Introduction
Before we dive right into this list of the 20 Cheap streetwear brands you should check out if you are trying not to break the bank or go over your budget, we need a little backstory for posterity. The question is, what is streetwear? The answer is quite simple but steeped in a lot of history. So, bear with me.
Streetwear is a fashion subculture that utilizes subtle elements from a multutide of other fashion niches such as casual, tech, leisure and even sportswear. It was originally inspired by the fashion and music trends in the 1990s.
This combination meant that you could identify several aesthetics all fusing together in a classic or traditional streetwear outift. The popularity of this fashion subculture is thanks in part to the practice of hypebeast culture and haute couture.
Hypebeast refers to a kind of fashion trend that creates undue hype and exclusivity through release of limted amounts of high quality clothing. The high quality clothing, often rare “one of ones” is thanks to haute couture which is French for high fashion.
Together, they ensure fans everywhere stay expectant for streetwear brands to drop new releases. It does however mean they would be really expensive.
But don’t you worry your little head; there are still tons of brands that have affordable and high-quality outfits for you and your budget’s benefit. You want to look dapper in the latest and best streetwear outfits, but you don’t want to break the bank?
Well, come with me then as we explore not one or two but 20 of the cheapest streetwear brands in the fashion industry.
1. Stussy
As far back as the 1980s, Stussy had already begun to carve out a name for themselves even before the term “streetwear” ever existed. Thanks to the innovative mine of Californian surfer Shawn Stussy, his graphic tee shirts, and handcrafted skateboards with his signature marker inscription of his surname.
Today, streetwear is huge, and so is Stussy. As an icon of the fashion subculture, it is no surprise that they have a range of amazing outfits ranging from hoodies to tees and everything else in between. And what’s more, you don’t have to break the bank to be a part of this history, thanks to their range of cheap streetwear.
2. Palace
Streetwear transcends location, culture, and age, making it a truly iconic and relentless fashion sub-culture. So, it really is no surprise that you can find it outside the US, all the way in the UK, for that matter. As I said earlier, wherever there’s skating, there is streetwear, and the UK skating scene is quite healthy.
Palace is that brand that seeks to embody London’s gritty and unique skate scene. It used to be an underground imprint for T-shirts and skateboards, but today, ten years later, it is a major player in the men’s fashion game. You can visit their website for all your streetwear needs at affordable prices.
3. Neighborhood
We can all argue the origins of streetwear and who gets credited with it, but we cannot ignore the people leading the charge in revolutionizing it for today’s consumers.
“Neighborhood” is a Japanese streetwear brand out of Nippon dedicated to creating inventive, bold, dark, and moody streetwear. Their style is unique, making them easy favorites for collaborations with major brands such as Converse, Dr. Martens, and Adidas.
True to the streetwear culture, their fits are affordable and up-to-date with the trends and needs of the modern consumer, making them perfect if you are on a budget. Image
4. Off-White
Streetwear has been famous for one particular theme in the fashion industry; outlandish innovation. And if you wish to choose the one brand that highlights this quality, it is Off-White.
Founded by American designer Virgil Abloh, it is the hub of all things revolutionary and “one of a kind.” Abloh used to work at Fendi alongside streetwear icon, Kanye West, so you can expect the quality of their outfits to not only be top-notch but to make you stand out. And all without breaking the bank.
5. Jordan
Streetwear is a combination of multiple outfits, styles, and of course, colors. You need a pair of fly sneakers for a complete look, and there is none flyer than the basketball GOAT himself, Michael Jordan. Like any other streetwear innovator, he had a vision for the subculture and executed it masterfully.
With his sneaker line in collaboration with Nike, he revolutionized streetwear forever, offering an essential alternative to regular skater-themed footwear. When you wear a pair of Jordans, you become a part of streetwear royalty, and to partake in that privilege at an affordable price, that’s a real alley-up.
