Your Simple Guide to Streetwear Basics and Designs

Designing artwork for a t-shirt or a hat may appear to be a simple task, but things can become complicated when the technical application of the design is involved. However, the path to launching your streetwear brand does not have to be difficult! 

We encourage you to educate yourself before investing your time and money. We are here to assist you by walking you through the various steps to consider when developing and designing your very own apparel brand.

Definition and History

Streetwear is a casual fashion trend that emerged in the 1990s. It involves clothing that is both comfortable and fashionable, such as graphic tees, hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers. 

Streetwear brands are influenced by hip-hop culture and skater fashion. Hypebeasts are avid fans of the latest streetwear trends, and many will go to great lengths to obtain limited-edition designer hats, hoodies, sneakers, and other apparel.

The first streetwear brands appeared in the 1980s in Southern California, when surfers sold screen-printed t-shirts to promote their hand-shaped surfboards. Small skateboarding shops in NYC began creating their designs in the 1990s, inspired by the street style of LA skateboarders and surfers and hip-hop fashion.

Meanwhile, sneaker culture influenced streetwear fashion in the 2000s. Hypebeasts paired their graphic tees with athletic sneakers, giving birth to collaborative opportunities.

Luxury streetwear emerged come the 2010s. As young people and social influencers made streetwear an important part of pop culture, the fashion industry took notice, and everyone, from mainstream sportswear brands to high fashion brands, joined in on the fun.

Comfort 

As previously stated, streetwear draws inspiration from hip-hop culture and skater fashion. When determining the fit of your clothing, you should first decide whether you want to design loose and comfortable pieces or more of a tapered look.

Streetwear is typically defined by breaking proportion rules by wearing oversized t-shirts with skinny jeans or dropped-crotch sweatpants. Still, as the style evolves, it is encouraged to create cool and interesting apparel regardless of fit.

Ripped pants and distressed jeans are also elements of the streetwear look; these details contribute to the overall outcome. Consider what type of fit and style gives your brand identity and consolidates your audience to a specific group, helping you narrow your marketing efforts in the future.

Material and Style 

Because t-shirts are one in a million, and incredible graphics are designed and printed daily, suitable high-quality fabrics will set you apart from the competition and give your brand an advantage. We highly recommend going with higher-quality cotton if you can afford it.

Cotton fabrics are high-quality and ideal for long-lasting clothing. Furthermore, the thicker the material, the better the graphics. The thicker fabric allows for a cleaner and nicer print, whether you're screen printing the design or opting for a direct to garment (DTG) print.

The nature of your brand determines the design. Consider the name and inspiration behind your brand and find a compelling way to translate your passion for the brand into a cool graphic. You should reflect that same sentiment in each article of clothing and subsequent collection you produce.

We recommend sticking to one logo and making it visible on all of your brand's clothing. The graphic design should be simple to read and easily identifiable. Seek inspiration for the graphics from your own life, surroundings, or the culture of your community. A successful streetwear brand has a design directly related to a specific lifestyle.

Versatility 

When developing your clothing line, particularly in the streetwear category, you want each piece to be versatile. It means that you can wear that piece of clothing with various other items, allowing the buyer to create their unique look while maintaining their originality.

Include basic colors like white, black, or gray to achieve versatility. Minimal designs, such as your logo embroidered small on the chest or a screen printed on the back of a t-shirt, are ideal.

Conclusion

Paying attention to the details of your products is vital. Accessories are necessary for completing a look. Simple accessories include hats, beanies, and bandanas, completing a one-of-a-kind outfit.

If you need custom apparel printing in Denver, CO, check out Certified Print Co. We customize t-shirts and other apparel items. Browse our website today!