A Quick Guide to the Best Streetwear Brands in the Philippines

Street culture is big in the country. International giants and luxe streetwear brands such as Virgil Abloh's Off-White and cool shops like Commonwealth have been mushrooming in the city, and there has been no shortage of independent streetwear brands popping up and releasing their own creative merchandise. 

While local streetwear is normally rooted in the underground scene (think skater and music cultures), there are brands that also take inspiration from other influences, adding a different flavor to their identities. After all, streetwear is about being true to oneself, and these local labels definitely offer something different from the mass-produced pieces by popular brands. 

Below, a quick guide to some of the best streetwear brands in the Philippines. 

1| Proudrace

Proudrace has come a long way from selling graphic T-shirts. With its collections being sold around the world and also featured in publications such as Highsnobiety and Vogue Italia, the brand, which was founded by Patrick Bondoc and Rik Rasos, has become one of the country’s best representatives for streetwear in the global scene. Get these: The deconstructed windbreaker and Working Class double deconstructed top show Proud Race's ability breathe new life into utilitarian pieces. 

proudrace.com; pop-ups in Purveyr Post and STKD Zeppelin; guerrilla store in Cubao Expo 

2| MHC 

Inspired by films, literature, and even childhood memories, there’s a good sense of nostalgia in the pieces of Most High Co or MHC (see the boxy silhouettes and seersucker shirts). The label also has its own tailoring service, so you can also be sure of attention to details. Get these: The patchwork bucket hat, made of denim scraps, is a fun take on workwear; the cropped shirt from the new Meritville collection is reminiscent of Japanese silhouettes. 

Facebook and Instagram at @mosthighco 

3| The Twelfth House 

Taking inspiration from Japanese clothing, pop culture, collegiate apparel, and many more in between, everything about The Twelfth House spells contemporary. Its creative pieces go beyond the usual graphic tee, proving that the label has its finger on the pulse of current culture. Get these: The Noragi jacket in denim is a great take on Japanese workwear; the changshan-inspired street jacket is an urban piece that looks comfortable as hell. 

Cubao Expo, Quezon City, thetwelfthhouse.com 

4| Staff Co. 

Head to Staff Co. if you're into minimalism as its pieces are inspired by workwear clothing and everyday street style. Get these: The worker’s denim shirt 01 will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe, especially if you don’t have a chambray shirt yet; the one-piece worksuit makes work feel more like play. 

Purveyr Post and Bratpack at Greenbelt, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Uptown Mall

5| RUA 

The contemporary styles at RUA will serve you well from weekday to weekend. Check out its kimono jackets, which are becoming a thing for men because they're easy to wear, lightweight, and stylish. Get these: The Terracotta Stripes kimono jacket is a versatile and understated piece; the Mashu Blue blazer is for your next summer trip.  

Purveyr Post in Bangkal, Makati; ruapparels.com 

6| Factory 

The eclectic and retro-inspired style, the vintage thrift store-meets-Andy Warhol vibe, and that ’70s-style typography make Factory a hit among streetwear fans. Get these: Its souvenir jackets stay fateful to that Japanese feeling while adapting the style for local sensibilities. Keep an eye out for the maroon souvenir jacket, as well as its best-selling “I Miss Manila” jacket in light denim. 

7| SYF 

Inspired by the diversity in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles, brothers Ralph and Randell Cruz founded SYF or Support Your Friends. Its aesthetic—playful, youthful, colorful—shows that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. SYF has released collections that mix nostalgia and humor, riffing on brands such as Lil’ Orbits, Hen Lin, and Potato Corner. Like Supreme's box logo, its logo has become a coveted detail in local streetwear, as well. Get these: The pop culture-tinged pieces are always a hit, like the Lil’ Homies jacket and this blue hoodie. 

Purveyr Post and Case Study Atelier; supportyourfriends.bigcartel.com 

8| Royalty 

Royalty infuses retro Japanese illustrations and '90s-influenced details into easygoing silhouettes. Get these: Check out the graphic T-shirts from the Nippon collection and the half-striped shirt from the Stripes collection. 

royalty.com.ph 

9| Unschld 

 

Obviously, Unschld has a rebellious streak, so feel free to go wild with the label's colorful tees and jackets. Get these: The color-block windbreaker and boxy striped button-down shirt have that '90s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air vibes.  

unschld.ph; Instagram at @unschld 

Top Clothing Lines in the Philippines

While many of these independent streetwear brands have their own websites for online purchases, there are also various retail concept stores that carry their pieces in Manila. Aside from bringing together a curated selection of brands, these shops also serve as hotspots for those into the local street culture. Check out Purveyr Post in Makati, Ponderosa Hall in Escolta, and Case Study Atelier in BGC for finds from the best streetwear brands in the Philippines.