Image via Complex Original
The hypebeast thirst is realer than ever in the fashion world nowadays. Coveted pieces aren't just ones you catch your favorite athlete wearing or something you saw in your favorite store's window. They can be blown out of proportion and dead-horsed by anyone and everyone from your actual celebrities to Instagram stars. The shit has gotten out of hand. So how do you keep yourself from dressing like a hypebeast?
While there are certain brands that connote the hypebeast tag because their wares are top notch and people with the hype gene in their DNA are drawn to it, some deserve that same recognition, but don't get it for one reason or another. If a brand is too new, or doesn't have the celebrity endorsements, or it's just a classic that falls under the radar. For whatever reason, there are great brands that you can still rock these days that will look good and keep you from looking like a walking Internet-approved billboard. Hop on before everyone else does, these are the 10 Brands That Won't Make You Look Like A Hypebeast.
LIKE COMPLEX STYLE ON FACEBOOK
Why: No parodies or celebrity endorsements, just a solid mix of street, menswear, and high fashion.
Execution, execution, execution. The Cali brand has taken to trying to cover the spectrum instead of just dropping T-shirts with parodies and camp caps for hypebeasts to eat up. Their cut & sew is amazing, they personify the "cozy boy" movement and they even have a strong selection of items that don't adhere to trends.
Why: The original all-black everything boot has always fallen under the hypebeast radar because it's too accessible.
Footwear is the quintessential hypebeast signifier if there ever is one, and it isn't always just sneakers. So when there's been a brand like Dr. Martens that's created a stylish staple on feet since the 1960's that has never really gotten the hypebeast backing, it's the perfect opportunity to mix them into your look.
Nike Sportswear
Why: Stylish activewear that requires you to actually be active, which hypebeasts aren't.
Your varsity jacket wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for Nike Sportswear. Their revolutionary Stadium Jacket, along with the rest of their style-focused sportswear use technology that thrive in more active situations. The most activity hypebeasts get is the "I gotta take a piss" dance they do when they're standing in line for two days.
Why: Military-inspired gear that doesn't include a shit ton of camo is practically kryptonite to the modern hypebeast.
If it's military-inspired and doesn't have camo, then hypebeast aren't going to take the time to try and understand it. Heritage Research has actual history in almost every piece they produce, so they certainly aren't ones to say, "oooh, this is trending right now. We should do our own spin on it!" THAT MAKE HYPEBEAST ANGRY.
Why: Hypebeasts can't afford it, but they wish they could.
The music-label-turned-fashion-label probably isn't bright or weird enough for hypebeasts, but Maison Kitsuné has everything everyone else wants. A great shop in New York, a real connection to music, and high-quality staples pieces like raw denim, cardigans, and suiting with precise tailoring, and price tags that exclude most (the jeans run about $300).
Why: Hypebeasts have no use for quality garments that are more function than fashion.
Isaora's philosophy of offering stylish staple pieces with functionality at the forefront should make everyone want to rock their shit. Down-filled crewnecks, double-knit sweatpants, insulated vests all mix function with fashion in a way that is not hypebeast approved.
Remi Relief
Why: Next level Japanese surf/skate gear that no one else is really up on yet.
Who isn't trying to find the next visvim to try and fulfill their Japanese menswear dreams these days? Remi Relief is about as close as it gets. Mixing Japanese traditional wear with American skate and surf culture is a fresh way to explore what streetwear can be, so don't expect hypebeasts to wrap their heads around that anytime soon.
Why: An upstart brand that the hypebeast masses aren't quite ready for yet.
Jumping on the scene in 2012, F.I.T. alum Auston Bjorkman dropped a line that some couldn't fully comprehend. With the street goth look really just getting a pulse in NY, Sir New York was a visionary brand, establishing itself outside the boundaries menswear had set. "Athleticism with a hint of provocation" is some next level philosophy for the brand, and the unique cuts, textures, fabrics and dimensions bring those words to life. Two words: watch out.
Why: What other streetwear brand has been around this long and been this successful without selling out?
I know, I know. You're asking "how does Stussy fit into this?" But listen: Stussy has been around since 1980, revolutionizing streetwear. The brand has been everywhere and done everything. When other brands are coming and going, trying to keep up with the latest trends, Stussy sticks to their script, and consistency is a rare thing these days. So you might think Stussy hopped on something to be cool, but you've got it flipped. Stussy has been doing it, even with the collabs they've done years before everyone else. Sure, some dorks might call you a hypebeast for wearing a Stussy cap, but anyone with a brain will have to respect the OG brand.
Why: Norse perfectly blends streetwear and menswear without following trends.
It feels like Norse Projects has been around for ages, constantly dropping season after solid season—but really it's been around since 2004. With staple pieces like the perfectly fitting Aros chinos to the plethora of colorful camp caps and unique knits, there is something from Norse Projects that everyone needs, but that hasn't exhausted the brand's integrity.
