How To Build A Solid Streetwear Wardrobe

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Streetwear’s a term more jumped on than a pair of Air Jordans. Is it varsity jackets and Japanese jeans? Or longline tees and jersey joggers? Or both? We hit up streetwear PR and Fcknyh blogger Gregk Foley to help us navigate the asphalt.

If there’s one common misconception about streetwear, it’s that it’s easy. Granted, when confronted with some of high-end menswear’s more complex designs, you’d be forgiven for thinking that street-level dressing is a simple case of jeans, T-shirt, hoodie, trainers and done.

But then consider the number of high fashion designers taking their cue from streetwear culture right now – from Virgil Abloh’s OFF-WHITE, to Riccardo Tisci’s output at Givenchy, to every luxury player pushing their own take on iconic sneaker designs for the past few seasons. The truth is that putting together a strong outfit – streetwear or no – calls for smart judgement, as well as a solid selection of staples that you can build upon as your wardrobe grows.

But before we dig into the specifics of what those staples are, here are a few signposts to get you started on the streetwear path:

On Fabrics: Above any other material, cotton is king. You’re looking for classic cotton textiles – jersey, Oxford cloth, chambray, twill and one more essential that we’ll cover in more depth shortly. Some of the more ‘decorative’ fabrics like herringbone and seersucker are nice, but they technically skew more #menswear than straight-up streetwear if you ask me.

On Shape: See me, I’m a classicist. I’m enamored of that early 1990s Ralph Lauren-led interpretation of streetwear: slightly loose-fitting chinos, baggy shirts, beanies, you know the look. But if you want something more contemporary, then longline cuts and dropped crotches should be your go-to’s.

On Consistency: As you’ll have gleaned from the points above, definitions of ‘streetwear’ are several and, despite my own preferences, all of them are perfectly valid. But once you’ve made your choice, stick with it. Mixing styles can be a winning combo, but trust me when I say your double-layered street Goth shorts won’t work with those Wallabees. Just here to help.

Now we’ve covered off the basics, let’s survey that list, shall we?

‘A Good Pair of Dark Blues’

Frank Ocean knows what’s up. If your streetwear wardrobe doesn’t start with a decent pair of jeans, then someone’s led you astray. This is the very guts of any solid streetwear line-up, and the piece you’ll likely bolt everything else onto. While selvedge isn’t vital, the tell-tale strip running up the leg has become commonplace in the streetwear landscape, and is generally a mark of superior quality and durability when it comes to denim.

Then it’s a question of wash. And in most circles, it isn’t even a question: raw denim all the way. Menswear mythology has turned the gradual fading and distressing of denim into a personal journey of self-discovery which you may or may not entirely endorse (cough), but I’ll at least admit that wearing my first pair almost daily and refusing to wash them (until a dog came up to me on the bus and started licking the stale sweat, food stains and god knows what else off my leg – true story, feel my shame) was something of an experience.

For cost-per-wear, my money’s on Edwin ED-55s or A.P.C. New Standards – if you’re plumping for the former, consider buying 2 inches under your normal waist size to allow for stretch.

Men's Selvedge Raw Jeans Streetwear Outfit InspirationSelected Homme Jeans 2014

Key Pieces

Men's Streetwear Selvedge Denim Jeans

EDWIN ED-55 RED SELVAGE RINSED DENIM JEANS A.P.C. New Standard Regular-Fit Dry Selvedge Denim Jeans Levi's 1967 505 Slim-Fit Dry Selvedge Denim Jeans NEIGHBORHOOD RIGID DEEP MID JEAN

Army Outerwear

While menswear pieces have been lifted from other areas of life, few have endured in the same way as those pulled from military ranks. Whether it’s the cultural ties of the clothes, the classically masculine cut and fit of the garments or how versatile they are when it comes to creating ‘fits, there’s something about a good military jacket that just puts the cherry on any ensemble.

There’s a platoon’s worth of choice, too: the MA-1 flight jacket is a sturdy, winter-ready piece you’ve, at this stage, got no excuse to be without; the M-51, a lesser-known predecessor of the iconic M-65, offers a clean silhouette that’s easily layered; and, finally, the element-deflecting M-65, also known as the fishtail parka, is ideal for when you watch to switch out your overcoat for something more rugged.

Carhartt always comes correct in this field, otherwise scout out Alpha Industries – they started out as contractors to the US military, and it doesn’t really get more legit than that.

Men's Military Outerwear/Jackets Streetwear Outfit InspirationHarmony AW14

Key Pieces

Men's Streetwear Military Jackets

STUSSY MA-1 JACKET CARHARTT CHORE JACKET XXV Alpha Industries Jacket Topman Street Tailor Khaki Fishtail Parka

Sweats Life

It’s not every day a jeans and chinos thing. Some days, take it easy. Some days, enjoy some soft cotton fleece against your legs. Once considered the very antithesis of style, the humble sweatpant is now practically a status symbol in certain fashion circles, with designers like Thom Browne, Gosha Rubchinskiy and Alexander Wang all offering luxe versions that riff on the gym leisurewear staple.

