10 New York Streetwear Brands You Need to Know

New York City has always been the epicenter of street culture — from hip hop and graffiti to skateboarding and sneakers. Out of this creative energy, streetwear emerged and went on to influence the world. Many of the most powerful streetwear labels were born in NYC, blending fashion, art, and underground culture. Whether you’re a die-hard skater, a sneaker collector, or someone who just loves New York style, here are 10 essential NYC streetwear brands shaping the scene today.

1. Supreme

No list of New York streetwear brands is complete without Supreme. Founded in 1994 on Lafayette Street by James Jebbia, Supreme became a downtown hub for skaters, artists, and rebels. Known for its box logo tees and hoodies, Supreme revolutionized streetwear with limited “drop” culture, creating hype and resale markets that changed fashion forever.
The brand has collaborated with everyone from Nike and Vans to Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., proving its influence stretches far beyond skateboarding. Today, Supreme is a global icon worth over a billion dollars — but at its heart, it’s still rooted in NYC skate and graffiti culture.

2. Kith

Kith, founded by Ronnie Fieg in 2011, redefined New York streetwear as a global lifestyle brand. Fieg started in sneakers, and Kith’s flagship stores — with their immersive design and Kith Treats ice cream bar — became cultural destinations.
Kith is known for its collaborations, which range from Coca-Cola and BMW to Versace and New Balance. The brand embodies NYC hustle and ambition, blending streetwear with high fashion. If Supreme built hype culture, Kith built the luxury crossover model that so many brands chase today.

3. Staple Pigeon

Founded in 1997 by Jeff Staple, Staple is one of the most important brands in NYC streetwear history. The infamous Nike SB Dunk Low “Pigeon” drop in 2005 caused riots in the streets of New York, cementing Staple in sneaker and fashion history.
Staple’s pigeon logo is now one of the most recognizable in streetwear, symbolizing the grit and survival of New York City. With its mix of bold graphics and collaborations with brands like Puma, New Balance, and Uniqlo, Staple continues to influence both sneaker culture and street fashion globally.

4. Awake NY

Awake NY was launched in 2012 by Angelo Baque, who spent nearly a decade as brand director at Supreme. Awake is a love letter to New York City — a brand that blends cultural references, bold graphics, and social commentary.
More than just clothing, Awake is known for its community focus and activism, partnering with nonprofits and grassroots organizations. From collaborations with Carhartt WIP and Reebok to capsule collections celebrating NYC, Awake represents a modern, socially conscious take on New York streetwear.

5. Aimé Leon Dore

Queens-born Teddy Santis founded Aimé Leon Dore in 2014, bringing a refined lens to NYC streetwear. ALD draws inspiration from basketball, ’90s hip hop, and everyday Queens style, but elevates it with premium fabrics, tailored fits, and lifestyle-driven storytelling.
Known for its collaborations with New Balance — Santis is now the creative director of New Balance Made in USA — Aimé Leon Dore has helped redefine what New York streetwear looks like in the modern fashion landscape. Its SoHo café and store have become cultural hubs for the city’s creative class.

6. Noah

Launched in 2015 by Brendon Babenzien, former Supreme creative director, Noah combines streetwear with classic menswear influences. The brand emphasizes ethical production and sustainability, which set it apart from many fast-fashion labels.
Noah is known for clean-cut pieces like rugby shirts, nautical-inspired outerwear, and thoughtful collaborations with brands like Adidas and Sperry. Its message blends New York skate culture with a sharp, socially conscious voice — making Noah a unique presence in NYC’s streetwear ecosystem.

7. Only NY

Only NY was founded in 2007 and is based on the Upper West Side. With designs rooted in New York culture, outdoor lifestyle, and local institutions, Only NY has built a cult following.
The brand is famous for its collaborations with the NYC Parks Department, MTA, and New York Magazine, capturing everyday city life in its graphics. Only NY embodies the grassroots, community-first vibe of NYC — a brand that feels authentically tied to the streets it represents.

8. Belief

Born in Astoria, Queens, Belief is a streetwear label that stays close to its skateboarding roots. The brand focuses on skate, outdoor, and exploration-inspired apparel, making it a favorite among skaters who want functionality without losing New York grit.
Belief remains low-key compared to giants like Supreme or Kith, but that’s part of its charm. It represents an authentic piece of NYC streetwear — a reminder that the culture thrives in neighborhood shops and small communities, not just global runways.

9. Bronze 56k

Bronze 56k started as a New York skate crew before evolving into a brand. Known for its ’90s internet-inspired graphics, VHS-style skate videos, and playful, ironic energy, Bronze has built a loyal following in the skateboarding world.
Unlike polished luxury labels, Bronze keeps things raw, creative, and a little chaotic — which makes it one of the purest representations of skate-driven NYC streetwear today.

10. V4 (V4NY)

While the giants paved the way, V4 represents the next wave of New York streetwear. Inspired by organized crime, secret societies, and the underground culture of the city, V4 builds collections that resonate with skaters, creatives, and anyone drawn to exclusivity.
Known for its limited drops like the No Loose Ends Tee and storytelling-driven lookbooks, V4 positions itself as a brand for insiders — or as they call them, “Made Men.” With its sharp black-and-white aesthetic and ties to NYC street culture, V4 is carving out its own lane among New York’s heavyweights.

FAQ: New York Streetwear

What’s the most famous New York streetwear brand? 
Supreme is the most globally recognized streetwear brand to come out of New York.

What’s the difference between Kith and Supreme?
 Supreme represents raw skate and graffiti culture, while Kith leans into lifestyle, luxury, and high-profile collaborations.

What is the new wave of NYC streetwear?
 Brands like V4, Awake, and Aimé Leon Dore represent the new generation, mixing skate roots with storytelling, activism, and elevated fashion.

Where can I shop NYC streetwear?
 SoHo and the Lower East Side remain hotspots, with flagship stores from Supreme, Kith and Aimé Leon Dore.

👉 Check out the V4NY online shop for exclusive NYC inspired drops.

From Supreme’s legendary box logo to V4’s underground storytelling, New York continues to shape global streetwear. These 10 brands prove that NYC isn’t just the birthplace of street fashion — it’s still leading the movement.