In 2024, streetwear continued to dominate the Indian fashion scene, blending global influences with local culture to create a unique and vibrant style. What started as a subculture rooted in skateboarding, hip-hop, and urban life has transformed into a mainstream fashion movement, embraced by everyone from celebrities to everyday youth. Here’s a look at the key streetwear trends that shaped the Indian fashion landscape in 2024:
Sustainable Streetwear
One of the most significant trends in 2024 was the growing shift towards sustainable fashion in streetwear. As environmental awareness increased, brands and consumers prioritized eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Indian streetwear brands like Doodlage and Banda focused on using upcycled fabrics, organic cotton, and recycled materials in their collections. Not only did these sustainable practices appeal to the environmentally conscious generation, but they also contributed to the growth of slow fashion in India, which emphasizes durability over fast consumption.
The move towards sustainability wasn’t just limited to clothing; footwear brands also embraced eco-friendly materials. Nike, Adidas, and Puma launched sneakers made from recycled plastic and plant-based materials, further popularizing the idea of responsible fashion in the streetwear culture.
Graphic Tees with Local Influence
Graphic t-shirts have always been a staple of streetwear, and in 2024, they became even more prevalent, shifting towards designs that celebrated local culture, politics, and social issues. Indian streetwear brands began incorporating elements of Indian history, folklore, and contemporary culture. From t-shirts with prints of Bollywood icons to illustrations inspired by traditional Indian art like Madhubani or Warli, the designs reflected a deeper connection to Indian heritage.
Additionally, graphic tees featuring bold statements and messages about social justice, mental health, and equality gained popularity. These tees became more than just fashion statements; they were vehicles for self-expression and activism, making streetwear an even more powerful cultural force in India.
Oversized Fits and Relaxed Silhouettes
2024 saw the continuation of oversized fits as a dominant trend in Indian streetwear. Baggy jeans, oversized hoodies, and loose jackets were everywhere, inspired by global streetwear giants like Supreme and Off-White, but given an Indian twist with hand-woven fabrics or ethnic-inspired embroidery. This style offered comfort without compromising on aesthetics, and it resonated with a younger generation that valued both style and practicality.
Indian fashion influencers like Kritika Khurana and Karan Sehgal showcased this trend, pairing oversized shirts with sleek sneakers or layered hoodies with denim jackets. The relaxed silhouettes were perfect for India’s warm climate, and their versatility made them ideal for casual streetwear looks and more elevated styles.
Athleisure Meets Streetwear
Athleisure continued to blend seamlessly with streetwear in 2024, with Indian fashion embracing functional yet stylish pieces. Tracksuits, joggers, and sneakers weren’t just for the gym anymore; they became key components of everyday streetwear. Puma, Adidas, and homegrown HRX collaborated with influencers and celebrities to create collections combining athletic performance with streetwise flair.
Indian youth, especially in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, adopted this trend by styling gym wear with casual accessories like caps, chunky jewelry, and crossbody bags. This trend embraced comfort and reflected a lifestyle where fitness and fashion went hand-in-hand, a look heavily endorsed by fitness influencers and celebrities.
Techwear and Futuristic Styles
Techwear, a style that combines futuristic designs with functional, weather-resistant fabrics, rose in popularity in India in 2024. With an increasing interest in fashion that combines technology and innovation, many Indian brands started incorporating elements of techwear into their collections. The trend appealed to those looking for a sleek, futuristic style, from waterproof jackets and utility vests to high-performance sneakers and backpacks with multiple compartments.
International techwear brands like Acronym and Guerrilla-Group entered the Indian market, and streetwear enthusiasts embraced these styles, adding Indian-inspired prints or stitching to look at a local edge. The techwear aesthetic was often paired with bold statement accessories, such as cross-body bags with tactical straps or oversized sunglasses, making it a perfect blend of fashion and functionality.
Customizable and DIY Fashion
In 2024, customization and DIY fashion became huge trends as streetwear fans sought to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. From patching up old denim jackets with colorful embroidery to customizing sneakers with vibrant paints, young people across India embraced personal expression through their clothing. Brands like Bling Bag and Customase began offering services allowing customers to design apparel and accessories.
DIY fashion also meant reworking vintage pieces, making old clothes new again by adding contemporary twists. Indian fashionistas loved experimenting with colors, fabrics, and accessories to stand out. This trend spoke to a broader movement in Indian streetwear, where the importance of individuality took center stage.
Statement Sneakers
Sneakers have been an integral part of streetwear for years, but in 2024, they became even more essential in defining one’s style. Limited-edition releases, collaborations with international brands, and local streetwear labels created exclusive sneaker collections that sparked a frenzy among fashion enthusiasts. From Nike and Adidas to homegrown brands like SoleSearch and United By Blue, the sneaker culture in India became more pronounced, with sneakerheads obsessively following drops and securing limited-edition pairs.
Chunky, oversized sneakers continued to dominate the scene, with bold colors and futuristic designs taking the lead. However, there was also a revival of retro styles, such as classic low-top sneakers and skater-inspired shoes, which added variety to the sneaker game in India.
Layering and Streetwear Accessories
In 2024, accessories were crucial in completing the streetwear look. Layering was key, whether adding a flannel shirt over a hoodie, a chunky sweater under a bomber jacket, or a beanie with a snapback cap. Scarves, chains, and bracelets also added an extra layer of personality, allowing individuals to express themselves through details.
Moreover, crossbody bags, bucket hats, and chunky sneakers became iconic streetwear accessories in India, bridging the gap between comfort and style. These accessories were not only functional but also contributed to the overall aesthetics of the streetwear look.
Conclusion
The Indian streetwear scene in 2024 was a fusion of global influences and local creativity, with trends such as sustainability, oversized fits, techwear, and DIY fashion leading the way. Whether through graphic tees with local artwork or custom-made sneakers, Indian streetwear culture celebrates individuality, comfort, and style. With the growth of online shopping platforms and the rise of homegrown brands, it’s clear that streetwear is here to stay and will continue to shape the fashion scene in India for years to come.