Skateboarding isn't just about mastering tricks, it's a vibe and culture, a lifestyle, and for many of us, a daily uniform. The clothes we wear when we ride say just as much about us as the boards beneath our feet. Here at Switch Skate and Snow, based in Ajax, Ontario, we know how vital it is to find the right gear and apparel that blends function with street-ready style.
That’s why we've pulled together a detailed, no-fluff guide on the best skateboarding apparel brands, trending streetwear labels, and local favourites that are making waves right now.
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Why Skateboarding Apparel Matters
We’ve been skating long enough to know this: skateboarding takes a toll on your clothes. Rips, scuffs, sweat, and rough landings are part of the ride. That’s why investing in solid skateboarding apparel brands isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about durability, comfort, and confidence.
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Durability: Skateboarding brands like Dickies and Carhartt WIP build their clothes to take a beating.
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Comfort: Flexible, breathable fabrics keep you moving freely.
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Style: Let's face it—skatewear is the backbone of streetwear.
These brands have built credibility through years of trial and error, backed by both pro skaters and everyday riders. And with the rise of skateboarding streetwear crossovers, what you wear off the board matters too.
If you are not too crazy about streetwear skateboard brands checkout local gear made in house by Switch. Switch Merch has been around since we've opened and offers great flexibility, and are made out of high quality and ethical materials.
Top Skateboarding Apparel Brands That Riders Swear By From Time
Not all clothing is made equal, especially when it comes to the skate scene. These are the labels dominating the streets, ramps, and rails.
1. Thrasher
Love it or hate it, Thrasher is everywhere. From tees to hoodies, their fiery logo has become iconic. But this isn’t just hype—they’ve been embedded in the skate scene since 1981.
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Iconic flame logo
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True skateboarding roots
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Regular collabs with core brands
- Shop Thrasher Clothing
2. Supreme
Yes, Supreme started as a skate shop. Now? It’s one of the most sought-after brands on the planet. While it’s leaned heavily into fashion, the brand still produces durable skate staples.
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Premium material
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Crossover appeal
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Limited drops for exclusivity
- Visit Supreme official website
3. Vans
We’ve all rocked Vans at some point. Their shoes are legendary, but their apparel holds up too. From cargo pants to graphic tees, Vans keeps it skateable and stylish.
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Affordable pricing
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Heavy skate community presence
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Known for killer collaborations
- Shop Vans at Switch
4. Polar Skate Co.
Born in Sweden, this brand knows how to bring the style. Their cuts are slightly boxy, their pants are roomy, and their designs are fresh but lowkey.
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Loved for their baggy jeans
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Artistic designs from pro skaters
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Built by skaters for skaters
- Shop Polars at Switch
Honorable Mentions in the Skatewear World
Let’s not forget about these names that consistently deliver quality and innovation.
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HUF – founded by pro skater Keith Hufnagel.
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Dickies – timeless workwear turned skate essential.
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Butter Goods – Australian label making noise globally.
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Carhartt WIP – combines workwear durability with Euro-style cuts.
Each of these has their own flavor but shares one thing: authenticity.
Trending Streetwear Brands That Blend Seamlessly With Skate Culture
You know the look—oversized hoodies, baggy cargos, and beat-up sneakers. These brands ride the line between fashion and skate.
1. Stüssy
One of the OG streetwear brands. While not solely skate-focused, its influence on skate fashion is undeniable.
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Vintage surf-skate aesthetic
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Consistently ahead of trends
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Quality fabrics and relaxed fits
2. Palace Skateboards
Straight outta London, Palace brings humor, edge, and a ton of style to the skate scene. If you're looking for bold graphics and attention-grabbing colors, this one’s for you.
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Loud designs, subtle heritage
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Part fashion, part function
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Skate team approved
3. Bronze 56k
Think internet nostalgia mixed with gritty NYC skateboarding. Bronze isn’t for everyone—but if you like underground, you’ll love them.
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Y2K-inspired graphics
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Low-production runs
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Raw and authentic skate vibe
What's Hot in Skate Fashion Right Now?
Every season brings new flavors to the skate scene. Here's what we’re seeing everywhere—from skateparks in Toronto to ramps in Vancouver:
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Baggy cargo pants
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Oversized crewnecks
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Layered graphic tees
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Muted earth tones
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Pops of neon and retro prints
And don't forget the beanies and bucket hats—they’re making a serious comeback.
