What is a HypeBeast?

As with most cultures you can find people who push their favorite hobbies past the limit of an average consumer. In sports you have people who collect trading cards and know everything there is to know about their favorite teams and players. In the car world you have people who collect the most expensive cars and modify them to make them go faster or look better. In street wear these types of people are often referred to as hypebeasts.

Where did the term HypeBeast come from?

The term hypebeast was originally used to describe a person who loves fashion in particular the most hyped streetwear fashion. These people would be the first ones to know about new sneakers and clothing drops before they were announced from their favorite brands. Although, in most recent years it has gotten a negative meaning because of how expensive the hobby is. It has become a culture of showing off logos instead of the design or style.

Why is streetwear popular?

Streetwear became popular in the 90’s because of how casual it was. It was invented by taking aspects of hip hop, skate, and surf culture and just blending them to make fashion. From its conception it was meant to be a fashionable, but casual way of dressing. Among young men this was a popular way of dressing because it combined comfort with a way of self-expressing. It was literally as easy as throwing on a t-shirt and a hoodie and you could call it street wear.

Where it is at today and my thoughts.

Today, the companies that pioneered streetwear culture are at the top of every hypebeasts watch list when it comes to drops. Personally, I am not a fan of the current structure because it favors people who are willing to drop hundreds if not thousands of dollars for the most sought out street wear. Simply browsing through reselling websites, you can see that many people buy out the drops for the purpose of reselling at a more expensive price. Street wear culture has evolved to showing off logos instead of comfortable yet fashionable designs. I mean now a days if you skate with a pair of Jordan’s people will give you the weirdest look because of how expensive the shoe is. In my eyes I still prefer the look of street wear, but the price has clearly steered many people away. Whether you are a full blown hypebeast or just someone who appreciates fashion there is something in the hypebeast culture that will stick out to you if you are willing to look.