19 Brands Like Undercover for Avant-Garde Streetwear

Discover avant-garde streetwear brands like Undercover, where rebellious design meets punk aesthetics. Find unique pieces that make a bold fashion statement.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

With its high-concept approach blending rebellious streetwear, avant-garde design, and punk aesthetics, Undercover has long been a holy grail brand for fashion lovers who aren't afraid to make a statement. Jun Takahashi's vision consistently produces pieces that are both wearable collections of art and reflections of subversive culture.

If you're drawn to Undercover's innovative spirit, bold graphics, and experimental silhouettes, there are plenty of other designers pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. Here are 19 similar brands that every fan of avant-garde streetwear should have on their radar.

1. Rick Owens

Rick Owens is the undisputed king of dark, minimalist, and sculptural fashion. Known for his signature draped silhouettes, luxurious leathers, and monochromatic color palette, Owens creates pieces that feel both ancient and futuristic. While Undercover plays with punk graphics and layered textures, Owens focuses on architectural forms and a powerful, gothic elegance.

Expect a higher price point, with pieces ranging from $500 to over $5,000. It's a statement brand for those who love Undercover's boundary-pushing ethos but prefer a more somber, minimalist, and severe aesthetic that highlights shape and form.

Shop now at rickowens.eu

2. Yohji Yamamoto

A fellow legendary Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto is a master of avant-garde tailoring and deconstructed, oversized shapes. His collections often feature flowing black fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, and an intellectual sense of rebellion that lines up perfectly with Undercover's innovative spirit. Yamamoto’s style is less about graphics and more about creating compelling silhouettes through masterful draping and tailoring.

Where Undercover shouts, Yamamoto whispers with a quiet confidence. Fans of art-inspired, conceptual fashion who appreciate the elegance in asymmetry and movement will find a definitive voice in his designs.

Shop now at yohjiyamamoto.co.jp

3. Acronym

Acronym elevates streetwear to the level of high-performance tech apparel. Celebrated for its futuristic aesthetic, highly functional designs, and innovative materials, the brand creates pieces built for the urban explorer. Think modular jackets, tactical pants, and convertible bags that ooze a cool, utilitarian vibe.

While Undercover communicates rebellion through punk aesthetics and graphics, Acronym does so through technical innovation and a rejection of conventional clothing. If you're drawn to experimental design but prioritize function and a cyberpunk aesthetic, Acronym is a must-see.

Shop now at acrnm.com

4. Vetements

Famous for its deconstructed silhouettes, oversized proportions, and ironic take on pop culture, Vetements redefined modern luxury streetwear. The brand excels at elevating everyday garments like hoodies and jeans into high-fashion statements through subversion and an anti-fashion attitude.

Both Vetements and Undercover blur the lines between high fashion and street culture, attracting an audience that wants more than just clothes - they want a conversation piece. Vetements leans heavily into European street cues and bold, often humorous, commentary.

Shop now at vetementswebsite.com

5. Craig Green

British designer Craig Green is celebrated for his conceptual yet utilitarian creations that look like wearable sculptures. His work is known for layered textures, uniform-inspired elements, and a focus on form and function. Pieces often have a nomadic, protective feel to them, making his ready-to-wear both striking and accessible.

Like Undercover, Craig Green pieces will make people stop and stare. However, Green's work is less about graphic rebellion and more about exploring ideas of structure, community, and emotion through compelling, powerful silhouettes.

Shop now at craig-green.com

6. Maharishi

Maharishi fuses military aesthetics with a pacifist, Eastern philosophy, creating a truly unique-in-its-own-tribe style. Known for their intricate embroidery (especially the iconic tiger), utilitarian details, and use of eco-conscious fabrics, the brand offers a tactical edge for the modern streetwear wardrobe.

It's an excellent Undercover alternative for those who appreciate the rebellious, subculture vibe but are drawn more to camouflage, functional details, and army surplus re-imagination over punk and goth influences.

Shop now at gfdstore.com

7. Off-White

Founded by the late Virgil Abloh, Off-White defined a generation of luxury streetwear with its signature quotation marks, diagonal stripes, and industrial-inspired motifs. The brand blends high-fashion craftsmanship with a recognizable, art-driven graphic sensibility.

If you love the graphic-heavy nature of Undercover but want something with a more commercial and globally recognized status, Off-White is your best bet. Both brands command attention and appeal to trendsetters who see fashion as a form of cultural expression.

Shop now at off---white.com

8. Hyein Seo

Korean designer Hyein Seo creates dark, moody streetwear fueled by a rebellious, youthful energy. Her collections are filled with oversized fits, distressed fabrics, functional hardware, and a clear punk influence that aligns closely with Undercover’s spirit. It's fashion for the modern nonconformist.

Compared to Undercover's often intricate and conceptual approach, Hyein Seo’s designs feel a bit more raw and immediate. It's the perfect choice for someone wanting edgy statement pieces with a distinct, underground edge.

Shop now at hyeinseo.com

9. Martine Rose

Based in London, Martine Rose masterfully blends familiar wardrobe staples with inventive, often "off" proportions and subculture references. She combines a streetwear sensibility with sharp tailoring, creating relaxed yet edgy pieces that challenge conventions. Her collections feel cool and intelligently designed without trying too hard.

