There’s a lot of work to be done in the fight against systemic racism and police brutality against Black Americans. You can protest, vote, battle for policies aimed at ending discrimination in law enforcement, call local government officials, and donate—if you can, whatever you can—to bail funds and other vital organizations. (We have some suggestions, if you need ’em.) And while you’re thinking about where you can put your money to work, it makes sense to apply that same consideration to your closet, too. To that end, we’ve put together a (by no means complete) list of black-owned fashion labels and clothing stores. Whether you’re looking for a fit-worthy sweatsuit or a masterfully crafted business suit, start here next time you’re stocking up.
In just seven short years, designer Kerby Jean-Raymond has built Pyer Moss into one of the most vital and consequential fashion labels in America.
Johnny Nelson’s signature rings depict prominent black icons like Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Harriet Tubman.
Adrien Sauvage’s dandyish tailoring takes cues from both his native London and his adopted hometown of Los Angeles.
The driving force behind the 15 Percent Pledge, designer Aurora James’s label crafts elegant, distinctive footwear and leather goods.
The designer behind the “Bushwick Birkin” has become a global sensation for his ambitious, artful collections.
A rising streetwear label co-founded by designer John Dean, an L.A. transplant by way of Akron, Ohio.
For nearly 30 years, XULY.Bët has remained one of the most original and vibrant forces in Parisian fashion.
Philadelphia’s Saeed Ferguson prints his simple and substantive graphics on highly coveted tees, sweats, and totes.
The standout menswear model’s eponymous line produces classic, Italian-made lace-ups, loafers, and boots.
Founded in Amsterdam by a trio of friends, this streetwear blog-turned-clothing label flips staples like camp shirts, trucker jackets, and cargo pants in strong hues and bold prints.
Designed by husband-and-wife duo Kristin and Kofi Essel, this New York line’s head-turning jewelry is beloved by the likes of Beyonce and Issa Rae.
Identical twins Dynasty and Soull Ogun specialize in a striking array of clothing, fine jewelry, and eyewear.
Ashya focuses on exquisite leather belt bags and crossbody satchels.
Brooklyn-bred tailor Davidson Petit-Frère’s bespoke suits have graced the backs of Chris Paul, Jay-Z, Diddy, Michael B. Jordan, and dozens of other luminaries.
Twin brothers Warner and Waverly Watkins weave sharp, narrative-driven collections influenced by the current political climate, their Virginian roots, and the hardcore punk scene they grew up in.
The lifestyle brand founded by the late, great musician and activist Nipsey Hussle.
Smartly updated takes on collegiate classics like varsity jackets and chenille patch sweatshirts.
Tremaine Emory, one of the professional cool guys behind party throwing-slash-branding-slash-clothing design outpost No Vacancy Inn, explores the “stories of the oppressed” under his Denim Tears moniker.
At just 26, British wunderkind Bianca Saunders has already established herself as one of the most inventive new voices in menswear, reimagining suiting and workwear staples with a playful, incisive eye.
After working with the likes of Nigel Cabourn and Beams, Central St Martins grad Nicholas Daley struck out on his own with a line of trippy, drapey, utterly desirable clothes that seems to get stronger every season.
No Sesso—Italian for “no sex/no gender”—fashions unconventional, boundary-bending clothes befitting its name.
Former Virgil Abloh protégé Samuel Ross is a master of techy outerwear, slouchy tailoring, and elevated sweats.
Martine Rose was one of the secret weapons behind Balenciaga during the first few seasons of Demna Gvasalia’s reign. Her eponymous brand mixes workwear codes with far-out shapes (plus some of the baddest square-toe shoes in history).
Designer Niyi Okuboyejo applies the Nigerian adire dyeing technique to everything from camp-collar shirts to extremely wavy neckties.
Grace Wales Bonner’s clothing is meticulous and elegant, with every new collection the result of deep creative collaboration with artists, musicians, and writers.
Among Waraire Boswell’s many fans are Jay Z, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant. Colin Kaepernick wore the brand in this magazine, too. Boswell makes ready-to-wear but might best be known for his custom suiting.
Kenneth Nicholson is a former Navy member who uses his experience, and childhood living on Army bases, to reimagine uniforms in a fashionable way.
Marcel Ames gives new meaning to “southern dandy” from his Neapolitan tailoring outpost in Richmond, VA.
One of the finest stores in menswear just so happens to be run by one of the most thoughtful men in the industry.
This Bed-Stuy gem focuses on vintage clothing, literature, collectibles, and oddities all tied to vibrant moments in black history.
Some of the best prints in the game, on fabrics hand-dyed in Nigeria.
You will NOT understand plaid until you step into Kenneth Ize’s universe.
Brooklyn native Romeo Hunte crafts out-there outerwear, like patchwork shearling coats and intricately paneled trenches.
Haitian-born, New York-raised Victor Gleamed sumptuous knits are beloved by the likes of Iman, Dominique Jackson, and Selena Gomez.
Phlemuns is sooo coooool, a far-out and sexy but subtle mix of knits and denim that’s helped make LA a new hub of anti-establishment fashion.
Co-founded by Rosario Dawson—yes, that Rosario Dawson—and Abrima Erwiah, Studio 189 ethically manufactures its spectacularly hand-dyed gear using traditional techniques in Accra, Ghana.
Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow’s label sprang up in the early days of the #menswear revolution, and their ultra-New York gear still packs a punch.
London-based designer Mowalola Ogunlesi loves skimpy silhouettes, freaky-ass color palettes, and Nine Inch Nails. What more could you ask for?
South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo’s epic knitwear takes inspiration from traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns.
Charlie Casely-Hayford launched his namesake label with his late father Joe a decade ago, bringing a fresh sensibility to traditional Savile Row tailoring.
Darryl Brown’s hardy, American-made workwear reflects his unusual path to fashion: he worked at a steel mill, as a railroad engineer, and at General Motors before launching his line.
Brett Johnson combines American styles with Italian materials to create refined pieces entirely his own.
This Senegalese label is dedicated to offering sophisticated African-made fashion at wildly affordable prices.
A vintage store blessed with a far more eccentric and curatorial eye than leagues of its competitors.
Spencer Badu offers crisp, minimal takes on sportswear silhouettes like quarter-zip pullovers and cargo joggers.
Nigeria designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal creates show-stopping pieces in metallic fabrics and uncommon hues.
Toronto’s 4YE is known mainly for its signature durags, but has recently branched out to reworked vintage sweats and throwback airbrushed hoodies.
