Los Angeles is a well-known city, known for its trendy culture and willingness for people to show their personality through every aspect of their everyday life. One trend in particular that is incredibly popular in LA is streetwear, with locals and visitors wearing comfortable, stylish pieces that seamlessly fits in with the city’s vibe. With this in mind, let’s explore the origins of streetwear and its influence on LA fashion.
The Origins of Streetwear
Streetwear as we know it today originated in the ’90s, in the hip-hop scenes of New York, the surf-skate and graffiti culture of Los Angeles. It was common to see people wear casual clothes with daring designs. Brands like Stüssy and Supreme burst onto the scene and the youth in particular began to embrace streetwear because it provided a way to express individuality and rebellion.
Today, streetwear is all the rage with designers like Kanye West popularizing Yeezy and other celebrities, musicians and influencers bringing more attention to streetwear. There is no longer a clear divide between high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and streetwear brands, making it more accessible to a global audience.
The Appeal of Streetwear
The state of streetwear touches on so many aspects of our everyday lives and has effects on art, politics, activism, self-expression, environmentalism, technology and identity. Streetwear isn’t just a fashion trend as it’s also a cultural movement that has begun to inspire younger generations. In 2025, streetwear continues to break traditional fashion boundaries, appealing to a diverse, global audience through digital platforms.
Limited-edition drops and exclusive releases create a sense of anticipation, urging people to buy exclusive streetwear products before they sell out. Social media platforms have also exposed streetwear to more people. Additionally, streetwear offers access to luxury products at a more affordable price, making high-fashion style attainable for those with lower budgets.
The Streetwear Scene in LA
LA has become a hub for those embracing and sharing streetwear trends. The city is full of boutiques with streetwear collections displayed proudly. Many of the designs on these products are inspired by local artists who have had a significant impact on the fashion scene with their graffiti art. Despite its reputation for high-end fashion, the variety of cultures and booming skating, hip-hop and art scenes make it the perfect place for streetwear to thrive.
The fashion of Los Angeles is bold, never-too-formal, and chock-full of individualism. In LA, streetwear is evolving with a mix of laid-back, yet stylish pieces that reflect the city’s diverse culture.
For example, flared joggers have become a popular choice, offering both comfort and a fresh twist on classic athleisure. Visitors and locals often couple these flared joggers with baggy graphic tees or cropped hoodies, giving them a trendy but cozy look. These joggers can be styled differently according to the weather. For example, you can add sunglasses in the summer, or chunky sneakers in the winter.
There are also events hosted in LA that bring more attention to streetwear. For instance, sneaker conventions like ComplexCon and the Streetwear Market often involved reputable brands and artists, and enthusiasts to launch new products. It’s also common to see professional photoshoots for streetwear brands on LA streets, which has helped to market streetwear. Celebrities such as Travis Scott and Kim Kardashian have also been spotted in LA donning iconic streetwear looks which has influenced younger generations to follow in their footsteps.
Final Thoughts
The streetwear scene is impacting the fashion industry in La in a major way. While it once seemed that LA was exclusively associated with luxurious designers and brands, now it’s become more common to sport casual collections. As streetwear gains more notoriety and attention on a global scale, it’s likely that even more people beyond LA will experiment with their outfit choices to create unique streetwear looks that break the boundaries of fashion.
The question we have is, has there ever been a style other than streetwear hold such power and influence?