The Coolest L.A. Streetwear Brands Right Now

Image via Complex Original

Founded: 2011
Where to cop in L.A.: Golf Wang, 410 N Fairfax Ave

Love or hate Odd Future, you can't deny the collective's recent and powerful impact on hip-hop and pop culture. At first, it seemed like crew frontman Tyler, the Creator was only going to wear Supreme until the day he died. Recently, he and his crew have been flexing in their own brand, Golf Wang, on the regular.

The brand has set up shop on Fairfax and had the likes of Jonah Hill and Drake roll through, all while putting out complete collections, too. The gear features Tyler's humor and love for classic streetwear combined into bright clothing that definitely stands out. Don't sleep on the crew's bevy of tour and artist T-shirts, either. 

Founded: 2007
Where to cop in L.A.: Peas & Carrots S.S., 311 N. Edinburgh Ave

Peas & Carrots International is the brain-child of Anwar Carrots, Joshton Peas, and Casey Veggies. They put together their cool-guy cache and streetwear know-how to create a brand that supports and benefits off its industry connections and friendships. Whether its collaborating with other brands like The Hundreds and La MJC, making limited-run T-shirts for Casey Veggies, or producing skate decks, Peas & Carrots continues to innovate with ideas that resonate within the L.A. streetwear scene.

Founded: 2011
Where to cop in L.A.: Peas & Carrots S.S., 311 N. Edinburgh Ave

By now, you've seen your share of "Westside Chronic Leafs" T-shirts and immediately started counting down the days to your next paycheck so you could cop. PhreshCru is a brand that's been on the backs of Dom Kennedy and Nipsey Hussle—L.A. legends in their own right—and is quickly becoming one of hip-hop's favorite brands. Just take a look at Dom's latest video, "South Central Love," and you'll see how well the brand's T-shirts and snapbacks fit into the City of Angels' lush scenery of palm trees and beautiful women.

Founded: 2012
Where to cop in L.A.: Union Los Angeles, 110 S La Brea Ave

Born x Raised—the x is pronounced "and"—represents the past and present of Los Angeles. The label uses old English fonts to wail against the gentrification that has taken over many of the city's neighborhoods. This is especially true of Venice, where brand founder Spanto grew up.

The brand was conceived while Spanto was incarcerated, and created serious buzz in 2011 when Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Evidence of Dilated Peoples rocked the brand's tees. In 2012, Spanto linked up with 2Tone and the brand launched its first complete collection. Since that time, it has been carried at Union Los Angeles, co-signed by Kendrick Lamar, and gained fans through its often illicit designs. 

Founded: 2012
Where to cop in L.A.: FourTwoFour on Fairfax, 424 N. Fairfax Ave.

Fear of God Los Angeles keeps things simple. By forgoing logos and producing daring streetwear, it's found fans in the likes of Kanye West and Big Sean. The label's long tees, sleeveless hoodies, and pieces that feature panels of leather are great for layering or to be the standout element of your 'fit.

And with fall rolling around, we're excited to see the introduction of flannels—that's all the warmth you'll need for L.A. weather.

Founded: 2002
Where to Cop in L.A.: Zumiez, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd.

Behind every castle lies a crook. This founding concept that Crooks & Castles has stayed strong for over a decade in the game. You're most likely familiar with the brand's Medusa prints, but the past couple seasons have shown a move towards cut-and-sew pieces with a military influence for the fall and lightweight garments for spring and summer.

While the clothes are indicative of L.A. streetwear, they get props on both coasts, which is why Crooks succeeds and holds weight as an O.G. in streetwear and continues to influence the young bucks trying to break in.

Founded: 2011
Where to cop in L.A.: Peas & Carrots S.S., 311 N. Edinburgh Ave

Lately, U.S. Alteration has caught buzz from featuring Lupe Fiasco and the Peas & Carrots dudes in its lookbooks. But this shouldn't distract you from the brand's dope, high-quality gear. The label takes Americana as an inspiration, and alters each piece in a way that breathes the essence of streetwear. There's camo and flannel prints integrated into cut-and-paste garments that are different than what other brands are doing. They wouldn't be catching co-signs from streetwear heavyweights for nothing.

