Why Do Rappers Wear Sportswear, And Will They Ever Stop?

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by Sana Bun

Why Do Rappers Wear Sportswear, And Will They Ever Stop?

11 May 2024

Rap and hip-hop culture has a long and significant impact on fashion trends, and one of the most prominent aspects of it is definitely the prevalence of sportswear in the genre.

From tracksuits to basketball jerseys, rappers have consistently incorporated athletic clothing into their wardrobes. But why is this the case, and will this trend continue indefinitely? We started thinking about this while working on an article about caps, which led us to launch a quick investigation.

Hip-hop as a compound culture emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, within marginalised communities. Hence, the roots of style codes behind it reflect what locals wore back in those days — affordable, durable, and, frequently, off-size hand-me-down clothing.

Athleticwear was another essential element as youth from the inner city were generally engaged in sports since it provided recreation, a sense of community, escape from life struggles, and could also serve as a social elevator, offering a path out of poverty to the most talented ones.

Therefore, rappers have been nodding to this background as a way to show their identity, connection with the audience, and street credibility, while also aspiring to oppose themselves to the mainstream culture (thought, resulting in the genesis of a new mainstream wave).

Decades later, the core elements are still present, even though hip-hop fashion has been transforming through the years, gaining new layers and narratives.

Today’s rappers, for instance, mix streetwear with high-end items from luxury brands and statement, often customised pieces, to demonstrate their financial success and build up a personal brand. Some refuse to be content with only performing music, so they step into the big game by collaborating with major brands or launching their own labels, making the bond between hip-hop culture and fashion even stronger.

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Of course, with the changing social context, fashion in general and within sub-cultures has become more diverse, spawning quite a lot of hip-hop artists with unconventional styles. Rap music is not the destiny of kids from poor American neighbourhoods anymore, but a global movement spread all over the world. Many artists of today come from different cultures and social environments and don’t have the primary experience related to hip-hop, which, together with new trends, makes us believe that there is a potential for a shift of rules.

However, despite all these factors, sportswear remains a staple as a part of the genre’s historical heritage. It has also taken over fashion trends outside of the hip-hop scene, dominating mass fashion. Will hip-hop trends keep on changing to repel the current state of the community? Yes, for sure. Will rappers ever stop wearing hoodies and sneakers? We don’t think so — it is way too deep in culture’s DNA.

by Sana Bun