6. Patta
The Dutch streetwear scene may not be as popular, but there sure is a goldmine waiting for you. Like any other streetwear brand, Patta started making limited graphic tees. This is the core of streetwear-exclusivity.
But the thing with exclusive products is that they tend to garner a lot of demand. And just like that, Patta went from selling out of a multi-brand boutique to a wholesome label today.
And no, you don’t have to worry about it being too expensive, Patta has an affordable range of outfits.
7. Nike
Nike is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most iconic and respected fashion and sportswear brands globally. Nike is a behemoth in the fashion industry, especially the sportswear section, but continues to tap into its humble beginnings.
Their diverse and amazing range of products comes in really budget-friendly prices. So if you want to nail the streetwear look without breaking the bank, Nike is perfect for you. They have got everything, from caps to hoodies too, of course, sneakers.
8. Carhartt WIP
Carhartt was originally a workwear brand in the US that made high-quality overalls designed to withstand wear and tear. But little did they know that they were creating outfits that would find their way into streetwear subculture in faraway Europe.
To cater to this new consumer base, they came up with Carhartt WIP(work in progress), a subtle deviation from the strict workwear designs to legitimate inclusions into the streetwear scene.
You can get their caps, jackets, and denim pant for really low and affordable prices, and you can expect them to be of high quality, identical to the brand’s original products.
9. Polar Skate Co.
Who better to champion streetwear (unironically) than a skateboard-themed brand? Well, no need to guess. Polar Skate Co. is a physical representation of the seamless relationship between skating culture and streetwear.
The Swedish brand makes skatewear, but their products have inadvertently found their way into the streetwear space as well. They have cool graphic T-shirts and even cooler outerwear. And the good news is Polar Skate Co. is committed to bringing you the best streetwear at prices that won’t leave a hole in your pocket.
10. BAPE (A Bathing Ape)
BAPE is yet another wonderful export from Japan into the streetwear fashion scene. Created by DJ and fashion designer Nigo, it has become a great way to get into streetwear even if you are unfamiliar with the subculture.
They offer colorful and quirky designs that serve as a form of “alternative” fashion and as a form of identity for the wearers. You can expect outlandish and bold designs such as shark hoodies, camo paint graphic T-shirts, and frankly bizarre motifs.
All of which can be bought sold at very affordable prices so you too can get in on the streetwear scene.
11. The North Face
North face is primarily a mountaineering brand, so I understand why you are surprised they are on this list. But that is the thing with streetwear, and it refuses to stay within the norm of the fashion industry.
This fashion brand has let itself form viable and amazing collaborations with other established and mainstream clothing brands. These collaborations have birthed some of the most iconic streetwear outfits. Worthy of mention is its Japanese line, “Purple Label.”
And you can get any of their amazing outfits at affordable prices, perfect if you are on a budget.
12. WTAPS
WTAPS is just like a few unorthodox additions on this list, seeing as it’s not a streetwear clothing brand either. WTAPS is a fashion brand that has successfully combined military, workwear, and practical aesthetics. This combination makes it rather hard to pinpoint its actual style.
This ambiguity is what makes it quite perfect for the streetwear scene. The fashion brand, pronounced “double taps,” has a unique and easily recognizable design that earned it a cult following. Their designs are as “streetwear” as it gets, and of course, it is perfectly affordable. image
13. Undercover
Once again, we see that Japan continues to inspire, influence, and contribute to the streetwear fashion subculture. With Undercover, we see a great collaborator and a brand rich in history, as far back as the 90s even.
The brand has a lot of iconic outfits that have become a staple of the streetwear subculture and continue to make significant strides. These strides include huge collaborations with big brands like Nike and even a joint sportswear line called Gyakusou.
There are endless possibilities with their versatile range of outfits, and no, you do not need a lot of money to buy them. Their products are perfect for your taste and budget.