Canadian Skateboarding Style: How We Ride in Ontario
Skating in Canada comes with its own challenges—think snow, unpredictable weather, and gritty urban terrain. Here in Ontario, especially around Durham Region and Ajax, we’ve noticed some consistent themes in how skaters dress:
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Layering is key – Weather can shift quick, so having a hoodie, flannel, and waterproof shell in your arsenal is smart.
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Durable fabrics win – You need gear that can stand up to both slams and salt-stained streets.
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Canadian brands matter – Supporting homegrown talent like Dime (Montreal) is becoming more important.
Why We Carry Only the Best at Switch Skate and Snow
At Switch, we don’t stock brands just because they’re trendy. We test what we carry. Our team skates. We ride. We fall. And we know what works.
From Polar Skate Co. jeans to Thrasher hoodies, every item in our clothing collection is picked for:
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Durability
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Authenticity
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Skate functionality
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Style that works on and off the board
We aim to offer only the best skateboarding apparel brands that reflect Canadian skate culture—without breaking the bank.
Key Features to Look for in Skateboarding Clothing
Ever wonder what separates “just a shirt” from solid skate gear? Here’s what we always check:
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Reinforced seams
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Heavyweight cotton or canvas
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Flexible fits (especially for pants)
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Breathability and quick-dry fabric
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Secure pockets (for your phone, wallet, etc.)
These features matter because they directly impact how you ride.
Research-Backed Fact: Skateboarding and Streetwear Are Growing Together
According to a report by Statista, the global streetwear market is projected to hit $185 billion by 2027, with a significant chunk tied to skateboarding influence. This shows that skate style isn't just a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
Shopping Skateboarding Apparel Near Me in Ontario
If you’ve ever Googled "skateboarding apparel brands near me" and come up short, we get it. That’s why we make it easy for riders across Ajax, Durham, Toronto, and beyond to find authentic gear. Whether you're walking into our shop or ordering online, our selection is tailored to the needs of Canadian skaters.
We're proud to be a go-to hub for the GTA—offering premium skate and snow gear all under one roof.
Local Support: Why We Keep It Canadian
Supporting Canadian skate shops means keeping the culture alive. We're more than a store—we’re a community hub. Every brand we carry supports skateboarding in some way, and we reinvest right back into local events, ramps, and riders.
Building a Skate Wardrobe That Lasts
Here’s how we recommend building your skatewear lineup:
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Start with essentials: A few heavyweight tees, durable pants, and a solid hoodie.
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Add layers: Flannels, long-sleeves, and light jackets for versatility.
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Finish with footwear: Invest in real skate shoes. Vans, Nike SB, or Lakai—we’ve got options.
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Rotate and repeat: Refresh pieces when they wear out, and evolve your look over time.
Conclusion
From iconic labels like Thrasher to new school players like Dime and Butter Goods, the world of skateboarding apparel brands is as diverse as the riders themselves. If you're in Ontario or anywhere across Canada, and you're looking for quality gear that speaks to the culture—we’ve got your back. At Switch Skate and Snow, we ride what we sell. And we stand behind it.
So whether you're bombing hills in Ajax or hitting rails in Toronto, dress like you mean it—and skate with confidence. At Switch Skate and Snow, we are committed to delivering expert-vetted, experience-backed insights through our local roots, authentic skate knowledge, and a curated catalog built by skaters, for skaters.
FAQs
1. What are the best skateboarding apparel brands right now?
Thrasher, Polar Skate Co., Vans, Supreme, and Palace lead the pack. They're trusted by pros and everyday skaters alike.
2. Can I wear streetwear brands for skating?
Yes, as long as the gear is durable. Brands like Stüssy and Carhartt WIP work great on and off the board.
3. Where can I find skateboarding apparel near me in Ontario?
Check out Switch Skate and Snow in Ajax or browse our online store for the best skatewear in the GTA and Durham Region.
4. How do I know if skate apparel is high quality?
Look for heavy fabrics, reinforced stitching, and relaxed but structured fits that allow movement and hold up against wear.
5. What’s trending in skate fashion right now?
Baggy pants, oversized tees, vintage prints, and functional layers are dominating the skate style scene right now.
