Image via Complex Original
Skateboarders have influenced the fashion industry through their IDGAF lifestyle and the way that they've dressed for decades. It's only natural that skaters would create their own clothing lines. Let's be honest, who understands what skate kids want to wear than skaters themselves?
Skaters such as Keith Hufnagel and Stevie Williams are able to parlay their credibility as professional skateboarders into owners of successful clothing lines, but they're not the only ones. There are a handful of pro skaters—past and present—who don't only get us amped off watching their skate video parts, but by the collections they create and design. These guys have all worn their share of 5-panel hats and sweatshirts, so their creative genius is easily applied to a vision of pieces they'd love to wear.
To be fair, we only included skaters who have had substantial careers instead of guys who casually skate and design clothes. Every skater needs a set of chilling clothes, and these are the brands they should wear on a regular basis. Here are The 10 Best Skater-Owned Clothing Brands Right Now.
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Owner: Paul Rodriguez
Year Founded: 2009
You could argue that Paul Rodriguez is the most talented skateboarder of his generation, but there's no discussion whether his brand, Primitve, is cool or not. You might know Primitive as being a boutique that sells the hottest kicks, but the store has bloomed into a complete brand that hits all of the streetwear stops: graphic T-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, 5-panel hats, raw denim, and camo pants--which are perfect for lining up with any pair of sneakers.
Owner: Jimmy Gorecki
Year Founded: 2013
Jimmy Gorecki is one of the most style attentive skaters right now. You can catch him on Instagram flexing his visvim boots, custom python skin Air Jordans, and his sweatpants brand, Jimmy Sweatpants. The brand keeps things simple, but has been co-signed by streetwear gurus and started to build a genuine buzz. Not to mention, Jimmy Sweatpants' tie-dye sweats are the right kind of trippy for your wardrobe.
Owner: Jovontae Turner
Year Founded: 2013
If you recognize Jovontae Turner's significance on '90s skateboarding and the EMB scene, then you understand why his clothing collection is a big deal. Turner is an elusive guy. He quit being a professional skateboarder before his legend quite took flight, and his clothing collection also came out of nowhere. The collection is a take on parka jackets, camo, and even cozy boy fits. The thing about Jovontae's clothing collection is that it's as O.G. as him, and a modern view on how a '90s skater would dress.
Owner: Shane Heyl
Year Founded: 2008
Shake Junt is all about chilling with the crew, and Shane Heyl has made one of the loudest and trippiest clothing lines from gear that him and his friends wanted to rock. The brand makes a ton of bright clothing, and had one of this year's best sock collaborations with Stance, but also makes more low-key pieces. Its T-shirts fall in line with graphic tees that have had a long-standing history in skate culture. But Shake Junt still keeps things funky and makes button-up shirts adorned with chicken and 40s.
Owner: Stevie Williams
Year Founded: 2013
There's no denying that Stevie Williams is one of the most influential skaters in regards to personal style. He's designed clothing before with DGK, but his latest brand, Asphalt Yacht Club, is his venture into a strictly clothing brand. He teamed up with Stefan Janoski and shifted his focus towards baseball T-shirts, hoodies, bucket and 5-panel hats, and tons of printed tees. It's a new direction for Williams. His signature style consists of gold chains and teeth, sports jerseys, and fitted hats. But AYC is for the skater who wants chilling clothes that don't jeopardize their legitimacy and get them labeled as a "poser."
Owner: Jahmal Williams
Year Founded: 2007
You just need to watch Jahmal Williams black-and-white video part in Eastern Exposure 3 to get a grip on how stylish he is. His New York-based brand, Hopps, has been putting it down for a handful of years, and remains one of the most stylish skate brands you probably don't know about. But you should. The collections sell out with a blink of an eye, and people can't get enough of the 5-panels and T-shirts.
Owner: Chris Keeffe
Year Founded: 2003
Chris Keeffe is known around the New York City skate scene, and his connects within skateboarding are what he credits to helping him launch DQM. The brand launched at the right moment and caught the attention of skaters who were taking an interest in sneaker culture, and was able to piggyback its success from sneaker collaborations into creating a complete brand. Now, DQM has a full skate team and is able to put its focus towards making 5-panel hats, outerwear, T-shirts, and sweatshirts that more than just skaters would sport. The brand's partnership with Vans also produced awesome retail fronts and a strong backing for DQM's future.
Girl Skateboards
Owner: Rick Howard and Mike Carroll
Year Founded: 1993
It's hard to fathom where skateboarding would be without Mike Carroll and Rick Howard. The two started Girl Skateboards as a way to give skaters the opportunity to make money after their skating careers had left them. But these guys still get down and their brand is still the class act of the skate industry. Girl has done recent collaborations with DQM and camp vibe brand Poler, but the brand's umbrella—which includes Chocolate and Royal—still rolls out dope T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats that represent 20 years of hardwork and having fun.
Polar Skate Co.
Owner: Pontus Alv
Year Founded: 2011
It feels like everything steezy comes out of Sweden, and Pontus Alv's brand, Polar Skate Co., isn't an exception. Alv, who also skates for Carhartt WIP, has created an organic and guerrilla movement around his brand's T-shirts and hats that has increased hype and made them coveted grails amongst skating's most stylish dudes.
Owner: Keith Hufnagel
Year Founded: 2002
Keith Hufnagel has cred in both New York City and San Francisco skate scenes, and his brand, HUF, has respect worldwide. The brand has taken part in some of most epic sneaker collaborations and had dudes camping out for fitted hats. Since those days, HUF has launched its own footwear line and collaborated with Snoop Dogg on one of the most legit 4/20 collections. The brand's Plantlife socks are seen on the toes of streetwear heads and aspirational stoners, but HUF also does collaborations with Diamond Supply Co. and Haze, gets worn by Kendrick Lamar, and turns out technical outerwear pieces.
