Streetwear and anime have formed a powerful alliance within the fashion world, driven by their shared principles of nostalgia and stunning visual aesthetics. While it took some time for streetwear labels to fully embrace anime, recent years have seen an influx of collaborations that make up for lost time. Being an otaku is now considered cool, thanks to these top anime collaborations in the history of streetwear.
Bait x Diadora x Astro Boy
Bait and Diadora joined forces with the legendary Astro Boy to create a trendy clothing line that pays homage to this iconic anime character. Since its launch in 2017, this collaboration has showcased Bait’s fearless embrace of cartoon ties, making it one of their most memorable partnerships.
The Hundreds x HOOK-UPS
The fusion of streetwear and anime began with graffiti and skateboarding, where brands like Jeremy Klein’s anime-themed Hook-Ups gained prominence. The Hundreds x HOOK-UPS collaboration in 2013 marked one of the earliest anime design collections, featuring exclusive anime designs of LA Dream Girl and Adam Bomb-San.
MSGM X Attacker You!
MSGM’s SS/19 Menswear collection drew inspiration from the 80s athletic anime “Attacker You!” The collaboration featured vibrant colors and characters from the series, resulting in an exceptional cut-and-sew anime collab that resonated with fans across Europe.
BAPE x One Piece ∣ Dragon Ball ∣
Pokemon BAPE, known for its strong presence in streetwear and anime collaborations, has partnered with three major anime franchises: One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Pokemon. From the 2012 release of BAPE x One Piece, which featured Zoro in BAPE, to the recent collaborations with Dragon Ball and Pokemon, BAPE has consistently delivered iconic pieces for anime enthusiasts.
Uniqlo X Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon ∣ Shonen Jump
Uniqlo’s collaborations with Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon and Shonen Jump brought anime-inspired streetwear to a new level. The Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon collection offered t-shirt connoisseurs a range of options, from screen printed graphics to customizable features like color and sleeve length. The Shonen Jump collaboration celebrated 50 years of Jump’s library, featuring stylish tops inspired by both modern and historical anime titles.
Air Jordan x Slam Dunk
The Air Jordan x Slam Dunk collaboration paid homage to the basketball-themed anime series, Slam Dunk. The collection featured exclusive apparel and silhouettes on Air Jordan sneakers, incorporating motifs that depicted the story of Sakuragi. This collaboration captured the essence of the iconic anime series.
AKIRA x Supreme
The highly hyped collaboration between AKIRA and Supreme showcased the cyberpunk aesthetic of the iconic Japanese manga series. The range included an extensive selection of apparel, from parkas and jackets to t-shirts and hats, all featuring elements inspired by AKIRA’s post-apocalyptic world.
Adidas x Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball’s popularity soared in 2018, leading to a collaboration with Adidas. This partnership resulted in a series of sneakers that paid tribute to the show’s beloved characters and epic battles. Each sneaker release was accompanied by an action figure of the corresponding character, making it a must-have for fans.
These anime collaborations in streetwear history demonstrate the power of merging two creative worlds. They have not only captivated the hearts of anime enthusiasts but also introduced a new wave of fashion that celebrates the iconic art and storytelling of anime.
