Streetwear is no longer just a style of clothing – it ’s a global phenomenon that started in hip-hop culture and is now found everywhere from luxury to everyday wear. But how did we get here? How did loose oversized T-shirts, logo hoodies and sneakers become staples of modern fashion? In this article, we’ll explore the history of streetwear, its connection to hip-hop culture and its impact on fashion today.
The Roots of Street Fashion – The 70s and 80s
The history of streetwear dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s , when hip-hop culture began to take over the streets of New York. At that time, fashion for young people was not just about clothing - it was about self-expression .
• Hip -hop music and breakdancing have brought loose, functional clothing to the forefront.
• The iconic adidas Superstar, Puma Suede and Nike Air Force 1 shoes have become trademarks of the hip-hop community.
• Graffiti and skateboard culture also played a big role in the development of streetwear – unique designs, hand-painted T-shirts and baseball caps became widespread.
This was also the time when the first underground streetwear brands appeared, such as Stüssy , founded by skateboarder Shawn Stüssy , which became one of the world's first streetwear brands.
The Golden Age – The 90s and the Influence of Hip-Hop
The 90s were a time of explosive growth in streetwear and hip-hop . The rappers and hip-hop groups that were popular at the time had a huge influence on street fashion.
• Wu -Tang Clan, Tupac, Biggie and Nas inspired young people not only with their music but also with their clothing.
• Baggy pants, oversized T-shirts, Timberland boots and gold chains have become street style staples.
• The first rapper-founded brands, such as FUBU (For Us By Us) or Rocawear , appeared, which were built specifically on hip-hop culture.
• The Jordan brand and sneaker culture began to soar – the fusion of sports and hip-hop took the world of streetwear to a new level.
During this period, streetwear was not only an underground movement, but also began to integrate into mainstream fashion .
Luxury meets streetwear – The 2000s
In the 2000s, streetwear was no longer just a clothing style for the hip-hop community – fashion houses also took notice .
• Supreme , BAPE, and Off-White have become global brands, with people lining up for hours for their limited edition products.
• Sneaker culture and the resell market became a huge business, where a rare pair of shoes could be worth thousands of dollars.
• Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Balenciaga have also embraced streetwear elements , featuring oversized t-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers in their collections.
• The worlds of hip-hop and fashion have become completely intertwined – artists such as Kanye West (Yeezy), Pharrell Williams, and Travis Scott have launched their own fashion brands and collections.
Modern streetwear – from 2020 to the present day
Today, streetwear is one of the most defining sectors of fashion . People are no longer just looking for comfortable clothes – streetwear has become a lifestyle.
• Oversized t-shirts, cargo pants, and premium streetwear pieces dominate street fashion.
• Sustainability and quality are increasingly important – demand for premium cotton and custom tailoring has increased.
• Limited edition products and collaborations continue to receive huge attention - which is why Blackrainbow also offers exclusive pieces for streetwear fans.
Blackrainbow and streetwear culture
Blackrainbow is not just a clothing brand – it is a streetwear brand that combines the heritage of hip-hop culture with premium quality and modern fashion.
• Exclusive oversized T-shirts made of premium cotton that bring together streetwear and elegance.
• Collaborations with artists and musicians who authentically represent this culture.
• Limited edition designs that make the wearer stand out from the crowd.
The evolution of streetwear shows that it is not just a trend, but a cultural movement that is constantly evolving and taking on new influences. If you are truly looking for the latest and most premium streetwear pieces, explore the Blackrainbow collection!
Summary
Streetwear and hip-hop have always had a strong connection - fashion has been shaped by music, street culture and individual self-expression. Blackrainbow carries on this legacy with premium quality clothing inspired by the most authentic streetwear culture.
If you are interested in premium streetwear fashion and want unique pieces, check out the latest Blackrainbow collection!
