New York City streetwear embodies an eclectic mix of urban charm and high-fashion sensibility. The vibrant aesthetic is characterized by bold graphics, oversized silhouettes, and innovative materials that redefine comfort while maintaining a cutting-edge style. Whether you're hitting the streets or attending an underground gallery opening, this style captures the pulse of the city, effortlessly blending casual wear with an artful edge. The versatility of these pieces makes them essential staples in any wardrobe, perfect for both laid-back weekends and edgy evenings out.
Brands like Supreme, Awake NY, Noah, and Kith exemplify this unique culture, each offering their own twist on streetwear aesthetics. With a discerning focus on craftsmanship and cultural resonance, these names have become synonymous with quality and creativity, attracting a loyal audience that craves authenticity. Dive into our curated list to discover the best of NYC streetwear, where you'll find apparel that speaks to your individuality and celebrates the spirit of the city.
Supreme is an NYC streetwear and skateboarding brand known for its limited-edition drops and collabs with premier brands and artists. Supreme's collections feature a mix of streetwear and skate culture-inspired clothing, accessories, and skateboard decks.
Awake NY was founded by designer and longtime Supreme vet Angelo Baque. With a logo-driven design (like Supreme), they've been able to capture the cultural spirit and sensibility of NYC. The line embodies the diversity of the city all with a classic and contemporary feel.
Brendon Babenzien founded the environmentally friendly streetwear brand Noah in 2015 after leaving his post as the creative director of Supreme. As a homage to his NYC skate roots, the brand combines urban and active lifestyle aesthetics with a wide range of traditional design references. Noah is inspired by both defiance and elegance, and he employs a conscious balance of rebellion and sophistication.
Ronnie Fieg, a legend amongst sneakerheads as a prominent footwear designer, founded Kith in 2012. Fieg has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the footwear industry and was able to build Kith as an extension of his mind, seeking to transform the fashion industry one shoe at a time. He has since built one of the most sought after streetwear brands that blends contemporary design with a more urban aesthetic.
Only NY, founded in 2007, has created a fun-loving and community-based NYC streetwear and skate brand. Their graphic-based approach to design brings forth the pulse of NYC in a colorful way. You'll find a wide range of street, sport, and outdoor apparel and accessories. Discover more brands like Only NY here.
Adsum (which means “here” in Latin) has been developing a contemporary wardrobe of menswear classics since 2015. Their pieces are inspired by urban and rural life in the American Northeast and stand out in a low-key way. For an technically sophisticated and laidback brand, look no further than Adsum.
Alltimers is a New-York based streetwear company that is a mix of skate culture and sheer fun. From skateboard decks to hoodies expect illustrative designs that will put a smile on your face.
Chinatown Market is a streetwear brand known for its playful and colorful graphics, often incorporating references to pop culture, basketball, and New York City.
Stussy is an California-born clothing brand known for its streetwear and surf-inspired clothing. Stussy, with it's iconic logo, was one of the first streetwear brands and helped to establish the genre and popularize it.
Quartersnacks is a NYC skateboard blog-turned-clothing brand known for their playful and irreverent designs.
Fucking Awesome is an American skateboarding known for its controversial and provocative graphic designs – it has since gained widespread popularity among skaters and streetwear enthusiasts alike.
Belief is an Astoria, Queens-based standalone clothing and skate shop that's known for both durability and design (think: fun illustrations), crafting pieces that are built to last from the streets to the mountains.
Aimé Leon Dore is streetwear brand out of Queens, New York that has become a favorite of street enthusiasts in NYC and around the world. Throughout the years it has evolved into one of the most sought after brands known for its elevated and 'urban preppy' style. Discover more brands like ALD here.
Bronze 56k is a skateboard-inspired clothing brand known for their graphic-forward tees and accessories.
Paterson combines the love of skateboarding with the culture of tennis. While the brand pays homage to tennis, it doesn’t offer too many on the court. Expect to find some great warm up and off-the-court pieces!
Every brand in our lists earns a Similarity Score, showing how closely it aligns with the featured label. We evaluate each through four core pillars outside of certain intangible traits:
• Style (40–50%): overall aesthetic and silhouette
• Fit (20–30%): tailoring, proportion, and ease
• Color (10–20%): tone and palette choices
• Price (10–20%): accessibility and value
Think a brand feels off? We’d love your take [share feedback →]
We hope this roundup of the best NYC streetwear brands helped you find your next favorite label. If we missed one, let us know — we’re always updating these lists to keep them fresh and useful.
Some of the most iconic NYC streetwear brands include Supreme, A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Kith, Off-White (though founded by Virgil Abloh, it has strong NYC ties), and Stussy. These brands have become synonymous with urban fashion and have heavily influenced streetwear culture globally.
NYC evolved into a hub for streetwear due to its rich cultural history, blending elements of hip-hop, skate, and punk. The city serves as a melting pot for creativity, with local artists, designers, and influencers driving trends. The urban landscape and diverse communities provide inspiration and a fertile ground for streetwear to flourish.
Authentic NYC streetwear can be purchased at flagship stores, authorized retailers, and online platforms. Popular locations include the Supreme flagship store in SoHo, the Kith store, and high-end boutiques in NYC. For online shopping, websites like SSENSE, Farfetch, and individual brand websites are excellent options for finding genuine pieces.
The sustainability practices of NYC streetwear brands vary widely. Some brands, like Kith and Allbirds, are taking steps toward sustainable production, using recycled materials and ethical practices. However, many streetwear brands focus on quick turnover and limited drops, which can contribute to overconsumption. It's essential to research each brand's sustainability efforts if eco-friendliness is a priority for you.
NYC streetwear stands out due to its unique blend of influences from music, art, and fashion. The city's dynamic street culture, along with its historical significance in hip-hop and skateboarding, gives rise to innovative styles and collaborations. The fast-paced environment fosters bold experimentation and sets trends that resonate on a global scale, giving NYC streetwear its distinct edge.These questions and answers provide a helpful overview for anyone interested in understanding the landscape of NYC streetwear brands.
