6 Arab Streetwear Brands
By: Maryem Bouatlaoui / Arab America Contributing Writer
Arab streetwear is where traditional, heritage Arab culture meets youth innovative entrepreneurship. From hoodies to t-shirts to hats, Arabs have been creating defining Arab fashion pieces in the realm of street fashion.
PaliRoots:
PaliRoots is a Palestinian streetwear brand based in San Diego, California with a mission to spread awareness about Palestinian culture and traditions while supporting the Palestinian community. PaliRoots sells bracelets, hats, t-shirts, necklaces, and other items adorned with Palestinian iconography such as keffiyeh prints or traditional Palestinian foods. PaliRoots donates a meal for every order placed and also funds special projects to allocate toys and clothing to children. To engage with the brand’s mission, you can sign up to be a “PaliRooter” and connect with a network of social justice driven individuals of all backgrounds.
Zidouri:
Based in the United Kingdom, Zidouri is an Arab streetwear brand that focuses on the fusion of the beauty of the Arabic language and modern street style. Zidouri sells clothing and jewelry with famous Arabic quotes from the Arab world. Zidouri also has a custom collection in which buyers can customize their products with any Arabic name, word, or phrase. Al Jazeera praised the brand for its authenticity and “linking heritage with the eloquence of language.” Zidouri ships internationally.
Arab Collective:
Arab Collective is an apparel brand that blends modern music culture with Arab aesthetics. Originally started in Egypt, Arab Collective designs hoodies and t-shirts with popular music artists such as Drake, The Weeknd, and Lana Del Rey and Arabic calligraphy alongside Arab artistic symbols. Recently, the brand took to designing products with famous soccer players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.
Ya Habibi Market:
Ya Habibi Market is a retro brand that embraces Arab iconography in a vintage style. The brand’s products range from sweatshirts to hats to candles, all bearing a vintage, yet authentic sense of Arab identity. Lebanese Candian musician Patrick Gemayel founded Ya Habibi Market in 1999 with a mission to “connect multidisciplinary MENA creatives, artists and designers from all around the world.” Gemayel seeks no profit and donates 100% of the profit to various charities in Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan.
Sawa Studios:
Sawa Studios is an Arab clothing brand that aims to elevate style with an Arab essence. The company sells a variety of clothing items as well as mugs, tote bags, and phone cases. Sawa Studios also has a Creator Community to connect content creators, designers, and artists interested in supporting the artistic movement.
Native Threads:
Native Threads is an Arab streetwear brand focused on the cultivation of appreciation for Middle Eastern culture. The brand’s designs are inspired by Middle Eastern elements as well as modern street style. Native Threads not only embraces Middle Eastern creativity but also empowers individuals to “showcase [their] bold and unapologetic identity.” The brand also holds fundraisers for different causes and initiatives pertaining to Arab world such as International Women’s Day Collective, the Iran Women’s Right Collective, and the Sudan Revolution.
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