Streetwear Clothing: The Evolution of Athletic Wear

Crystal Webster
2 min readJul 19, 2023

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Athletic wear has become a staple of the streetwear fashion scene, with brands like Nike and Adidas leading the charge. In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of athletic wear and its role in shaping the streetwear fashion scene.

The Early Days of Athletic Wear

Athletic wear has its roots in the early 20th century, when sports like basketball, football, and track and field were gaining popularity. At the time, athletic wear was primarily functional, designed to provide athletes with the comfort and support they needed to perform at their best.

In the 1970s, athletic wear began to make its way into the mainstream fashion industry, with brands like Nike and Adidas leading the charge. These brands capitalized on the growing popularity of sports and created clothing and footwear that was both functional and fashionable.

Athletic Wear and Streetwear Fashion

Over the years, athletic wear has become a defining feature of Streetwear clothing fashion. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have collaborated with streetwear labels to create limited-edition drops that blend athletic wear with contemporary style.

Today, athletic wear is a key element of any streetwear outfit, with pieces like joggers, sweatpants, and sneakers becoming staples of the scene. These pieces are often paired with oversized hoodies, graphic t-shirts, and utilitarian jackets to create a look that’s both functional and fashionable.

The Future of Athletic Wear in Streetwear Fashion

As streetwear fashion continues to evolve, it’s likely that athletic wear will continue to play a major role. Brands will continue to experiment with new fabrics, designs, and technologies to create clothing and footwear that’s both comfortable and stylish.

We may also see a greater emphasis on sustainability and ethical manufacturing within the athletic wear industry. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, brands will need to adapt to meet their needs and expectations.

Conclusion

Athletic wear has come a long way since its early days as functional sportswear. Today, it’s an integral part of the streetwear fashion scene, with brands like Nike and Adidas leading the charge. As streetwear fashion continues to evolve, athletic wear will likely continue to play a major role, with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical manufacturing.

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