This is How to do Streetwear for 2024 – for Flannels
Status jackets, cargo trousers and knitwear: this is the low-down on new gen streetwear – originally published by Flannels
Prepare to flex. For many, streetwear isn’t just clothing, it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a diehard C.P. Company fan who knows his garment dying from his goggle jacket, or you’re here for the elite fashion pieces that riff on streetwear’s subcultural history and insider status, we’ve got the cult brands and styles for you.
These days, streetwear isn’t just for those in-the-know. As the name suggests, what started life on the street, from the Hip Hop crews of 1980s New York and the Stone Island wearing ‘Casuals’ of the UK’s football terraces to the early noughties skate scene, has morphed into an unstoppable global fashion force.
Of course, there’s still a seriously niche market, but streetwear’s appeal is now less tribal and more broad, thanks in no small part to its adoption by luxury designers around the world. Over the last 10 years or so, they’ve put their high-fashion spin on urban-inspired clothing, appealing to everyone from young lads in the street to your boss’ boss’ boss. However, despite its apparent ubiquity, luxury streetwear pieces in particular are often unique and retain their desirability through limited editions, slick manufacturing processes and, let’s face it, hefty price tags.
From British heavyweights Cole Buxton to Scandi favourites Acne Studios, here's how to wear streetwear this season.
KHAKI & CARGO
Streetwear OGs and Italian sportswear giants C.P. Company have delivered in time for SS24. The brand’s iconic designs have long been associated with football and terrace culture here in the UK. Their techniques and materials have no parallel. This spring, cargo trousers and khaki are back, and C.P. have smashed the assignment. Team their cult ‘Goggle cargo pants’ and ‘Goggle jacket’ together for a head-to-toe C.P. look that will turn your mates green with envy.
THE VARSITY JACKET
Varsity jackets have serious streetwear pedigree. A calling card of American style, they made their way from the country’s Ivy League schools (where they were sported by the colleges’ elite student athletes) and onto the backs of Hip Hop stars like Run DMC who cemented the jacket’s place in the streetwear hall of fame. Now, Axel Arigato have put their Swedish streetwear powerhouse mark on the staple jacket. Team with a hooded sweat, jeans and the brand’s signature white Axel Arigato Area Lo trainers for an easy weekend look.
COLOURFUL KNITWEAR
It’s official. All the cool kids are wearing knits. The more brightly coloured/ironic/off-beat the better. Introducing British luxury sportswear brand Cole Buxton and their signature Pepto-Bismol-pink jumper. How to wear it? Contrast the jumper’s pinky softness with the brand’s leather trousers and oversized tote. The premium alpaca knit adds texture to an otherwise utilitarian look. Layer under a Cole Buxton shearling jacket and team with Ugg boots (yes, Ugg boots are back, and they’re for men too). With minimal branding and a community-minded spirit, Cole Buxton is the UK-based streetwear brand for those in the know who appreciate quality sportswear and understated luxury.
THE BRITISH ICONS
In the true spirit of streetwear’s DIY roots, British luxury brand Represent started life as founder George Heaton’s college project. Fast forward to 2023 and it’s become one of the most-hyped labels on the UK streetwear scene, whilst retaining its authenticity and founding vision. The ‘Horizons’ bomber is garment dyed and finished with a distinctive ‘Icarus’ embroidery, merging the flight jacket silhouette with fine detailing and manufacturing techniques. Layer over a statement shirt and finish with the brand’s cult ‘Virtus’ sneakers.
THE STATUS COAT
Other than your shoes, only one other item of clothing so succinctly communicates your style status to other streetwear afficionados, and that’s your jacket. Status coats signal to everyone else that, like them, you ‘know’. From bombers and puffers to trench coats and down jackets, they’re an urban non-negotiable. For spring, layer Acne Studios’ playfully branded pink windbreaker over multiple knits (because why wear one jumper when you can wear two?) and a pair of the label’s ‘Prudento’ cargo trousers. Finish with some slick leather loafers and the Acne Studios Musubi bag for an outfit that is equal parts fun, refined and subversive.