Thing is, sweatpants have only just found acceptance in fashion beyond sportswear at all, so there’s always going to be part of me that gets really purist about which brands to buy in the sweats game: and that’s three-stripes, swoosh, conversation over.

In streetwear terms, if you’re going to broaden your horizons, then keep it in the ballpark: Billionaire Boys Club always delivers a solid range of jersey sweats in its roster if you’re hunting for something slightly more premium. Otherwise, stay close to the roots and trust your cash with the sportswear authorities. And please, heather grey or black all day.

Men's Sweatpants/Trackpants/Joggers Streetwear Outfit InspirationH&M Divided Fall 2015

Key Pieces

Men's Streetwear Sweatpants/Joggers

NIKE Cotton-Blend Tech Fleece Sweatpants BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB SMALL ARCH LOGO SWEAT PANT REIGNING CHAMP Loopback Cotton-Jersey Sweatpants ADIDAS CONSORTIUM ATHLEISURE TRACK PANT

Printed Tees

When urban subcultures happened on screen-printing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it opened up a world of possibilities. Name any of the streetwear heavyweights – Stussy, Fuct, SSUR, Obey, even Supreme – none of these brands would have made it out of the woods without their cornerstone printed tees.

If you’re finding your feet in the graphic game, then stick to the certified classics. For me, that’s the Fuct logo tee, Palace’s Tri-Ferg and the timeless Stussy tee. Or, if it’s niche vibes you’re feeling: check out the punk and graffiti references from Stray Rats, Well Fed and Burma MFG. You can thank me later.

Men's Graphic T-Shirts Streetwear Outfit InspirationStussy at ASOS 2016

Key Pieces

Men's Streetwear Printed T-Shirts

STUSSY World Tour Printed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt Palace T-Shirt In Black FUCT Fuct Academy Logo T-Shirt SSUR The City T-Shirt

In The Hood

The hoodie is to streetwear what Snapchat is to DJ Khaled. It’s the one garment that has captured the essence of street.

If you want to go back to the roots, then opt for a Champion Reverse Weave and size up. Short body, big hood, tight cuffs, it’s the original fit – there’s a reason Supreme keeps collaborating with them, guys.

Otherwise you might want to go a bit more branded. All the labels name-checked above are a good bet, but if you like something a bit more exclusive you should check out FPAR – Japanese-made sweats, big bold graphics, beautiful quality. If you want to go really niche, see if someone can source you a Pigalle hoodie. Good luck.

Men's Hoodies Streetwear Outfit InspirationFilling Pieces AW15

Key Pieces

Men's Streetwear Hoodies

STUSSY Printed Cotton-Jersey Hoodie UNDEFEATED STRIKE HOODY CHAMPION REVERSE WEAVE CLASSIC HOODY FPAR GA HOODY

Kicks Are Crucial

Come on man, like I was going to leave this one out? We should all be pretty familiar with the classics already – Air Max 1, Jordans, Sk8-Hi and the like – so we won’t go over old ground.

In my opinion, the sneaker trend is moving from basketball and tennis towards running styles right now, and leading the pack is Adidas Originals – the ZX Flux has been steadily killing it, and the new NMD model has been breaking hearts with instant sell-outs around the world. We all know how sneaker culture works when the hype takes hold, so I won’t get too specific here to avoid disappointment.

Start by picking up a solid pair of everyday court trainers – Adidas Samba/Gazelle/Stan Smith or Puma Suede – follow that up with a decent running model – any of the Adidas Boosts will change your life for the better (just ask your mate who beat you to getting a pair) – and round it out with something bold and brash. I’m talking Nike TNs. School bully trainers.

Put those three together, you’ve got the calm, the contemporary, and the outright crass. Your sneaker rotation will grow with time, but this is a pretty solid base to build on.

Men's Trainers Streetwear Outfit InspirationStighlorgan 2015

Key Pieces

Men's Streetwear Trainers/Sneakers

NIKE Air Max 1 Ultra Moire Coated Mesh Sneakers NIKE + Stussy Air Max 95 Sneakers adidas Originals Gazelle OG Leather PUMA STATES NM adidas Ultra Boost Nike Tuned 1

Final Word

Now you have the inside track on starting out in the culturally enriching and financially crippling world of streetwear. But if I could give you one last piece of advice, it’s this: learn the difference between passing hype and timeless product.

It takes a while, and you might lose a few bills along the way, but trust me when I say I’ve got years-old pieces in my wardrobe that I can still rock every day, and crazy purchases that barely make it out of the house. I know which ones are more valuable in the long run.

What are your must-cop streetwear pieces? Any iconic styles we left out above?

Let us know below.

Smart casual. Two words every man dreads to hear (along with ‘alcohol-free’ and ‘children permitted.’)

