A Recent History of Affordable Brands That Kanye West Wears

Image via Complex Original

By all accounts, Alternative (formerly known as Alternative Apparel) is an affordable basics brand that you definitely need to add to your line-up. The label's hoodies range from about $45 to $60, but don't skimp on quality materials and techniques. In fact, the eco-friendly brand even creates custom fabrics that are as soft and long-lasting as possible.

Kanye repeatedly steps out in the Hoodlum Eco Fleece pullover, but opts to pull the drawstrings out for a less cluttered look. He's even worn the trusted piece during his much publicized Vogue spread with Kim and daughter North. Generally, Ye wears this garment under topcoats and bombers, and while his mid-layer game is also stocked with high-end sweats and knits, it's pretty mind-boggling how often he turns out such an affordable hoodie.

It might not snap as many necks as the progressive high-fashion fits that Ye rocks to Paris Fashion Week, but utilitarian military gear has a consistent presence in Kanye's aesthetic, as proven by his love for combat boots. It's hard to nail down exactly what brand of military boots he's been wearing recently, but it's highly likely that he's rocking with the Jungle Tactical boots from Rothco, which basically anyone in America can pick up at their local Army/Navy surplus store. Considering they're army boots, there's tons of suppliers with a similar silhouette, including McRae, Corcoran, and Altama. With his now-standard Bottega Veneta boots priced at $770, and his usual Visvim FBTs going for $600-$630 a pair, these tactical boots are about one-tenth the price of Ye's priciest footwear—and these are literally built to be worn everywhere.

The Maison Martin Margiela for H&M project may not have created the frenzied crowds of other collaborations that featured high-fashion labels and mass-market brands, but Kanye definitely fell in love with one particular piece from the collection. Yeezy repeatedly wore the camel topcoat that retailed for roughly $200, and pre-dated his current infatuation with topcoat renditions done by labels that include Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton.

Carhartt has been both a workwear and hip-hop staple for years, but a lot of people might now associate the brand with construction sites and '90s-era East Coast rappers. But anyone who's rocked with this ubiquitous brand knows that it protects and serves in all conditions, which is maybe why Kanye rocks Carhartt hooded work jackets, including the Active Jac and Sierra Jackets. With both coming in comfortably under $150, it's not surprising that Kanye utilizes these pieces for both outdoor performances and airport visits alike.

We've already commented on Kanye's decision to rock the brand's No. 68 jacket, which yes, does come with a $600 price tag. But it was just another example of how Yeezy does in fact lace up in brands that are mainstream, versus the popular notion that his entire wardrobe is comprised of outrageously priced gear. Fjallraven does in fact offer much less expensive gear than the jacket Kanye copped, but the versatility and protection from the elements this piece offers might make you reconsider whether or not the price is justified.

"Black Timbs all on your couch again." Of course 6-inch Timberlands are a reliable part of Kanye's kicks rotation. If they're not a part of yours, then you need to fix that, ASAP. That's all.

Considering the fact that John Elliott had a killer 2014, you probably already know about (and own) a pair of the brand's Escobar sweatpants. The brand basically put the notion of graduating from cozy boy to upscale sweats into the limelight, and considering that the Escobars are one of the brand's flagship products (next to the side-zip Villain hoodie), it's not surprising that Ye would pick the option when looking to switch it up from the usual Balmain leather pants and Saint Laurent denim.

Don't forget where you came from. While Kanye has publicly split from the brand, there's no doubt that Ye has rocked the swoosh consistently since the beginning of his career and even earlier. While no one can really afford the Yeezy II's at this point, you can't ignore that Kanye has rocked a variety of the brand's goods—including his favorites the Jordan I Breds and his own Yeezy I. Of course, all this changed when he signed his adidas deal. Like deleting all the pics of your ex after a break-up, it looks like Kanye cleaned house when relations went south.

If Nike is in Yeezy's past, adidas is his future. After a highly publicized dispute with the Swoosh, Kanye switched camps and partnered up with the German sportswear giant adidas. While the Yeezi has only been teased, Kanye has been wearing a wide range of adidas merch; from sneakers like the SL Loop and the Pure Boost, to a strong representation of adidas hoodies. With the approximately $400 Y-3 Qasas being the most expensive adidas-related item Kanye's rocked so far, you're well within your means to cop a pair of Stan Smiths and trefoil apparel if you've been into or just now getting into that three stripe life.

Gotta put on for the team right? The "Yeezus Tour" T-shirts were hyped well before the first performance even happened, and were sold at a price that most concert-goers could easily take advantage of. Featuring the art of Wes Lang, the macabre merch reflected the current aesthetic that Kanye propagated in his personal style.

Kanye soon partnered with PacSun to bring these goods to anyone in the country who wasn't able to snap up merch at a show. The tees cost $40 apiece, which means rocking his own merch is an affordable avenue Kanye has taken multiple times, and always serves as a solid (and cheap) foundation for building various types of fits. Of course, something can also be said for rocking your own tour merch...