Image via Complex Original
The workwear renaissance of yesteryear had its fun in the sun. There are definitely still remnants of Americana and heritage-wear with brands like Levi's, Filson and Woolrich providing classic pieces that shouldn't—and won't—ever die, but from a cultural perspective, the genre doesn't have the legs to survive in the world of the young, lively, and individualistic "fashion" followers of today. Those curvaceous, supple legs now belong to that swaggy bitch known as high-end streetwear.
To say that high-end streetwear is a "passing trend" is laughable. The sheer growth of the genre in just a short time proves it's self-sustainable with the vast amount of possibilities it offers. Sure, there are elements of the genre that are trendy (see: leather joggers) but from these trends are born new, more invigorating options that are a bit more practical. As a whole, high-end streetwear's booming scene has been in play just as long as the echo of Americana workwear. And, lest ye forget, it seems as though workwear is making yet another exit from the menswear scene as words like "goth," "drape," "elongated," and "cozy" sweep through the fashion-forward halls of the world.
And one of the main reasons the acceptance of such descriptors is more normal than one may care to believe is because the world of fashion has evolved so much that it is actually conceivable that a majority of our generation cares about what they wear and want what they wear to be different. And different doesn't mean the same thing their forefathers wore four score and too damn long ago.
The eclectic nature of high-end streetwear brings out the best in brands because it summons creativity in all who are touched by it. You want to sell high-end streetwear, you need to justify it through a litany of categories, from quality to cut to all-around creative differentiation. Workwear's laurels rest on three things; quality goods with historical significance made in the U.S.A. And, as anyone will tell you, that ain't gonna cut it these days with all of the options to choose from. That's why many of your favorite workwear brands are trying to reinvent some of their classic pieces to follow suit. In case you need even more convincing, just check out these 10 Reasons Why High-End Streetwear is Better Than Workwear.
It doesn't look like what everyone else is wearing
How many variations of chambrays does there need to be? In what capacity do we need all these variations of raw denim? Sure, high-end streetwear brands are all about “reinterpretations” as well, but the disparity between the types of clothing offered and their details are vast in comparison. There are high-end streetwear designs, even niches being invented all the time, it seems. Albeit, some a little less functional then others, but that's what experimentation is all about when it comes to new clothing. Sometimes a tights-shorts combo is about the aesthetic, because even if straight up pants are more functional, where's the fun in that?
It's more comfortable
When you get a chance to use the words “drape,” “elongated,” or “drop,” then you best believe that falls into the category of “comfortable.” High-end streetwear has a tendency to use a lot of luxurious-feeling fabrics like viscose, silk, or cashmere while providing forgiving silhouettes that cater to your comfort. Meanwhile, workwear tends to use more wools, raw denim, and tough leathers that need a good beating before they fit the wearer properly. Of course, once those are broken in, they feel great, but those initial wears? Not so much.
It's more fun
Let's face it: It is undeniable that high-end streetwear is just more fun. The people behind the high-end streetwear brands tend to be a little more lively and receptive to public debauchery. The events around high-end streetwear are always poppin' with all the fixens people in the business cling to like leeches. And, in general, the brands are more about having fun with your clothes then trying to live up to some cyclical style criteria established by dead people. Dead people can't have fun. It's impossible.
More workwear-centric brands are dabbling in high-end streetwear
Brands like Engineered Garments and Carhartt, deep rooted in workwear staples, continue to dabble in high-end streetwear aesthetics like elongated silhouettes and asymetrical cuts. Carhartt WIP aims to be the supplemental option to its traditional roots because it knows it must fill a void the original heritage brand doesn't offer. These brands understand that, while Americana and heritage wear will live to see another day, it doesn't have the legs it once did so they're having to adjust to the fast-moving, ever-growing niche that is high-end streetwear. That doesn't mean the brand is “selling out,” they just recognize how powerful that aesthetic is and most likely will be for the foreseeable future.
High-end streetwear has no real historical significance
The history of high-end streetwear is short, sweet and void of any real controversy. If anything, it's all about looking forward to the future. Workwear, on the other hand, is largely based on historical accuracy. There is tons of true historical significance when it comes to workwear. And not all of it is peachy, either. We're going back to the 1700s for some of the heritage-inspired trends we still see today, meaning we're celebrating a way of life that existed during messed up times. Times that were hard on Americans are the same ones that we laud as worthy times to revisit with these Americana trends. Without the proper recognition of context, lifting these times up on a pedestal can become dangerous.
It's more exploratory
Think about all the fit pics you've seen in your short life. Got it? Now differentiate the workwear-inspired fits from the high-end streetwear-inspired ones. Which ones look as though the wearer has explored different ways to piece their outfit today? High-end streetwear-inspired outfits contain more sense of self, allowing people to completely configure something on their own using unique cuts, fabrics, and pairings, where workwear is a little more rigid in it's approach. And while workwear may have a little bit more longevity because of it's historical reverence, what are the odds you're going to pass down your heavily worn-in denim coverall jacket to your son, honestly? Don't think for a second Americana and heritage wear aren't just as trendy as those leather jogging pants your homie bought.
It isn't confined to strict guidelines
High-end streetwear really can't be pinned down as a single genre just because of all the variables within it, ranging from couture to goth. And being able to intertwine all of them for a unique look is one of the more rewarding things about it. Workwear has specific guidelines based predominately on historical representation. Everything from the width of your denim cuff to the length of your shirt placket have pre-set standards that you can obviously choose whether to abide by or not. But just be prepared for very specific societal criticism because you're “different” or dress “weird.”
It's just as much about the hunt as the execution
Even though high-end streetwear has taken on new life over the last couple of seasons: this ain't it's first rodeo. So looking at past seasons for brands like visvim, Undercover, Rick Owens, Maison Martin Margiela, or Raf Simons can bring you much joy and agony. But that is part of the glory of hunting down some oldies from our favorites. Sure, you can say the same for many workwear brands like Levi's or Filson, but when you finally find that elusive pair of 1777 Levi's red tabs, are they really going to make a difference in your fit? Not like an Undercover knit sleeve perfecto jacket, that's for damn sure.
It's more worldly
As much as American-made workwear has hit us over the head time after time with its Made in America creed, it's a practice that limits the genre. In reality, high-end streetwear brands are at an advantage by expanding beyond strict borders. Americans may be coveting the goods, and the genre is really booming in places like France, as Parisian brands like Pigalle and A.P.C. continually resuscitate life into the fashion world while Très Bien in Sweden carries them proudly. The dominance of Belgian demigod Martin Margiela has captivated us for years and continues to rule high-end sneakers one Army Trainer at a time. Japan is virtually untouchable with the quality and detail in the category. Even Russia is getting in on the action with GoshaRubchiniskiy quietly catching everyone's peripherals. You can go just about anywhere in the world and see the mark high-end streetwear is making on the streets among the youth. The same youth who are building a new foundation in the world of fashion far beyond what any generation has done at such a young age.
High-end streetwear welcomes workwear accents, but not vice versa
You are more likely to see someone completely outfitted in high-end streetwear with some workwear accented in than vice versa. Workwear's overall aesthetic doesn't really lend itself to non-synergetic accents. Flannels. Timberlands. Chore coats. All workwear staples that, if thrown into the mix of a high-end streetwear-centric outfit could completely set it off. However, you'd be hard-pressed to toss on a long, scalloped, raw-hemmed shirt under a chore coat with duck canvas and Bean boots without questioning your own sanity. It just doesn't have the same ability to clash so marvelously.
