The Streetwear Glossary: A-Z of Terms, Slang and Style Words

Streetwear is more than clothes. It’s a method to express your style, your mood and what you love. Streetwear has its own lingo. Oversized tees, baggy jeans, funky sneakers, graphic designs.

You may have seen terminology like drip, hypebeast, cop, grails or fit check on social media. But what do they actually mean?

This streetwear dictionary helps you learn common streetwear terminology, fashion slang and style vocabulary. If you’re a newcomer to streetwear or a seasoned pro who loves to mix and match fresh fits, this A to Z guide will help you speak the language of street fashion.

A to Z Streetwear Glossary: Terms You Should Know

A for Athleisure

Athleisure is wearing clothes that are sporty, but also look well. Think joggers, loose t-shirts, trainers and cozy sweatshirts. You can wear these looks for hanging out with pals or getting errands done.

B for Baggy Fit

Baggy fit is when you wear loose garments that give you more room to move. Popular picks for this trend include baggy denim, oversized shirts and loose pants.

C for Cop

In streetwear slang, cop is to buy something. If someone says, “I need to cop those sneakers” that means they need to buy them.

D for Drip

In streetwear slang, cop is to buy something. If someone says, “I need to cop those sneakers” that means they need to buy them.

E for Essentials

Essentials are simple pieces that are easy to mix and match with different outfits. Basic t-shirts, easy trousers, sweatshirts and shoes are great closet mainstays.

F for Fit Check

A fit check involves showing off your attire, usually in a photo or video. It’s a fun way to express your own particular style and be inspired by others.

G for Graphic Tee

A graphic tee is a T shirt that features a design, photograph, brand or artwork printed on it. It may give color and individuality even to the most simple clothing

H for Hypebeast

A hypebeast is a person who is into popular fashion drops, trending footwear, and well known streetwear labels. This is a term typically used for folks who adore being on top of the current trends.

I for In Rotation

When a piece of clothing is in rotation, it indicates you wear it a lot. Maybe your favorite big top or your favorite everyday sneakers are in your regular wardrobe rotation.

J for Jersey

When a piece of clothing is in rotation, it indicates you wear it a lot. Maybe your favorite big top or your favorite everyday sneakers are in your regular wardrobe rotation.

K for Kicks

Kicks = Sneakers (slang). A new pair of sneakers can change the overall look of an outfit.

L for Layering

Layering is wearing two or more pieces of clothes together. Wear your graphic tee under an unbuttoned shirt or a hoodie under a jacket for depth.

M for Monochrome

Monochrome is when you mix different elements from the same color group. An easy example is a black attire, a black t-shirt, black pants and black sneakers.

N for New Drop

“A new drop” is when a brand drops a new collection or product. Some drops sell out really quickly, especially if the pieces are limited.

O for Oversized

Oversized clothing is made to look bigger and more relaxed than a standard fit. The essentials of current streetwear are oversized t-shirts, relaxed shirts, and roomy hoodies.

P for Puffer

A puffer jacket is a puffy coat that will keep you warm. Its aggressive silhouette makes it also a strong statement piece in a streetwear ensemble.

Q for Quick Fit

A quick fit is a simple outfit you can throw on without much effort. A comfortable pair of jeans, large tee and your fave sneakers can work perfectly.

R for Resale

Resale : To sell something again after you bought it. Some people resell limited edition sneakers and streetwear that’s hard to find.

S for Streetwear

Streetwear is a fashion style influenced by youth culture, music, skateboarding, sports and street culture. It’s usually loose fits, graphic graphics, shoes and statement pieces.

T for Techwear

Techwear is the marriage of utilitarian clothing and modern esthetic. Think utility pockets, weather resistant jackets, adjustable straps and functional materials

U for Utility Wear

Utility apparel is all on the function, with elements like pockets, tough fabrics and styles that work well. Typical examples include cargo pants and multi pocket coats

V for Vintage

Vintage clothing is older clothing items that are often desired for their age, design or unique character. Vintage tees and old school jackets can give a modern streetwear look a whole new feel.

W for Workwear

Workwear is influenced by clothing made for manual labor. Think tough coats, carpenter pants, denim and rugged shirts.

X for X Factor

The X factor is that special something that makes an outfit pop. It could be a statement graphic top, quirky footwear or an interesting accessory that speaks your personality.

Y for Y2K

Y2K fashion is inspired by the late 1990s and early 2000s. This look includes baggy jeans, sporty sunglasses, colorful tops and statement accessories.

Z for Zip Up

A zip up is a shirt, jacket or hoodie that is closed by a zip. It layers well over tees and fits relaxed streetwear looks beautifully.

How to Use Streetwear Slang in Everyday Style

Now that you know the terminology, consider utilizing them when you discuss fashion or plan your next outfit.

• For a fit check: Share a photo of your latest look. 
• For a new policeman: Talk about the T shirt or footwear you just bought. 
• For more drip: Mix casual fits with colours and accessories that suit you. 
• Everyday essentials: Stock up on graphic tees, simple tops and casual pants.
• For layering: Layer your favorite tshirt with an open shirt or blazer.

Wanna make your own look? Browse the BLUORNG streetwear collection for pieces that can help you create ensembles that feel like you.

Why Knowing Streetwear Terms Matters

Streetwear phrases make it easier to understand fashion conversations, social media trends, and new apparel launches. They can also assist you find the fashions you like when buying online. 

But remember, you don’t need to jump on every trend to look nice. Dress in what makes you feel good, mix and match elements in your own style and make the ensemble your own. That's what personal style is all about.

FAQs About Streetwear Terms

1. What does streetwear mean?

Streetwear is a casual fashion style inspired by music, sports, skate culture, and everyday street fashion. It often includes oversized T shirts, sneakers, hoodies, and graphic prints.

2. What does drip mean in fashion?

Drip means looking stylish or having a great outfit. People often use it to compliment someone's clothes, sneakers, or overall look.

3. What does cop mean in streetwear?

Cop means to buy something. For example, "I copped a new graphic tee" means "I bought a new graphic tee."

4. What is a fit check?

A fit check is a photo or video that shows your outfit. It is popular on social media, where people share their daily looks and fashion ideas.

5. What is the difference between oversized and baggy clothing?

Oversized clothing is designed to have a bigger fit than usual. Baggy clothing usually has a loose shape with extra room. The terms can overlap, but the overall cut and shape may be different.

6. How can beginners start wearing streetwear?

Start with a few easy pieces, such as an oversized tee, relaxed jeans, and comfortable sneakers. Add a graphic print, a cap, or a jacket when you want to try something new.

7. What are the most popular streetwear pieces?

Oversized T shirts, graphic tees, hoodies, baggy jeans, cargo pants, sneakers, and sports jerseys are common streetwear staples.

8. Where can I buy streetwear online in India?

You can shop for streetwear online through Indian brands such as BLUORNG, which offers clothing for building relaxed, modern streetwear outfits.