Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010

Skateboarders in Tokyo are as style-conscious as everyone else in the city, and the most important thing after the perfect board is the proper clothing. Seeking an authentic look, skaters flock to Harajuku and Shibuya shops offering imported gear by West Coast brands. As more and more pros in the US expand their activities into apparel design, there is no shortage of brands that fit the skater way of life. Altamont, founded by skaters Andrew Reynolds and Mark “Fos” Foster, features designs inspired by graffiti, mass media, and music. Skateboarding World Cup winner Brian Anderson founded the Fourstar brand, which bypasses the current trend toward overly baggy clothes in favor of a more classic look that functions equally well for boarding or casual wear. Californian-based shoe brand Lakai has found enough fans on these shores that they are now issuing Japan-exclusive models each season. While not strictly a skate brand, Hellz offers gear for urban girls with a non-conformist bent. Skate wear is designed to be durable and rugged but at the same time nonconstricting and breathable, making it perfect gear for moving through the streets of our crowded metropolis—even for people that don’t know the difference between an Ollie and a Kick Flip.

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