Streetwear is fashion that originated in the 1990s and that is based on athletic wear and other casual clothing that was worn by young people in urban areas and that is associated with the surf, skate, and rap music subcultures. Many streetwear proponents argue that the style is less about fashion than the culture it represents.
It commonly encompasses jeans, t-shirts, baseball caps, and other casual and comfortable clothing types that are produced by athletics companies. Contemporary streetwear has also become associated with high fashion in what is referred to as designer streetwear. While the original clothing for the style was mass-produced and available to all, streetwear created by designers uses this for inspiration and creates exclusive lines that are much more expensive because of the use of fabrics such as washed satin, leather, wool crepe, and neoprene in their construction.