Founded: 2002
Where to cop in L.A.: Brooklyn Projects, 7427 Melrose Ave.

HUF was started by legendary skateboarder Keith Hufnagel in 2002 on the hilly streets of San Francisco, but has since made the move to sunny L.A. The brand is the personification of the connection between streetwear and skate culture, and, at one point or another, we've all owned a HUF 5-panel hat or pair of Plantlife socks.

HUF grew not only because of Hufnagel's propensity to ollie really high, but because of his connections within the skate industry and a series of Nike SB collaborations. These days, HUF is still going strong, and flexed its new L.A. prowess through a collaboration with Snoop Dogg that dropped on 4/20. While we're not holding our breathe for another HUF x Nike sneaker, skate rats are more than satisfied by the brand's line of footwear, which includes a Peter Ramondetta pro model.

Founded: 2009
Where to cop in L.A.: FourTwoFour on Fairfax, 424 N. Fairfax Ave.

L.A. isn't all palm trees and beachy vibes, and brands such a Stamp'd L.A. are bringing a shadowy monochrome touch to the City of Angels. Stamp'd has been able to bridge the gap between L.A. and NYC streetwear, and even did an "East Coast" collection. But Stamp'd isn't just another "white or black" brand. The label has been adding prints to liven things up, not to mention the luxury lunch bag it put out for fun.

The brand has a dangerous energy around it, and isn't afraid to take something as iconic as the American Flag and suck the color out of it, all for the sake a dope beach towel. Stamp'd proves gothic vibes aren't allergic to sunshine.

Founded: 1990
Where to cop in L.A.: Union Los Angeles, 110 S La Brea Ave.

FUCT has been around forever. Even after 23 years in the business, brand founder Erik Brunetti hasn't deviated from the brand's original goal of providing social commentary while making the coolest clothes. For spring/summer 2013, FUCT tackled the complex issue of Mexican/U.S. border relations, and those who live in proximity to this tangled mess.

To further get across its point, FUCT traveled to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, one of the world's deadliest cities, and shot its lookbook on the backs of locals. No rappers or cool-guys in sight. Oh and by the way, the gear in the lookbook was one of the season's best collections.

Founded: 2001
Where to cop in L.A.: Undefeated, 12.5 South La Brea Ave. 

From sneakers to apparel to wavy parties, Undefeated holds weight in all aspects of streetwear. It has now become a global brand with shops all over the map, but still stays true to its hometown roots, featuring Odd Future crew member Taco in its summer 2013 lookbook. The brand even surprised us and started a line of workout gear, which encompasses a complete lifestyle brand for its patrons.

Undefeated literally has everything you'll ever need for a complete streetwear wardrobe: T-shirts, G-Shock collaborations, shorts, military-inspired pieces, and even a collaboration with Been Trill that just dropped. Whether you're a die-hard streetwear purist, or just want to lounge, Undefeated definitely has you covered.

Founded: 1998
Where to cop in L.A.: Diamond Supply Co., 451 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

It's crazy to think that Diamond Supply Co. first came out as a skateboard hardware company. These days, Nick Tershay's brand is (still) making waves with its Nike SB sneaker, Tiffany-themed everything, and recent collaboration with Been Trill, but the brand still has props in the skate world.

Most recently, we've heard news of the brand's collab with fellow L.A. resident and rapper Evidence of Dilated Peoples, and making jewelry with Ben Baller. It's these new avenues that Diamond's exploring that keeps us hyped on the OG brand.

Founded: 2003
Where to cop in L.A.: The Hundreds, 7909 Rosewood Ave.

What began as a T-shirt brand is now a thriving decade-old business, and The Hundreds has become of the most consistent and leading voices in streetwear. As the years go on, the brand has been able to remain true to its audience while still putting out exciting collections.

This past year has seen the Grateful Dead collection, a collaborative pop-up shop with SSUR, and an end-of-summer collection with CLOT. And just when everyone thinks that old streetwear brands can't remain relevant, The Hundreds disproves everyone, and keeps us hyped every time it puts out new gear.