I’m literally just a girl—and that means that, when it comes to my fashion taste, I oscillate between two extremes: polished and ultra-feminine and teenage boy. And I make no apologies for this duality. Some days you just need to roll around town in an oversized t-shirt and cargo pants or hide your three-day hair with a cool cap. Seriously, sue me! So, while I write this staring at my wardrobe and realising I probably don’t need another oversized graphic tee that is quite literally six sizes too big, I thought it best to make a roundup of the coolest streetwear brands out there right now. If, like me, you need a couple of dress-like-a-boy days a week, 1) I don’t blame you and 2) I figured it’s best we at least look cool while we opt for comfort.
Created by musician Tyler The Creator in 2011, Golf Wang is a bonafide it-brand. Best known for its hoodies and graphic t-shirts, the brand has recently dabbled in outerwear and staple trousers. With unique designs, a plethora of colours and patterns to choose from and clothing of the highest-quality, this streetwear brand is one of my favourites. I have a pair of the brand’s tracksuit pants and can confidently say it would take someone physically prying them off my body for me to ever give them up.
A great local Sydney streetwear brand to keep your eye on if you’re in the market for a plush hoodie or an effortlessly cool hat, Motorino North Bondi has it all. I have the pictured oversized tee and wear it at least once a week. The days it is in the wash are the saddest of all and I’m just not myself without it. Kidding… sort of. Girl or guy, you’re bound to find something you can lust over.
Super underground, niche and not at all well-known, I thought it my civic duty to introduce you to this exclusive streetwear brand by the name of Adidas. XOXO, Rose. Fine, fine, you’re probably reading this rolling your eyes at the fact I’ve put one of the most well-known sports brands in this roundup but hear me out. Re-launching its Originals collection in the last two years, the brand is reliving its ‘70s surgance and it’s about time we all jumped on board. I have been eyeing these three stripe pants for a while now and think it might be the perfect time to pull the trigger as we roll into winter.
Possibly the greatest brand name ever, SORRYIMBUSY is for those of us who are teetering on the edge of getting a ‘Please Don’t Talk To Me’ hat to keep unwanted convos away. With basketball-style shorts, knitwear, caps and sweatsuits you’re bound to find a not-so-ironic item of clothing here to make your comfort days quieter as well.
Created in Sydney by local designer Louie Collins, it’s likely you’ve seen a Five By Flynn number five cap (or 400) rolling around the Eastern beaches. Slowly expanding, the brand now has a growing design team and it shows. The latest collection is filled with earth-toned knits and fleece as well as unique graphic tees to elevate any outfit. But my pick is these perfect low-rise cargo pants.
Born out of Perth, Western Australia, Butter Goods is a streetwear brand run by, for lack of a better identifier, skater boys. Offering high-quality outerwear (this shiny black puffer is high on my wishlist at the moment for my mid-winter hot girl walks) and loungewear you don’t have to restrict to the couch, the brand is one of the coolest out there at the moment (in my humble opinion). So, butter ‘em up darling!
Established in 2018 by former-NRL star Lewi Brown, Earls is known for creating stylish streetwear that can be worn to any occasion. With the latest winter drop consisting of knit loungewear and a recent Asics collaboration, it’s a case of run, don’t walk when you see a new drop landing on the website.
A Melbourne-based streetwear brand label and social enterprise, 100 per cent of HoMie’s profits go towards supporting young people affected by homelessness and hardship. So, you can feel good about helping others while you look good in uber-cool clothes. Whether it’s a cotton tee or a sporty short, the brand truly does have something for everyone.
If you’ve read the majority of these silly little Substacks, you’d know my love for New York-based streetwear brand Aime Leon Dore. I was lucky enough to visit the store and cafe in a recent trip to the Big Apple and to say it only intensified my love for the brand would be a gross understatement. A bit more of a polished take on streetwear, with blazers, loafers and tailoring thrown into the mix, the brand is the ultimate fusion of chic and cool. Makes sense why I’m obsessed with it, right?
Created by Emily Oberg 2015, this streetwear brand was the first to take on the idea of athleisure and make it not only more wearable but also chic. With activewear, swimwear, sport accessories and loungewear on offer, this is perfect if you’re looking for a more feminine take on streetwear. And I’ll give you the hot tip: if you’re visiting NYC anytime soon, be sure to hit up the brand’s shop front that’s complete with an internal wellness studio and smoothie bar.