Few tracksuits do as successful as Trapstar’s have managed to make their transition from an initially underground London brand to a worldwide streetwear classic. It began as small-scale – with a group of friends, in West London, who were designing and printing their own and selling to their own community. Neither strong support from shareholders nor conventional retail channel distribution arrangement. Trapstar work of mouth and true fame in the London music industry would be enough. That grass roots beginnings is the one that stuck with the brand from then on. It is now a means of expression for musicians, sportspeople and fans alike around the globe, and the tracksuits in particular are a garment that the average person will now instantly recognise. How that came about.
Where It Started
Trapstar began when a small group of friends decided probably the most extreme, print/sell/designer way of doing things in their own West London neighbourhood, the mid-2000s. No big sign with no push to retailers, just organically, by people who knew them. The root of that grassroots evolved to make the brand. Henleys and other streetwear brands, which are backed by bigger companies, can oftentimes fail to be this authentic, and Trapstar never had to. Eventually, this ‘authenticity’ became a major selling feature, offering it genuine ground in a marketplace which is just as accessible on terms of the culture as it is of the design.
Music, culture pushed it forward
Things began to get exciting once Trapstar became abundant in the hip-hop, grime and drill scenes of the UK. Artists sporting the outfits in videos, and out in public, did far more for the brand than any of the advertising campaigns. However a few musicians from abroad began to sport a Trapstar Tracksuit and jacket as well and exposure spiraled well beyond London. Most important of all, it didn’t feel like a commercial decision; it sounded entirely authentic, relied upon its own merits and style, and was artist-inspired, which is where streetwear fans believe its worth lies. This was of great importance. It helped to cement the credibility that Trapstar is an entity based on culture and not hype, and that’s what streetwear fans are looking for the most.
Why is the Tracksuits different?
Bold typography, an enforced fit in the tracksuits, which are clearly sharper than those that come out off the standard racket gear, and a sturdier colour scheme are the key elements that draw the suits into the action. The star and lettering design is featured prominently – on the chest, sleeves, anywhere they can be seen. Fabric is important as well – these are more substantial and structured fabrics and feel more like a piece of clothing than just sport wear. It is an intentional decision! It revisions the tracksuits to become fashion choices first, sports more often second, which is how most consumers wear tracksuits — with their outfits instead of for athletic activities.
Due to the scarcity nature of the system, it builds up the hype
Much like any streetwear collection that has been successful, Trapstar goes for those teasers, and no on-going production. Smaller quantities reality equates with scarcity and scarcity equals demand for present use and greater demand for future resale. Similar to the hype surrounding releases of new sneakers, it’s nothing new, but it does work. For many buyers, owning a part of a particular drop isn’t the only element of the iconic clothing. It is a testament to being early, it was something before it blew up. Once you get this kind of social currency, it’s as important as the actual design.
How to Style It
The possibilities are endless when it comes to wearing a Trapstar tracksuit. As a full matching set it provides a clean bold look, with just jumpers and simple sneakers white or black or bring a colour from the tracksuit. Another idea is to mix it up: jacket and jeans or trousers with a plain t-shirt, for a simpler outfit. Either which way, the accessories should be kept to a minimum. The branding and colour is good enough on its own; any additional layers or statement pieces to add extra emphasis would probably only burn down the feet of the tracksuit and detract visibility from it.
Why People Still Care
Much of the reason why Trapstar is still around rests on its versatility of being exclusive yet ably connecting with the culture without going too far. The company has stayed in tune with the music, hence their staying on trend with the up and coming generation. Many labels sever that bond once they start to go big. Partnerships with more significant sportswear and lifestyle brands have also yielded one way to attracting new audiences, while not sacrificing the essence of the brand. In fact, it’s that delicate balance that makes Trapstar sound like they haven’t entered the realm of many now-soaring — and soon to-be-forgotten — labels.
Properly maintaining the Tracksuit
With these tracksuits being so expensive, it makes sense to properly care for them and not only look good for them, but also resell them effective as well. The inside out washing in the cold water helps to keep the printed branding away from early cracking/fading. Avoid high-heat drying completely – most often heat causes warping of the fabric and any raised logo bigramming. With frequently used clothing, hangers should be avoided, the clothes should be air-dried in a flat state, which helps maintain their pencil-thin shape. There’s not any lot of added trouble in doing this, however it makes a world of distinction whether you’re sporting it continually, or you’re still holding onto it like a more kind of a collectible.
Final Thoughts
Trapstar’s rise from a small west London brand to a brand you know outside of the UK is a testament to true authenticity and culture-based brands who can stand up to a lot bigger fashion labels. This is the most important part of what made the brand good Trapstar Tracksuit has definite street wear and is very exclusive, that’s what it’s all about. Whilst the brand continues to expand and climb to become a beacon of light in the world today, its founding principles of community and music remain its most significant traits when seen through. It’s this authenticity and style that makes Trapstar tracksuits a streetwear favorite to this day.
