Countless subcultures such as streetwear and vintage have many norms and expectations. Some are more strict than others, but all of them allow some freedom of expression.
Fashion is extremely subjective. Very few aspects are considered objective by most people. Individuals create their own style and flare through trials and numerous errors. Nobody figures out their personal flare overnight; however, the realization often comes during unexpected or unlikely times.
Personal style becomes an acquired taste; it is called personal for a reason. People all around the world are constantly looking to follow the latest trends yet so little are seeking to establish their own unique tendencies. A fashionable individual may follow trends, but always looks to stand out from the crowd.
Streetwear Style
Some subcultures are more rigid and have strict determining factors, but that is definitely not the case for streetwear.
Streetwear’s most recognizable piece is the classic t-shirt. Most streetwear brands start out with a tee to introduce their label and keep upfront costs as low as possible. Some of the most well-known streetwear brands that have been around for a while continue to produce quality t-shirts without shying away from their ground roots. Labels like Stüssy and The Hundreds put out both simple and loud shirts; some brands may add extra alterations to shirts for extra flare.
Without a rigid structure, streetwear is more widespread than a large number of other niches. For example, goth and grunge both have particular looks that are often clearly defined. Streetwear consists of anything from t-shirts to basketball shorts to jerseys and sneakers.
Vintage Looks
Vintage clothing is definitely not a new concept in the fashion realm. However, vintage designs have proven to be noticeable inspirations for collectors and artists alike.
The rise of vintage-inspired designs have skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade. From washed or distressed to throwback colors and looks, there are numerous designs that give nods to authentic vintage clothing. Many streetwear brands create tees with a washed look to provide an aged and “pre-worn” feel that is noticeable amongst most vintage pieces.
A fresh t-shirt today might be one that looks like it has been worn and washed countless times. The distressed and aged look seems to be one particular trend that has no signs of going away anytime soon. Vintage collectors and streetwear enthusiasts both appreciate vintage looks in different ways. Streetwear and vintage have noticeable similarities as well as apparent differences.
The Noticeable Divide Between Streetwear and Vintage
Streetwear has been around for a relatively short period of time. Vintage clothing dates back long before streetwear came into existence; collectors and enthusiasts often look for vintage pieces dating back to the 90s (when streetwear was first actualized).
Although streetwear and vintage have noticeable differences, they have complementing factors as well. The time periods of both subcultures’ origins are generally contrasting, but there is modern overlap between the two as well.
Streetwear got its start in the 90s while vintage clothing saw a massive rise in popularity in the 1960s. Vintage is a term that can describe anything from clothing to furniture to record players and trading cards. Streetwear has a wide scope but typically consists of clothing and some accessories. Both streetwear and vintage highlight key aspects from their origins to contemporary pieces.
Vintage clothing and streetwear are often paired together and complement each other well. Cargo pants are easily worn with a vintage t-shirt; fresh Jordans paired with vintage jeans or another style of pants are timeless combos. These subcultures are compatible because they add their unique yet distinctive aspects to create an original pairing.
The Future of Streetwear and Vintage
Times will tell how impactful streetwear is towards vintage and vice versa. Both produce large followings for countless reasons; they complement each other because of noticeable similarities.
Vintage and streetwear pair well because they add key features to one another. For example, vintage style tees have been a major trend in streetwear lately. Even if they are not truly vintage, numerous labels are going for “vintage” looks to appeal to a wide audience.
The future of virtually any aspect of fashion is widely unknown. These two subcultures may become closer or divide farther apart due to a rise in more differences. In the end, both streetwear and vintage are complex aspects of fashion that cannot be predicted in any possible way.
