If you love streetwear that makes a statement, you’re probably already familiar with Denim Tears. The brand has built a massive following for its bold, culturally conscious designs that blend American heritage with powerful social commentary, all wrapped up in high-quality distressed denim and graphic prints.
Denim Tears is for people who want their clothes to say something real. But if you're looking to expand your wardrobe with other brands that offer a similar mix of unique style, cultural depth, and standout quality, here are 16 others you need to check out.
A true legend in the game, Japan’s A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is iconic for its signature camo patterns, bold graphics, and collectible shark hoodies. It's a brand built on hype and limited-edition drops, making every piece feel exclusive. Where Denim Tears uses its platform for social commentary, BAPE’s vibe is more playful, loud, and instantly recognizable - perfect for anyone who wants to own a piece of streetwear history.
Compared to Denim Tears, BAPE is less about deep narrative and more about pure visual impact and collectibility. If you're drawn to bold graphics and an insider feel, BAPE is a must-have in your rotation. Shop now at bape.com
Off-White masterfully walks the line between high fashion and street style, known for its signature quotation marks, industrial zip-ties, and deconstructed designs. The brand offers luxe graphic tees, architectural sneakers, and oversized hoodies that feel both conceptual and wearable. It shares Denim Tears’ love for bold visuals and cultural messaging but elevates it into the luxury fashion space.
Shop now at off---white.com
Acting as a gateway to streetwear culture, Pacsun offers a huge variety of cool and accessible brands alongside its in-house lines. You can find everything from laid-back graphic tees and relaxed-fit jeans to oversized sweatshirts that tap into current trends. While Denim Tears provides a singular, focused story, Pacsun is your source for affordable, easy-to-wear streetwear basics that don't skimp on style.
Shop now at pacsun.com
Fear of God Essentials offers a minimalist and luxurious approach to streetwear. It’s all about perfectly oversized hoodies, comfortable joggers, and versatile essentials in a clean, neutral color palette. In contrast to Denim Tears' graphic-heavy, politically charged designs, Essentials is all about texture, silhouette, and understated quality. If you want statement streetwear that whispers instead of shouts, this is it.
Shop now at fearofgod.com
Kith is a New York-based streetwear powerhouse known for its high-quality materials, sharp designs, and blockbuster collaborations with brands from Nike to Coca-Cola. It delivers a full lifestyle experience, from apparel to sneakers in its stunning retail spaces. Like Denim Tears, Kith is deeply embedded in culture, but it focuses more on providing an elevated, premium take on streetwear classics.
Shop now at kith.com
Alyx, or 1017 ALYX 9SM, is famous for its futuristic, industrial aesthetic dominated by technical fabrics and signature hardware like its iconic rollercoaster buckle. It’s a high-end label that pushes the boundaries of streetwear into a more experimental, avant-garde territory. While Denim Tears tells stories through prints and embroidery, Alyx makes its statement through innovative design and tactile construction.
Shop now at alyxstudio.com
Heron Preston’s label brings a unique, workwear-inspired edge to streetwear, blending utilitarian aesthetics with bold graphics and pops of bright orange. The collections are often inspired by industrial jobs and sustainability, offering a different kind of social commentary. Like Denim Tears, the clothes are a statement - but Heron Preston's message is delivered with a raw, industrial, and utilitarian grit.
Shop now at heronpreston.com
Originally a jewelry label, Tokyo-based Ambush has evolved into a full-fledged fashion brand known for its experimental, avant-garde style. Expect futuristic, gender-neutral apparel and bold accessories that feel like wearable art. While it doesn’t share the same historical focus as Denim Tears, Ambush offers an equally bold and unconventional approach to modern fashion, perfect for those who want to push boundaries.
Shop now at ambushdesign.com
Rhude channels a cool, rebellious spirit by mixing vintage Americana with laid-back Los Angeles luxury. The brand is known for its perfectly worn-in graphic tees, elevated tracksuits, and bandanna-print motifs. While Denim Tears pulls from deep cultural history for its designs, Rhude reinterprets classic American style with a modern, effortless cool factor that feels both nostalgic and totally current.
Shop now at rh-ude.com
Hailing from China, Sankuanz is for the truly adventurous dresser. The brand is known for its experimental and often aggressive designs that blend military influences, internet culture, and street style into a truly unique aesthetic. Like Denim Tears, Sankuanz isn’t afraid to address cultural themes but does so with a rebellious, dystopian, and avant-garde energy.
Shop now at sankuanz.com
London-based designer Martine Rose is a critical darling praised for her unique take on menswear, which often plays with proportion, subculture, and silhouettes from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Her designs feel both familiar and slightly off-kilter in the best way possible. Instead of using graphics for its message like Denim Tears, Martine Rose makes her statement through intelligent, unconventional cuts and thoughtful design.
Shop now at martine-rose.com
GmbH is a Berlin-based collective that infuses streetwear with a sleek, almost industrial-like sophistication. The brand uses technical fabrics, thoughtful detailing like statement zippers, and a primarily monochrome palette to create pieces that feel tough yet refined. While Denim Tears focuses on heritage, GmbH finds inspiration in Berlin's club culture and its community's diverse roots for a modern, urban aesthetic.
Shop now at gmbhstore.com
A-Cold-Wall* (ACW) is less of a clothing brand and more of a conceptual art project expressed through apparel. Known for its architectural silhouettes, innovative materials, and deconstructed designs, ACW offers a futuristic and artistic perspective on streetwear. Where Denim Tears looks to the past to inform society, ACW explores future possibilities through its avant-garde and experimental lens.
Shop now at a-cold-wall.com
If you like the storytelling aspect of Denim Tears but want something with a punk-rock edge, Pleasures is your brand. It’s known for provocative graphics and unapologetic slogans that reference ‘90s and Y2K subcultures. The vibe is rebellious, raw, and full of attitude. Pleasures shares a commitment to cultural commentary but dials up the controversy and counter-culture nostalgia.
Shop now at pleasures.la
Born from the Polish club scene, MISBHV combines elements of rave, grunge, and nostalgia to create streetwear with a rebellious, after-dark energy. Think oversized hoodies with edgy graphics, semi-sheer tops, and bold vegan leather pieces. Compared to the cultural focus of Denim Tears, MISBHV’s inspiration comes straight from the dance floor, offering pieces that feel both tough and provocative.
Shop now at misbhv.com
A true visionary in menswear, Belgian designer Raf Simons brings a high-concept, artistic sensibility to themes of youth culture and rebellion. His collections often feature minimalist silhouettes colliding with punk-inspired graphics and patches. While Raf brings a more high-fashion, conceptual approach to his work, he shares the Denim Tears ethos of imbuing clothing with deeper meaning and cultural references.
Shop now at raf-simons.com
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