Why Is “Streetwear” Such A Dirty Word In Fashion?
by MR Magazine Staff
Mar 10, 2016
Ever since Vision first patented the term “streetwear” nearly 30 years ago, the word has morphed beyond recognition. From those early years it has transformed into a sort of catch-all umbrella categorisation that extends across parts of surf culture, skateboarding, sportswear, and a whole plethora of informal, luxury and non-luxury menswear — although it never truly encapsulates any of them. With every passing season streetwear’s definition becomes increasingly broad and imperfect. Yet, despite being so difficult to pin down succinctly, it’s also a badge that has, in fashion terms at least, become a bit of a dirty word. Read more at Highsnobiety.
I didn’t know the term “streetwear” was started 30 years ago. I am from Southern California and I like to skate and surf, but I wasn’t aware that sportswear was also under the umbrella of streetwear. I can see how the term street might have a somewhat bad connotation to it for people who don’t know what exactly it means. To me, streetwear is more just casual than anything else.