AS Colour: How to Build Your Streetwear Wardrobe
The roots of streetwear go back to the 1980s and 1990s, including graffiti, hip hop, surf and skate. In essence, it involved the production, promotion, sale and resale of casual clothes, such as sneakers, T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants and other items, in ways that went round traditional retail channels and subverted the ways the fashion has defined and dictated how streetwear became profitable.
The movement has roots in California and New York in the 1980s and some early adopters were pioneers of the street style in Japan at the same time. By the 1990s It became very popular in major cities and regions throughout the globe and today it’s one of the most influential movements in the fashion world.
Build Your Streetwear Wardrobe in a Few Easy Steps
Choose Your Brand
Streetwear takes inspiration from hip hop culture and skater style as well. The first streetwear brands emerged in California in the 1980s, and by the 1990s, skateboarding shops appeared in New York City, inspired by the street style of LA.
In the early 2000s, the sneaker culture influenced streetwear fashion and collaborations were born. By the 2010s, luxury streetwear was on the rise and was an important part of the pop culture and the fashion industry, from mainstream sportswear brands to high fashion brands.
AS Colour apparel is all about high quality products that are ethically sourced. AC Colour was founded in 2005 in Auckland and operating in Australia, California and Aotearoa. The range of products they offer includes t-shirts and tops, hoodies and sweatshirts, jackets, pants and products like hats, beanies and bags.
In 2018, the brand became a member of the BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. This ensures they are moving closer to 100% sustainable cotton, a preferred material these days thanks to the numerous benefits it provides. You can choose AS Colour apparel and make the first step towards building your streetwear wardrobe with premium clothing that will stand the test of time.
Brand loyalty is an important part of streetwear culture and it’s rare to see fans layering different streetwear labels. The best you can do is showing off one logo at a time and supplement the rest of your appearance with athletic clothing and workwear.
In the beginning, streetwear staples were pieces you could happily fall off a skateboard while wearing. That’s why most were rendered in denim and heavy cotton. However, modern streetwear has raised the bar and designers have redone time honoured pieces, such as long tees, shorts, hoodies, bomber jackets and more into garments you can wear to work or whenever the invitation calls for a casual outfit.
Choose Your Tees
Oversized is the newest trend and a fine line between baggy clothes and skinny fit. Streetwear is a lifestyle and resonates with people of all ages. You only need to make sure you get it right for you. The easiest way to get the desired, relaxed look is to select a long t-shirt that’s right at the shoulders and not too large. A shirt with the right fit is a great match for loose pants. Also, opt for muted and natural colours over bold and ostentatious colour schemes.
Get a Bomber Jacket
The simplest way to balance out the looseness is to add a bomber jacket that will complement and complete the overall look.
Pick a Hoodie
Hoodies are one of the most favourite clothing pieces all over the world and some of the garments that have captured the essence of the street. A hoodie is a comfortable piece of clothing and a simple item to invest in that can transform a traditional attire. If you’ve never worn a hoodie before, try using it for layering first, under a bomber jacket.
Put Your Sweats On
Some days we all like to take it easy. The good news is that sweatpants have been accepted in fashion beyond sportswear, so you can enjoy some soft cotton fleece against your legs more often, especially in these days of quarantine and lockdowns.
Get Your Kicks On
Sneakers are often the most important, and most expensive, part of the look. The movement toward street clothing began with footwear. A fine pair of shoes is considered the ultimate contact point with the street and needs to be selected carefully.
Tips on Streetwear Fashion: Style It Right
Mix and Match
One of the best things about streetwear style is that it’s easy to make a great combination. You can try your favourite t-shirts and jackets and top off the look with a cap, and end up with combinations that are simply stunning.
Play with Proportions
Interestingly, the communities that originally led streetwear were male dominated as the style was originally adopted by men. It was simple and straightforward, people wore tees and hoodies because that’s what they liked, they were comfortable and above all, it was a form of self-expression.
Keep It Simple
Putting together a strong streetwear outfit calls for smart judgement and a careful selection of staples that you can build upon as your wardrobe grows.
In the end, true streetwear is about being yourself, so feel free to put together unexpected combinations that make you feel comfortable and you may achieve the desired fashionable effect.
