Biggest trends in streetwear so far this year

Fashion is ever evolving, a fluid art form

fresh and innovative, ready to change and innovate as culture changes and innovates. As culture shifts and transforms, the things that we once viewed as outdated can easily become a part of a new trend, as what we consider the “cultural currency” is ever changing. Like art in all its forms, it seems to go in periodic trend cycles similar to how sounds and genres in music die off, while other past elements we rediscover and rexplore to create new, great things. From the rise of Y2K to new balance, here’s your guide to everything you need to know about trends in streetwear this year so far, as we enter the autumn era.

Disclaimer: When considering the sheer vastness of streetwear in general, it is impossible to detail every single notable trend in fashion, let alone streetwear this year. However, it is worth talking about the major trends that stand out in 2022.

Chapter List:

• New Balance

• Varsity Jackets

• Accessories: Tote Bags and Fitted Hats

• Gorpcore

• “Airport Fashion” or Comfortable Fashion

• Y2K

New Balance

The beauty of the new balance is its timeless, classic look that at the same time looks fresh yet keeps you more comfortable than a lot of Nike shoes do. Retro yet modern, they have risen in popularity over the last several years as part of the “dad shoe” aesthetic, and while “dressing like a dad” might not be as popular anymore, New Balances still remain a relevant essential for comfort, mobility, and practicality. It is one of the must haves of the chunky dad sneaker trend and has almost universal appeal for both fashion lovers and those that just like comfort. New Balance sneakers are of course nothing new - they stepped out on the athletic scene back in the 1960s, but surged in popularity during the 80s. Now, New Balances can be seen everywhere from streetwear to luxury, a staple shoe made to stay, and to stay for good.

Varsity Jackets

Varsity jackets, also known as letterman jackets, are a

timeless piece of clothing forever ingrained in fashion and more specifically streetwear, part 0f the Collegiate Americana style that can be seen across the world. From the runways of Paris to the gritty streets of New York City, there is a place for varsity jackets wherever you go, and is forever. Varsity jackets can be styled in a variety of different ways. Preppy. Sophisticated.. Gritty. As the temperature begins to drop and autumn begins to be truly felt, varsity jackets remain a staple for streetwear.

Prediction: The Baggy Silhouette Baggy clothing is nothing new (take a look at Soulja Boy for example), but the comfortable, layered outerwear look of clothing took the world by storm in February of 2022 and will likely return again as the weather gets colder and autumn starts to come upon us.

Accessories: New Era Fitteds and Tote Bags

Baseball Hats - New Era

New Era Fitted caps are nothing new - a streetwear trend that took the world of streetwear by storm last year. Yankees hats, Dodgers hats, and Chicago White Sox hats are the most commonly worn, which can be found in numerous colors and sizes. Fitted caps are most commonly paired with a graphic tee, cargos or ripped jeans, and either Jordan 4s, Jordan 1s, or the easy-to-match air forces. As mentioned - fitted caps are nothing new - but their ubiquity within the world of streetwear is recognizable within the 2020s decade. Navy blue. Red. Black. White. Brim curved, brim flat. Whatever color you can name. But it is remiss not to at least mention fitted hats, especially in recent times, custom fitteds, gradually becoming an essential.

Tote Bags are often worn to accompany an outfit and serve as a convenient essential - something to use to carry your everyday items like your water bottle, perhaps a book, phone, or what have you. They are a minimalist item that subtly complement each outfit.

“Airport Fashion”

Leisure and comfortability have always been at the forefront of streetwear, from its loose, baggy, comfortable fashion. Airport fashion brings these characteristics to the spotlight: what would you wear if you were going on a long trip and wanted to stay comfortable? What would you wear on a plane trip that would keep you as comfortable yet fly as you’re in the sky? There are written rules to airport fashion, besides the one main rule: comfort. Hoodies, crewnecks, sweats, tracksuits, there are all elements of airport fashion. Comfort is one of the three main pillars of airport fashion, comfortability, adaptability, and functionality/practicality. Everything has a purpose. With airport fashion, the only rule is that you got to remain comfortable, and practical.

Gorpcore

Gorpcore is a style focused on wearing outdoors outfits, sitting the line between normcore and techwear. Gorpcore is heavily inspired by hiking and techwear apparel, a utilitarian style that can be both loud yet practical. From Asap Rocky to Bella Hadid, even celebrities as early as March of this year have been on this trend, often in the form of a puffer one way or another. This trend is easy to spot when you see it. Common staples of gorp core include puffer jackets (often from North Face), Fleece

It is somewhat reminiscent of what you would wear before a camping trip - an exploratory style that seems to represent outdoor freedom. As we enter the fall era, it is easy to anticipate gorp core beginning to become more worn in the autumn era.

Y2K

And last, but certainly not least, Y2K, which stands for “Year 2000e” is a trend in streetwear that is impossible to ignore or deny. Y2K takes from futuristic, late 90s, and early 2000s fashion trends, all in one. It has a retro edge while also being based in futuristic concepts at the same time, and is quite colorful. Velour tracksuits, baby tees, mini skirts, wide-leg jeans, baggy pants, and fitted caps are all part of the Y2K aesthetic.

For men, B.B. Simmons belts, fitted caps, bandanas, hoodies and zip ups, forces, baggy jeans, Air Force ones or Jordan 4s are all a major part of the Y2K look. On instagram, you can clearly see hundreds of mood boards based around the aesthetic, and streetwear in general influenced by this retro, modern, yet fashionably futuristic.