
Established by Kyle Ng and Ed Davis in 2014, Brain Dead is much more than a fashion label. The crew is made up of global creatives who have distinct post-punk art styles; who utilize film, streetwear and music as creative outlets. At the core of everything they create is a love for subcultures, be it underground comics, skateboards or even punks. The brand often creates bizarre graphics for their t-shirts and seasonless products. If you’re looking for bold, counter-culture apparel that is sure to turn heads, Brain Dead’s graphic tees and outerwear would make the perfect addition to your rotation.
Shop Brain Dead: Brain Dead | End Clothing | Ssense | Farfetch
Dickies was established in 1922 by Williamson and E. E. “Colonel” Dickie as a workwear clothes supplier. In the 90s and early 2000s, rising Hop icons like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube were seen decked out in Dickies while topped off with bling accessories. Rappers and skaters were drawn to their loose cuts and durable yet comfortable construction. As streetwear gravitates away from skinny and slim-cut pants, the Dickies OG straight-legged 874 has become the new go-to pant. Dickies is also known for its wide range of neutral tees and outerwear.
Shop Dickies: Dickies | End Clothing
Stüssy originated from the surf scene back in the late 80s by Shawn Stussy. The brand stood out by offering minimalist prints in a scene crowded by busier surfer tees. But what enabled the brand to survive was Stussy’s ability to connect different cultures in his collections. With the help of collaborators like Hiroshi Fujiwara, skater Jules Gayton and founder of Slam Jam, Lunca Bennani, Stussy soon became an internationally renowned streetwear brand. Till today, Stussy is considered one of the most popular streetwear brands in youth culture, who see a reflection of their rebellious energy and free-spirited energy in the brand’s designs. Stussy’s graphic tees and essential apparel, especially those bearing Shawn Stussy’s signature-turn-logo, continue to be staples in the culture.
Shop Stüssy: Stussy | End Clothing | Ssense | Farfetch
WTAPS (pronounced Double Taps) is a Japanese streetwear brand founded by Tetsu Nishiyama in 1997. Their clothing style is mainly inspired by military aesthetic proven by the frequent use of olive green and neutral-colored hues. But rather than focus on global expansion, Nishiyama focused on prodcuing smaller batches of high-quality apparel that reflected the preferences of Japanese youths. This creates a strong cult fanbase that appreciated the brand’s design sensibilities and product quality. The brand began to gain international attention after releasing collaboration with streetwear giants like Supreme, Stussy and Vans. If you are looking for boxy athleisure wear that perfectly balance functionality and simplicity, WTAPS apparel and accessories that will fit perfectly into your rotation.
Shop WTAPS: WTAPS | End Clothing | Farfetch
Stone Island is an Italian luxury brand that was established in 1982 by Massimo Osti. The brand was a staple of British street culture, as it was seen as the de facto winter wear brand for Casuals. The brand’s recent adoption by rap icons like Drake, Travis Scott and A$AP Nast enabled it to cross the Atlantic and gain traction in the American streetwear scene. The brand’s ability to merge innovative fabrics with techwear-inspired designs has earned it the hearts of streetwear fans all over the world. Stone Island even has apparel that can change colors according to the temperature. Looking to travel soon and need winter wear or all-condition gear? Look no further than Stone Island.
Shop Stone Island: Stone Island | End Clothing | Ssense | Farfetch
Curious about how streetwear brands differ by region? Check out our essential streetwear brands guides set in Europe and Japan for your 2022 wardrobe update.