streetwear

noun

street·​wear ˈstrēt-ˌwer 

: a style of fashionable casual clothing that features items such as sneakers, hoodies, T-shirts, and baggy pants and that emerged from and is inspired by a blend of urban subcultures (such as hip-hop, skateboarding, and surfing)

In recent years, streetwear has blurred the lines between casual wear and luxury fashion. … From gym sessions to coffee runs, or even a night out layered under a jacket , these hoodies work everywhere.

—Gerrita Bikker

Originally rooted in the subcultures of skate and surf in California, streetwear has transcended its niche origins to become a dominant force in the global fashion industry.

—Usman Ghani

—often used before another noun

a streetwear brand

streetwear designers

Examples of streetwear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In recent years, as streetwear, sportswear and high fashion comingle, the humble cap has been given new life on the runways. — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

The model officially launched Baby Phat in 1999 as a women’s streetwear extension of Phat Farm. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

With that in mind, Govan’s research for Fatiha brought modest yet modern teenage silhouettes into conversation with roomy streetwear, track jackets, sports jerseys, sneakers, and expressive layering. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Shopify’s guide to limited product drops explains how scarcity, anticipation and exclusivity can shape consumer interest, much like the drop culture around sneakers and streetwear. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

street entry 1 + wear entry 2 (sense 2a)

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for streetwear

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare