Breaking Into Streetwear: Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

Streetwear has taken the fashion world by storm, with its roots in skate and hip-hop culture, creating a unique blend of casual and edgy fashion. The industry has grown exponentially, with iconic brands like Supreme, Stussy, and Off-White becoming household names. 

With the sector's continuous growth, many people are interested in pursuing a career in streetwear. Different companies like A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Kith, and Supreme are consistently hiring this year for various roles—including some with little-to-no previous experience required.

Interested in a job at BAPE, job at Kith, or job at Supreme? Here are some tips to help you break into this competitive yet rewarding industry of streetwear apparel

Streetwear Jobs: The Basics

Understand the Culture and Trends

For starters, to succeed in the streetwear industry, it's essential to have a deep understanding of its history, culture, and trends. This is especially important for staying up-to-date so that talking with customers about the latest news is like second nature.

Stay updated on the latest releases and collaborations, and immerse yourself in the community to gain knowledge about the industry's intricacies. Read blogs, watch documentaries, attend fashion events, and follow influential designers on social media platforms to stay informed.

Identify Your Niche

Streetwear is a vast industry with various roles, including design, marketing, merchandising, sales, and more. Determine your area of interest and passion to focus your job search—and tailor your jobs search around what you are looking for. 

For example, if you're a creative individual who loves designing, you may want to pursue a career as a streetwear designer. Alternatively, if you have a knack for identifying trends and predicting what will sell, consider a job in merchandising or buying. And if you are looking for an entry-level position at Kith or another streetwear apparel store like Supreme, looking on platforms like Workwise for those open roles is a great place to start.

Develop Your Skills and Portfolio

Regardless of your desired role, it's crucial to develop relevant skills and showcase your abilities. For designers, this means building a robust portfolio showcasing your unique designs and versatility in different streetwear styles. 

For other roles, creating a portfolio showcasing your experience, expertise, and achievements in areas like marketing, sales, or merchandising can help set you apart—even if you are simply looking for a store associate role at Bape or something similar. Additionally, consider taking courses or pursuing certifications to further your knowledge and skills in your chosen field; these can help set you up for future success.

Network with Industry Professionals—even Online!

Networking is vital in any industry, but it's particularly crucial in the streetwear sector, known for its tight-knit community. Attend industry events, such as trade shows, fashion weeks, and pop-up shops, to meet professionals and make connections. 

Additionally, engage with brands and designers on social media, and don't be afraid to reach out to people for informational interviews. Building relationships can help you gain insider knowledge and potentially lead to job opportunities at companies like BAPE and Off-White.

Gain Relevant Experience

Experience is essential when it comes to breaking into the streetwear industry. Look for internships, freelance projects, or other full-time or part-time jobs with streetwear brands to gain hands-on experience and develop your skills. 

Even if it's not your dream job, working in a related field can provide valuable insight and connections that will help you advance your career. It can also take you a step closer to the job you’re really looking for.

Be Persistent and Adaptable

Breaking into the streetwear industry can be challenging, but persistence is key. Keep refining your skills, expanding your network, and applying to opportunities that align with your goals. The streetwear world is ever-evolving, so stay adaptable and be open to change. This flexibility will show potential employers that you can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Kith Careers are Calling

Landing a job in the streetwear industry requires a combination of passion, knowledge, and determination. By understanding the culture and trends, developing your skills, networking with industry professionals, and showcasing your work, you'll be well on your way to breaking into the industry—even from the ground floor.

Searching jobs at Kith, a Nike career, or similar BAPE job in the streetwear industry? Check out Workwise Job Search: the easiest place to find and share high-quality jobs like these near you. 

Whether you want to filter by neighborhood, hourly wage range, or even look for specific benefits for you and your family, Workwise is here to help. Create a free account to save jobs and compare to your current or past job.

Have Workwise search jobs for you. Sign-up so we can send you jobs that are better than your current role. We will ONLY send you jobs that have a higher salary or better commute.