Image via Complex Original
It sounds weird, right? Most people look at raves and only see the horrible fashion choices that get made when going to these events. From fairy wings to huge JNCO jeans, the items some club kids must have locked away in their attics surely tell some wild tales. With EDM gaining steam in the mainstream, though, it was only a matter of time before some EDM-inspiried clothing brands were coming out of the woodworks. And no, we're not talking about the stuff you might see cluttering your local Hot Topic.
With streetwear continuing to boom, even EDM kids need to have some unique pieces. Depending on your style, you can grab a goofy slogan t-shirt or some truly high-end pieces from a number of sources. Instead of going to Zazzle and creating your own, here's your source for the best EDM clothing brands out there.
HOUS
Founded: 2010
As Seen On: Afrojack, Dada Life, 12th Planet, Congorock, Deadmau5, and Steve Aoki (among others)
Richard Wheeler's brand HOUS is all about creating a true EDM streetwear line, where the worlds of EDM and streetwear feed off of each other for some explosive items. For the guys, shots of females with headphones covering their nipples are all over this line, as well as MUSIC IS MY LIFE in big block letters; the girls tees help women express their fondness for guys who like house, and much more. HOUS is also a very popular brand among DJs, with Afrojack, Deadmau5, and Dada Life being seen in their shirts and hats. If you're about that streetwear life, this might be the line to grab.
Billionaires Apparel
Founded: 2010
As Seen On: DJ Skinner, White Rhino
What started out as a group of friends trying to put on dance music events in Charlotte, North Carolina, turned into an appareal company that focused on high-quality products in a limited-quantity. Their signature logo, the red robot with headphones on ("Mr Mayor"), is a favorite amongst us androids, and they wisely don't stop at tees - Billionaires makes backpacks, cellphone cases, necklaces, caps (even custom cap orders!), and much more, encompassing everything today's raver needs.
Shrapnel Streetwear
Founded: 2011
As Seen On: Excision, Messinian
While many EDM clothing brands ride the wave of slogans and other cute pictures depicting the life of the raver, Shrapnel is almost like the sound of EDM brought to life. The ghost in the machine in clothing form. Picture Terminator 2, when the T-800 had part of his face ripped off... set to a heavy dubstep rhythm. It's the perfect brand for those who want to openly wear clothes inspired by the EDM of today, but still maintain an awesome look.
Neffmau5
Founded: 2012
As Seen On: Deadmau5 (duh)
Leading skateboard and surf appareal company Neff linked up with Deadmau5 for a seasonal line, marrying his signature mau5head logo with their Neff logo and creating some awesome pieces. Deadmau5 was already big on appareal, with random shirts and hats available wherever EDM has infiltrated, but the link with Neff has birthed better pieces, with awesome images being thrown onto crewnecks, hoodies, snapbacks, and other pieces in Neff's arsenal.
neffheadwear.com/deadmau5
JoJo Electro
Founded: 2009
As Seen On: Frankie Bones, DJ Skribble, Charles Feelgood
While the name of the company is "JoJo Electro," it's not just about electro music. For the past four years, the key to JoJo's success has been artist signature collaborations, creating pieces with DJs like DJ Dan, Charles Feelgood, Joe Nice, Frankie Bones, and Donald Glaude. Their pieces are beautiful in their simplicity, with a pair of headphones drapped around the neck and shoulders telling just as good of a story as the single phrase "bass music" on a tee. Plus, JoJo is everywhere - you can find videos of their exploits at some of the hottest events, and even check out the JoJo Electro podcast.
CLVB LIFE
Founded: 2011
As Seen On: Tiesto
Tiesto's an everyman when it comes to infiltrating the mainstream, and his brand CLVB LIFE is an attempt to fuse high-end fashion and EDM culture. The designs don't immediately scream "rave" or "EDM," but they maintain the symmetrical quality that you see in the design of album artwork and within clubs themselves, while some of the tees (like one that shows a city skyline) depict certain scenes or evoke moods. Oddly enough, this isn't Tiesto's only forray into the fashion world, as he also has a clothing line with Guess that features watches and skinny jeans.
clublifeclothing.com
Bassdrop
Founded: 2012
As Seen On: Canadian bass heads
This line was started in Ontario by a group of friends and has highlighted EDM scenes like moombahton, techno, dubstep, electro, house, and trance. While still new, they have some interesting pieces, from neon "Rage" hats to neon sunglasses with "I (heart) Dubstep" on them. Their tees are really where it's at, with an awesome turntable-dj-skull with headphones being one of our favorites.
NGHTBRND
Founded: 2012
As Seen On: The Firepower Records crew.
NGHTBRND is one of the newer brands out there, and it focuses on those who love their EDM with a bunch of BASS. With tees that reference Full Metal Jacket and the "Parental Advisory" stickers on albums, the tees are deceptively dope, plus they even has a banging "RUN THE TRAP" tee that's still available.
Little Black Diamond
Founded: 2012
As Seen On: SoCal Ravers who love kandi.
Little Black Diamond launched in 2012, and this San Diego clothing label is made by ravers, for ravers. The number of their pieces is limited, but they offer truly unique items, like pasties. If you're not trying to let it ALL hang out, they have slogan tees with sayings like "free hugs," "keep calm and rave on," and a number of aztec-inspired tees as well.
EDMNYC
Founded: 2009
As Seen On: Ravers in NYC
EDMNYC is for the real rave and klub kids out there, with tees devoted to pushing PLUR, trading kandi, and expressing love for trance are all included in their collection. They also give back, with tees devoted to helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy available. There are a number of EDM brands devoted to the kids on the floor dancing, but EDMNYC does their job with style.