Luckily, relaxing dress codes and the rise of the smart-casual trainer has unearthed some much-needed middle ground. Just as sportswear has been embraced up top, similarly the minimalist trainer has become an increasingly common anchor to smart trousers and tailoring.

In a bid to combat dress code confusion, we’ve selected some of the best offerings that’ll work whatever the occasion.

Clae Bradley Sage Sneakers

Minimal design is usually what makes a smart-casual sneaker so versatile. Therefore, swapping high-fashion logos for high street design is a safer bet. These washed suede shoes, a collaboration between British footwear brand Clae and premium retailer Reiss, are a refined take on the more ubiquitous offerings.

Available at Reiss

Mango Lace-Up Leather Sneakers

Lazy days at the beach may still be months away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little sand on your feet right now. These nappa leather kicks by Barcelona-based fashion giant Mango are handmade in Spain and will bring a Catalonian kick to your plates of meat.

Available at Mango

Undandy ’92 Cornell

Move over ‘mankle’ and ‘bromance’, the ‘trunkstrap’ might just be 2017’s portmanteau-in-waiting, especially if Undandy’s Cornell hybrid is anything to go by. The bespoke shoemaker has welded the traditional double monkstrap to a classic trainer sole unit, resulting in a surprisingly solid kick for the best of both worlds.

Available at Undandy

Converse Jack Purcell Signature

Inspired by a Canadian, made by an American, worn all over the world – the Converse Jack Purcell is a modern classic. Updated in recent years to include Nike’s Zoom Air Technology on the footbed, this is one time when multiple cooks make for a better broth.

Available at Converse

Common Projects Retro Slip-Ons

Once the go-to shoe of emo pop bands, the slip-on sneaker is now a firm sartorial stablemate. Able to dress down a full suit (sans tie), these smooth black leather examples from headliner brand Common Projects hit all the right notes.

Available at MatchesFashion

Selected Homme Suede Sneakers

Suede: a nightmare to clean, but a dream to wear. The clean design of Selected Homme’s sneakers can be paired with any polished outfit thanks to cool as concrete uppers and a perforated heel for breathability. Just give a quick treatment spray and get ready for sweet dreams.

Available at Selected Homme

Grenson Tennessee Blues

In the five decades since its 1970s heyday, the trend for tennis shoes has swung in and out more times than Andy Murray’s racket. Luckily, this update from heritage shoemaker Grenson combines the comfort of the sports style with the craftsmanship of a luxury loafer – making them an ace addition to a smart-casual wardrobe. Advantage Grenson.

Available at Grenson

Lacoste Pique Lace-Up Trainers

French-style is revered globally for one reason – simplicity. To add some je ne sais quoi to your shoedrobe, tap these pared-back pumps by Paris’ finest sporting brand, which are crafted in Lacoste’s signature polo shirt pique material and unadorned except for the famous crocodile logo.

Available at Dune

Valentino Garavani Bi-Colour Trainers

Designer trainers aren’t always guaranteed to be sharper than high street sneakers, but Valentino’s Garavani model is a stylish case in point of when they are. The contrast elastic vamp gives this otherwise minimal design a flash of colour that can be tied into smart navy trousers.

Available at Style.com

Axel Arigato Clean 90 Sneaker

Outside of monochrome, few tones in a man’s wardrobe are as versatile as blue. This rule applies to trainers, too. Swedish brand Axel Arigato’s Clean 90 sneakers are guaranteed to make for a solid tonal look alongside sleek tailoring. Less Boys In Blue, more natty in navy.

Available at Axel Arigato

Kenzo Tennix Trainers

Sure, Kenzo is known for the roar of its loud Tiger motif, but the Parisian brand does also offers subtler pieces. The Tennix trainers typify laid-back-luxury with quality calf leather and tonal branding.

Available at Zalando

Adidas Stan Smiths

Despite being one of the most iconic trainers ever made, there’s more to Stan Smiths than simple, white tennis shoes. Iterations in pigskin and nubuck offer a subtle pivot from the classic model, yet remain firm smart-casual friendly choices.

Available at End Clothing

Givenchy Urban Tennis Sneakers

Givenchy became a street staple with its Rottweiler print, but for something with less bark, go for walkies in the French label’s understated tennis sneakers. With the ability to roll over from smart to casual with ease, these clean white kicks are best in show material.

Available at Luisaviaroma

Topman Black Woven Trainers

All-black is a safe yet impactful look, but it pays to work in a twist now and then. These contrast sole examples from Topman feature woven uppers that take them from high-street to high-end and adds a touch of craftsmanship, without adjusting the price.

Available at Topman

Dr Martens Dante Venice

‘Basic’ may be an insult in the Twitterverse, but it’s a compliment in the sneaker world. Simplistic kicks, like Dr Martens’ Dante shoe, can flit between civvies and semi-formal looks with ease, packing a clean design that’s equal parts wearable and classic.

Available at Dr. Martens

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