While still avant-garde, Martine Rose offers a more deconstructed and refined take compared to Undercover's graphic layering. It’s for those who appreciate subversive design that prioritizes silhouette and clever styling.

Shop now at martine-rose.com

10. GmbH

Berlin-based GmbH delivers a sleek, utilitarian aesthetic that draws from workwear, streetwear, and its founders' European club culture roots. Their gender-neutral collections emphasize technical fabrics, precise cuts, and clean lines, often with signature zipper details or contrast paneling. They bring an industrial elegance to avant-garde fashion.

GmbH offers a more minimalist and functional alternative to Undercover’s graphic storytelling. It’s perfect for those who want innovative, urban-ready pieces with a sharp, subtle edge.

Shop now at Gmbh.online

11. C2H4

C2H4, which takes its name from the chemical formula for ethylene, creates concept-driven collections that feel like they belong in a sci-fi universe. The brand skillfully mixes punk, goth, and futuristic elements into rebellious, layered looks. Expect plenty of bold graphics, deconstructed silhouettes, and a dark color palette.

Where Undercover merges art and fashion, C2H4 leans deeper into gritty sci-fi narratives and cyberpunk role-playing, making for an aesthetic that’s incredibly specific and cool. It’s a great fit for anyone who wants their wardrobe to feel like it’s straight out of a stylistic dystopian film.

Shop now at c2h4human.com

12. Y/Project

Creative director Glenn Martens has turned Y/Project into a powerhouse of deconstructed and experimental design. The brand is known for taking classic garments - like denim jackets, boots, and trousers - and completely twisting them into new, avant-garde forms through innovative layering, ruching, and hardware.

If you're drawn to Undercover's conceptual nature but are particularly fascinated with how clothing can be reshaped and reinterpreted, Y/Project is a playground of structural creativity. Their looks are complex, challenging, and undeniably head-turning.

Shop now at yproject.fr

13. KidSuper

KidSuper brings a burst of playful, artistic energy to the streetwear scene. Led by artist Colm Dillane, the brand infuses every piece with colorful graphics, quirky details, and a sense of unabashed creativity, often resembling wearable paintings. The DIY, community-driven spirit behind the brand makes it feel incredibly authentic.

While Undercover's themes are often darker and more punk-inspired, KidSuper offers a brighter, more optimistic-but-still-edgy form of avant-garde expression. It's for those who want their clothes to showcase a love for art and storytelling in a fun, vibrant way.

Shop now at kidsuper.com

14. Ader Error

This cult-favorite Korean collective deconstructs familiar basics into something fresh, fun and entirely new. Ader Error is recognized for its playful approach, which often includes exaggerated proportions, vibrant color-blocking, intentional imperfections, and quirky, deadpan graphics. Their "but near missed things" philosophy explores finding beauty and inspiration in imperfection.

Undercover's avant-garde leanings are often found in darker themes, while Ader Error brings an upbeat sense of humor to its deconstructed artful wearables. For Undercover fans looking to get a little bit more playful with fashion, their experiment in fashion is accessible without feeling intimidating.

Shop now at adererror.com

15. Comme des Garçons

No list about avant-garde fashion would be complete without the legendary Rei Kawakubo and her brand, Comme des Garçons. CdG is synonymous with conceptual, anti-fashion philosophies, producing some of the most challenging and artful collections of all time. Their designs often feature unconventional silhouettes, deconstruction, and an experimental use of fabrics.

While many of Undercover’s pieces fall under streetwear, Comme des Garçons resides more in the realm of high-concept art. Both share a rebellious Japanese spirit and an unending desire to push design forward, making CdG the OG inspiration for boundary-breakers everywhere.

Shop now at doverstreetmarket.com

16. Moss Bureau

Moss Bureau offers experimental, genderless streetwear rooted in art and rebellious self-expression. Known for oversized and deconstructed silhouettes, the brand combines striking graphics and intricate layering to create pieces that feel distinct and personal. Much like Undercover, each collection feels like wearable commentary.

The aesthetic is raw and edgy, making Moss Bureau an excellent choice for those wanting to explore the deeper cuts of avant-garde Japanese street fashion beyond the more established names.

Shop now at moss-bureau.world.coocan.jp

17. John Elliott

John Elliott approaches modern streetwear from a minimalist perspective, focusing on premium materials, perfect fits, and innovative fabric treatments. While best known for elevated basics like sweats and tees, his collections often include avant-garde undertones through unique silhouettes, custom dyeing processes, and thoughtful detailing.

Compared to Undercover's overt graphic statements, Elliott’s rebellion is more subtle. It’s for the person who appreciates experimental design but prefers clean lines and exceptional quality over loud prints, embodying a quieter kind of confidence.

Shop now at johnelliott.com

18. Faustine Steinmetz

London-based Faustine Steinmetz treats everyday garments, especially denim, as canvases for an artisanal experiment. Her work is celebrated for its incredible texture, created through weaving, dyeing, shredding, and distressing techniques. It's streetwear with a couture-level approach to textiles.

While Undercover conveys stories through layered graphics and prints, Steinmetz tells them through fabric manipulation and tactile details. She's a unique choice for fashion-lovers who are fascinated by craft and want pieces that feel hand-touched and truly special.

Shop now at de-vie.com

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