Loading ...Arab Style, American Streets: The New Fashion Frontier
By: Nissrine Bedda / Arab America Contributing Writer
Arab American-owned streetwear brands have emerged as powerful platforms for cultural expression and identity. Blending modern fashion with traditional Arab symbols, language, and political messages, these businesses challenge stereotypes and reclaim narratives. Urban streetwear has long been a way to craft a visual identity—using fashion to honor one’s roots. Whether you’re from the city or the countryside, streetwear not only elevates your look but also tells the story of who you are.
Arab streetwear is bold, aesthetic, and on the rise. It sends a powerful message about who we are as Arab Americans raised in global cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and beyond. What better way to pay homage to our heritage than repping a hoodie, t-shirt, or cap from one of these Arab-American owned businesses during National Arab American Heritage Month! Treat yourself!
1. Paliroots
Based in San Diego, California, Paliroots was “Founded in 2016, the PaliRoots purpose is to bring awareness to the world about the Palestinian culture by crafting unique clothing concepts. With the brand, we explore, celebrate, and share Palestinian culture in a modern and positive way.” – Paliroots.com Siblings Aminah Musa and Hussein Musa turned their dreams come true by launching Paliroots and continue to be recognized for their efforts in using streetwear as a way to spread knowledge on the Palestinian identity.
2. Watan Palestine
Palestinian Catfiyyeh “Free Palestine” T-Shirt . Source: Watan Palestine
“Watan is a Palestine-inspired arts shop based in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Officially founded in January 2015, Watan aims to create an additional space for Palestinians to learn about and explore their cultural and intellectual heritage.” Watanpalestine.com
Watan Workshops
Taking a visit to Chicago soon? You might be interested in Watan Workshop Space “… a space to explore empowering art and expression. We hold regular workshops that both ensure the continuance of Palestinian heritage by passing on our culture and also support the emergence of new ideas and creativity. We have held tatreez embroidery workshops, painting sessions, book talks, film screenings, and much more.”
3. Wear The Peace
“In 2016 Murad & Mustafa got together and brainstormed how they could make a difference. They were both children of refugees and both saw the direct outcome of the refugee crisis. After weeks of conversations, they came up with the brand, Wear The Peace, and made it a statement to ensure that the brand sent loving messages, spread awareness to issues around the world, and gave back to the humans who need it most. Wear The Peace is a brand that believes “Each one of us can make a difference.” – Wearthepeace.com
4. Arab Collective
This brand sums up the feelings that emerge across Arab diaspora in a clothing brand! “Embarking on a journey from our homeland, we have spent a lifetime living abroad, yet it’s the soil of our home country that feels most familiar under our feet. This deep-seated sense of belonging and a yearning for connection has been the driving force behind the creation of our brand.
Our story is not unique; it mirrors the experiences of countless others who have navigated the complexities of living between worlds. Despite the distance and the years, the call of our origins resonates deeply within us, drawing us back, time and again, to the place we feel most at home.”- Arabcollective.com
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