Streetwear in 2025 is a vibrant mix of culture, rebellion, and sustainability, but beyond the hype of giants like Supreme and BAPE, a new wave of underrated brands is making waves. These labels offer fresh perspectives, bold designs, and ethical practices that resonate with fashion-forward individuals, including petite or plus-size women seeking unique, inclusive styles. This guide highlights five lesser-known streetwear brands to watch this year, blending modern aesthetics with vintage-inspired elements, perfect for pairing with wide-fit footwear and scarf styling for a signature look.
1. Corteiz
Vibe: Rebellious, community-driven London streetwear.
Founded in 2017 by British-Nigerian entrepreneur Clint Ogbenna (Clint 419), Corteiz (CRTZ) has skyrocketed from a West London apartment to a global cult favorite. Its Alcatraz logo symbolizes breaking free from societal norms, embodied in bold graphic tees, hoodies, and cargo pants. Known for guerrilla marketing and limited drops, Corteiz fosters a tight-knit community vibe. Pair their oversized tees ($40–$60) with high-waisted jeans from No Nasties ($40) and New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 sneakers ($140) for wide feet. Add a silk scarf from Soulflower Print Co. ($30) styled as a headscarf twist for a chic, edgy look.
Why It’s Underrated: Despite buzz from rappers like Central Cee, Corteiz remains under the mainstream radar, focusing on street-level authenticity over mass production.
Where to Shop: Corteiz’s website or select drops on Depop.
Signature Piece: Alcatraz logo hoodie ($80).
2. Palmes
Vibe: Tennis-inspired minimalism with a streetwear edge.
Founded by Nikolaj Hansson, Palmes reimagines tennis culture with streetwear-inspired graphics and elevated fabrics. Launched during the pandemic, this Copenhagen-based brand blends retro sportswear with modern menswear silhouettes, perfect for unisex styling. Their oversized polos and track pants ($60–$100) pair well with a vintage blouse from ThredUP ($20) for a mixed-era look. Style with Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers ($140) for wide feet and a loop-and-tuck scarf from Rapanui ($25) for a sporty yet polished vibe.
Why It’s Underrated: Palmes’ niche focus on tennis aesthetics keeps it under-the-radar, but its 2025 expansion plans signal big potential.
Where to Shop: Palmes’ Los Angeles flagship or online store.
Signature Piece: Graphic tennis polo ($70).
3. Vowels
Vibe: Japanese craftsmanship meets New York street energy.
Vowels, led by designer Yuki Yagi, debuted in the U.S. in 2024 and is poised for a breakout in 2025. Known for elevated basics and outerwear ($80–$150), the brand blends traditional Japanese craft with urban edge, offering inclusive sizing for plus-size and petite frames. Pair their oversized bomber jacket with a modern fitted turtleneck from Yes Friends ($25) and Dr. Scholl’s suede ankle boots ($80) for wide feet. A belted scarf from Passion Lilie ($30) adds a modern twist.
Why It’s Underrated: Its slow-fashion approach and focus on craftsmanship keep it less hyped than flashier brands.
Where to Shop: Vowels’ New York showroom or online.
Signature Piece: Sculptural outerwear ($120).
4. VibeCraft
Vibe: Graffiti-inspired, gender-neutral Brooklyn cool.
Brooklyn-based VibeCraft, launched in 2023, channels artistic rebellion with graffiti-inspired patterns and organic cotton pieces ($40–$80). Their oversized tees and acid-washed jackets are perfect for layering, especially for plus-size women seeking bold yet comfortable fits. Pair a VibeCraft hoodie with a vintage midi skirt from Etsy ($30) and Naturalizer Michelle Pumps ($100) for wide feet. Add a shoulder shawl scarf from Soulflower Print Co. ($30) for a pop of color.
Why It’s Underrated: VibeCraft’s focus on local Brooklyn culture and sustainable practices keeps it niche but growing fast.
Where to Shop: VibeCraft’s website or Brooklyn pop-ups.
Signature Piece: Graffiti-print oversized tee ($50).
5. EcoUrbane
Vibe: Sustainable, high-fashion streetwear from Melbourne.
EcoUrbane proves eco-friendly streetwear can be chic. Using 100% recycled materials, their tapered joggers and cropped hoodies ($50–$90) feature stencil-style branding and asymmetrical cuts. Ideal for petites or plus-size women, these pieces pair well with a vintage blazer from Vinted ($30) and ASOS wide-fit loafers ($40). Style with a silk scarf from Rapanui ($25) tied as a knotted necktie for a modern edge.
Why It’s Underrated: Its sustainability focus and Melbourne base keep it under the global spotlight, but its sleek designs are gaining traction.
Where to Shop: EcoUrbane’s online store or select Australian retailers.
Signature Piece: Recycled cropped hoodie ($70).
Why These Brands Stand Out
These underrated brands are shaping 2025’s streetwear scene by prioritizing authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity. Corteiz and VibeCraft bring raw, urban energy, while Palmes and Vowels offer refined, cultural takes on street style. EcoUrbane leads with eco-conscious innovation. Each brand offers versatile pieces that mix well with vintage finds, aligning with the vintage-modern guide, and pairs seamlessly with wide-fit footwear for comfort. Scarves add a stylish, functional layer, enhancing these looks for petite or plus-size women.
Styling Tips
- Mix Eras: Pair a Corteiz hoodie or VibeCraft tee with a vintage skirt or blazer for a retro-modern vibe, as outlined in the vintage-modern guide.
- Prioritize Comfort: Choose wide-fit footwear from New Balance, Hoka, or ASOS to ensure all-day wearability.
- Add Scarves: Use scarves (headscarf twist, loop-and-tuck, or belted) to tie outfits together, adding color or texture without overwhelming.
- Shop Ethically: These brands emphasize sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled fabrics, aligning with 2025’s eco-conscious trends.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Follow the layering guide by starting with fitted bases (e.g., Yes Friends tees) and adding oversized streetwear pieces for balance.
Where to Find Them
- Thrift Platforms: Source vintage pieces to pair with these brands on ThredUP, Vinted, or Etsy.
- Ethical Retailers: Shop modern staples from No Nasties, Yes Friends, or Passion Lilie to complement streetwear.
- Brand Websites: Check Corteiz, Palmes, Vowels, VibeCraft, and EcoUrbane’s official sites for drops and updates.
Why Watch These Brands in 2025
These brands are redefining streetwear with unique narratives, from Corteiz’s rebellious spirit to EcoUrbane’s green ethos. They’re perfect for those seeking fresh, inclusive styles that stand out without chasing mainstream hype. By blending these pieces with vintage finds, wide-fit footwear, and scarf styling, you can create a signature look that’s bold, comfortable, and sustainable. Keep an eye on their 2025 drops to stay ahead of the streetwear curve!