14. The Hundreds
At the heart of streetwear is high fashion. As a byproduct of the new-age players in the industry, it has grown and is now the norm. Think of Supreme and how they have an exclusivity appeal, especially with how they release products for public consumption but in limited amounts
This culture is also the norm at other brands such as “The Hundreds.” It started in 2003 and quickly rose to the top of the food chain with multiple collaborations and their iconic no-frills, old-school streetwear. And all for a very affordable price.
15. KITH
This fashion brand is primarily a retail space, but it has grown into so much more today. An absolute legend spearheads KITH in the sneaker scene, Ronnie Fieg, and thanks to his amazing leadership and vision, KITH is a powerhouse in the streetwear industry today.
The fashion made its name and mark with its fair share of mainstream collaborations, as is the norm with the subculture. While they are expected to have a ton of sneakers on sale, they also have quite an impressive collection of apparel for you to choose from. All of which are within your budget.
16. Noah
Led by genius creative director Brendon Babezien, Noah is a unique and cutting-edge fashion brand that seeks to challenge and reinvent the streetwear scene. Babezien used to work at scene stalwart Supreme, so you know he knows his onions.
Noah is described as what it would look like if Polo Ralph and Supreme had a baby. With the logo T-shirts, hoodies, and caps. But this fashion brand takes it a step further with more unorthodox outfits that have, of course, made them stand out.
They’re the perfect choice for you if you hold high fashion in high esteem but are on a budget.
17. CDG PLAY
CDG, or Comme des Garcons as it is more commonly known, is a fashion brand known for its outlandish designs and its readiness to challenge and break the boundaries of the fashion norms. This fearless approach is seen in their bizarre runway shoes and avant-garde collections.
The streetwear brand continues to create and innovate in the subculture, affording consumers access to a much-welcomed alternative to the normal offering. With their offbeat design motifs and largely classic pieces, you too can slay in your preferred streetwear outfit combination, all while not exceeding your small budget.
18. Cav Empt
This Japanese heavyweight fashion brand is a breath of fresh air compared to others on this list. And it is not for its origins. But because of how above and beyond their designs are from the rest.
Think of Cav Empt as streetwear, but that’s what you get when you order outfits from them in the far future. Their work is unique, cutting edge, and downright iconic. You can thank SK8THING for breathing life into it.
However, without him, it would have been Cav Empty— get it? Well, you may not get the joke, but you sure can get affordable streetwear outfits when you shop with Cav Empt.
19. Needles
Japan continues to make its claim for the dominant force in the streetwear industry. With Needles, they have way more than a foot in the door. As a subsidiary of the bigger Japanese fashion brand, Nepenthes, it embodies the Japanese obsession with the American look.
It is not primarily a streetwear brand, but it sure does make its case with its outfits for purchase. With a heavy focus on creating an affordable streetwear look drawing reference from the American military and the old “wild” west, the brand uses Japanese textiles to bring to life the looks and adds a healthy dose of sportswear.
20. Pop Trading Company
True to the streetwear culture, Pop Trading Company started small as a skate shop with many rare brands, exclusive designs, and other cool stuff. And as the story goes, they grew to become a giant of streetwear in Amsterdam in 2016.
Their style continues to be interestingly unique and hard to fully, confidently describe. The best I can do is that it is a skatewear brand that doubles as a streetwear brand, the two blurring the lines between them.
Although it doesn’t have the usual rich history other brands have, it remains a quality option for affordable streetwear. image
Conclusion
Streetwear is a buoyant and ever thriving fashion subculture, surviving through the decades. Today, it has become a vibrant niche birthing some of the most brilliant minds, designs, and innovations.
Streetwear is more than just the clothes or the shiny sneakers or even the logos, it is an identity, and many brands come together to form this identity, the culture. This can mean that the niche is rife with competition, and thus, established brands would sell for much higher.
But don’t worry, with the list of 20 cheap streetwear brands listed above, you can join in on the streetwear vibe even on a budget.
