Urban, from the 17th century Latin word, urbanus, which means city, has evolved to mean ‘from the suburbs or streets’. Therefore, urban fashion, started on city streets, mostly in:

• Los Angeles

• London

• New York

• Tokyo

However, from its roots on the blocks almost 50 years ago, it has evolved to gaining its own runway shows. In 2024, urban fashion is ranked alongside haute couture in the fashion world.

By examining the evolution of urban fashion, we can also see how it has influenced certain celebrities and trends. 

We can no longer describe urban fashion as a trend. It may have started on the streets, but everyone has embraced it.

Read on to discover more about how urban fashion has changed, from being part of sub-culture to the mainstream. Learn when ripped jeans went from punk to de rigeur.

Where various urban styles originated

Urban fashion has always been associated with younger people. It was a way of defining themselves, of not conforming and certainly not adhering to what fashion labels dictated.

The style of the street has always leaned into what is comfortable and practical to wear:

• T-shirts rather than shirts

• Hoodies rather than blazers

• Jeans rather than chinos

Most define the beginning of urban fashion in the 1970s.

In New York, hip hop was emerging. Graphic, bold prints were preferred by DJs and became associated with the scene.

In London, punk was on the fringes, and people were influenced by the aesthetic of their favorite acts.

In Los Angeles, surfing and skating were popular with the youthful population. They began creating their own clothes to reflect their style.

Brands like Hurley and Stussy were popular on the West Coast. 

Adidas and Nike were often sported by rising hip-hop stars, which ignited many people’s interest in these brands.

How urban styles adapts to changing trends

The whole essence of urban style is adaptation. People adapted their clothes to be more comfortable, more casual, and to create their own identity.

It has always been a celebration of marginalised communities and those in the minority. It gave them an opportunity to express themselves through:

• Slogans

• Logos

• Graphic designs

In fact, it could be argued that urban style has been a massive influence on the fashion industry in general. Urban fashion creates trends and reflects what is going on in society.

Small brands and independent designers in urban fashion are progressively focusing on sustainability. Brands such as:

• Outerknown

• Plantface

• Most Prominent Co.

are using locally sourced materials, vegan ink, and green practices. 

The difference between urban fashion for different genders

Gender fluidity and unisex clothing have always been part of street style.

Although urban clothes can be worn by any gender and frequently are, some trends have emerged.

Athletic wear is popular with both men and women, though now there are more:

• Crop tops

• High-waisted sweatpants

• Form-fitting clothes

For those who prefer a feminine look. The masculine look tends towards oversized and loose fit.

High- and low-top sneakers were first made popular by men, though now are seen on everyone. Boots and platform shoes give women more versatility in their footwear.

What urban fashion trends are popular now?

In terms of brands:

•  Yeezy,

• OffWhite 

• Supreme 

have spent a few years at the top now.

Sustainability is becoming a key trend, with Plantface selling t-shirts with slogans such as “Delete Meat”. Fanfare have released high waisted mushroom jeans and recycle a lot of vintage items.

Denim never goes out of style.

Urban fashion style icons

African American and Latinx stars are well-known for flaunting their street style. 

However there have also been sports stars such as Tony Hawk, a skateboard pro who sidled over to fashion. Long associated with Vans, he now has his own label – Tony Hawk Signature Line.

Other urban fashion icons include:

• Hailey Bieber – she loves oversized clothing and athleisure wear

• Gigi Hadid – the supermodel loves denim and is always on trend

• Selena Gomez – the actress and singer rocks band tees and monochrome

Conclusion

As people embrace their own individuality, they find their own style. This is why urban fashion will evolve but never go away. 

From its small beginnings, it has become a movement that everyone can get along with.