Brands like Supreme, BAPE, and Diamond Supply have become shining examples of streetwear clothing that have crossed over to the masses. But there are still plenty of up-and-coming lines in various stores and online retailers that have yet to become household names — making them even more exclusive than your beloved box logo tee.
Lucky for you, we've put together a handy guide to the best under-the-radar lines you can shop online from the comfort of your home — no long lines necessary — like the Weeknd-approved L.A. brand Mr. Completely and the hard-to-get-your hands on Spaghetti Boys collabs. Don't worry, we didn't forget to throw in some co-ed lines, like Misbhv. We've even enlisted the help of some prominent influencers in the industry to fill you in on their favorite indie streetwear brands of the moment.
THE GOOD COMPANY
Photo: The Good Company
The Good Company is one of those rare clothing brands that has been able to keep its local appeal with NYC-based partnerships and relatively affordable merchandise. "Based out of the Lower East Side, they have collaborated with local artists and carry other local start-ups in their physical storefront. I always support anything local that's dope," says the well-dressed NYC native and restaurateur, John Seymour of Sweet Chick and Ludlow Coffee Supply.
The Good Company merchandise is even stocked online at Dover Street Market in New York City along with a few other unknown skate brands. Highlights include a pair of socks by Dertbag, embroidered Champion hoodies, and caps. They even make branded lighters, totes, and pins.
OAMC
Photo: OAMC Fall 2016 Lookbook
Designed in Paris and developed in Milan, OAMC is exclusive thanks to its luxury price tags. "Although their clothes are wildly expensive, in this world you get what you pay for and OAMC makes a quality product," says Coltrane Curtis, managing partner at the creative marketing agency Team Epiphany and former red carpet fashion critic at MTV.
Not only does the brand pay strict attention to construction with its patchwork bomber jackets and sweatshirts, it's prefect for older streetwear heads that want to stay true to their origins, all while being tailored and contemporary. "Simplicity is what makes OAMC brilliant," Curtis says.
MISBHV
Photo: Misbhv Spring 2016 Lookbook
"I love Misbhv because they are a streetwear brand for women, designed by women and understand women who want to be cool, cute, and comfortable," says fashion blogger and well-known streetwear model Aleali May. The Polish-based brand was originally only supposed to be a one-off DIY T-shirt line, but has since blossomed into a full-fledged clothing brand for both women and men — capturing the attention of stylish street kids and celebrities alike (A$AP Rocky and Kylie Jenner are fans).
Go on Misbhv's website to shop everything from screen-printed hoodies and T-shirts to patchwork skate shorts and super distressed denim jackets. Major props on its Instagram, too, where you'll see the clothes in action on top models, buyers outside of fashion shows, and the Weeknd.
MR. COMPLETELY
Photo: Mr. Completely
"Not only do the biggest celebrities wear it, not only is it hard to get, not only did he design the creepers for Rihanna, not only does he run the streets of LA, but the brand's founder is just an amazing guy," says Curtis about the Los Angeles-based brand founded by Billy Walsh (a.k.a Mr. Completely himself). Shop well-made basics like crew neck sweatshirts and shorts, or rep that cool L.A. look with one of its loose-fitting plaid shirts you always see the Weeknd wearing nowadays (Mr. Completely is the man behind his look, according to Curtis).
Not only is Mr. Completely celebrity-approved, his moderately-priced pieces mix well with a bunch of luxury brands. "The few pieces I own from his collection stay in heavy rotation amongst favorites like YSL, Haider Ackerman, and even Rick Owens," said Curtis.
SPAGHETTI BOYS
Photo: Spaghetti Boys' "Horror Disco" collab with Off-White, Heron Preston, and Ass Pizza
"The guys behind this are mad funny," says Seymour on Spaghetti Boys, the NYC art and DJ collective with its own clothing brand of shirts and tees. Its indie status is due to its exclusivity (they don't have an online website and release merch through limited-edition drops), but they've been making a name for themselves through collaborations. Their collab with Off-White's Virgil Abloh isn't easy to get your hands on, although you might find a few pieces being resold over on Grailed.
Seymour's tip: "Get a tee if you can, put it in a time capsule, then wear it 20 years from now, and people will think you were cool 20 years ago."
A-COLD-WALL
Photo: A-Cold-Wall Fall 2015 lookbook
This London-based menswear brand has maintained its under-the-radar appeal since it was launched by the designer Samuel Ross last year. The former assistant to Off-White's Virgil Abloh, Ross is making a name for himself with his curated collections of signature hand-dyed T-shirts and oversized ponchos inspired by British street culture. "It's a conceptualized menswear brand that also looks great on women and is relatable to my own style by mixing street with luxe," says May.
Thanks to some well-deserved, recent profiles by GQ and Business of Fashion, A-Cold-Wall probably won't be your favorite "secret" streetwear brand for much longer.
OYSTER HOLDINGS
Photo: Oyster Holdings Spring 2015 lookbook
If Woodie White's Los Angeles-based luxury streetwear brand Oyster Holdings is not on your radar, it's probably because it's only widely available in one store, Chicago's RSVP Gallery. Prices are astronomical — sweatpants and sweatshirts will run you around $500 to $600 — because of the fine fabrics. "From remixing jersey fabric and making it boardroom ready, to creating a full-zip hoodie that you can wear for three days straight (don't judge me I have), it's the go-to brand for people in the know, who dictate trends to those who think they are in the know," said Curtis.
It doesn't hurt that White has some serious A-list designer connections. "Yeah, yeah, yeah... he's close to Kanye West and Virgil Abloh," Curtis said, "but so is everybody else who's designing nowadays."