Since its inception in 2010, Human Made has become one of the most influential and sought-after streetwear brands in the world. Known for its distinctive aesthetic and commitment to craftsmanship, the brand blends vintage American workwear, military surplus, and Japanese attention to detail to create a unique style that resonates with both fashion enthusiasts and street culture fans alike. Founded by the legendary Nigo, Human Made has carved out a niche for itself by offering a refined yet rebellious take on street fashion. But what exactly makes Human Made’s style so iconic? Let’s explore the elements that define the brand’s signature look.
The Visionary Behind Human Made: Nigo
To truly understand the iconic style of Human Made, it’s essential to first examine the vision behind the brand. Nigo—the designer and founder—is no stranger to the world of street fashion. Human Made As the creator of A Bathing Ape (BAPE), he helped shape the global streetwear landscape in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. After parting ways with BAPE in 2013, Nigo founded Human Made as an outlet for his personal design aesthetic—a blend of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and quality.
Human Made was born out of Nigo’s passion for vintage Americana, a love for 1950s and 1960s industrial and workwear fashion, and a fascination with the way Japanese culture has historically absorbed and reinterpreted Western influences. Unlike BAPE, which was bold and graphic-heavy, Human Made’s designs are more subtle, focusing on refined details and quality materials while maintaining a sense of playfulness and fun. It’s a tribute to Nigo’s early years growing up in Japan, where he was drawn to American pop culture, classic cars, and retro advertisements.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Design: The Aesthetic of Human Made
At the heart of Human Made’s iconic style is its nostalgic aesthetic. The brand’s design language is deeply rooted in mid-20th-century Americana, particularly 1950s and 1960s workwear and military surplus. This means you’ll find classic items like denim jackets, chore coats, flannel shirts, and baseball tees in nearly every collection. These garments are reimagined with modern fits, premium materials, and subtle updates, creating a look that feels both timeless and fresh.
One of the standout features of Human Made is its consistent use of vintage-inspired logos, fonts, and graphic elements. The brand’s most iconic graphic is the heart-shaped logo, a symbol that appears across a range of products, from t-shirts to outerwear. The heart logo is a simple yet effective representation of the brand’s ethos: a love for old-school design, paired with a playful and lighthearted spirit. It’s a motif that evokes feelings of nostalgia while simultaneously maintaining a sense of modernity.
In addition to the heart, Human Made often incorporates old-school typography, typewriter fonts, and vintage logo designs into its pieces. These references to post-war American culture, from typography to branding, highlight Nigo’s fascination with the past, while his meticulous attention to detail ensures the designs never feel outdated. The combination of retro imagery with modern sensibilities has made Human Made’s clothing highly recognizable, appealing to a diverse range of consumers.
Craftsmanship and Quality: The Heart of Human Made
Human Made’s commitment to craftsmanship is one of the key elements that sets it apart from other streetwear brands. While many streetwear labels focus on mass production and quick turnover, Human Made places a strong emphasis on premium materials and meticulous construction. The brand’s garments are known for their longevity and durability, offering more than just style—they are made to last.
Nigo’s appreciation for high-quality textiles and meticulous attention to detail is evident in every piece. Human Made’s denim jackets, for example, are made from heavy-duty, raw denim, offering a rugged look that only improves with age. Similarly, the brand’s flannel shirts and sweaters are crafted from top-tier cotton and wool blends, making them both functional and stylish.
This focus on craftsmanship extends beyond just the materials. Many Human Made pieces are made in Japan, where the country’s reputation for fine craftsmanship plays a significant role in the brand’s overall aesthetic. By combining Japanese manufacturing with American-inspired designs, Human Made is able to produce garments that speak to both authenticity and precision—two values that have become synonymous with the brand.
The Iconic Pieces: What Defines Human Made Clothing
Human Made’s collections are diverse, but there are certain pieces that have become synonymous with the brand’s identity. These iconic items serve as the cornerstone of the brand’s style, and every new collection builds upon these signature looks. Some of the most iconic pieces include:
- Denim Jackets: These rugged, raw denim jackets are a staple of the Human Made wardrobe. They are crafted with vintage-inspired cuts and detailing, like oversized pockets, thick stitching, and brand-specific patches, giving them a timeless yet modern appeal.
- Chore Coats and Military Jackets: Drawing from vintage workwear and military surplus, these jackets feature utilitarian designs, large pockets, and durable fabrics. The military-inspired pieces often incorporate subtle branding, like embroidered hearts or classic Nigo graphics.
- Graphic Tees: Human Made’s graphic t-shirts are a central part of its identity, featuring everything from retro logos and typewriter fonts to whimsical animal motifs and playful sayings. These t-shirts are simple but eye-catching, making them versatile staples for both casual and street-style looks.
- Sweatshirts and Hoodies: The brand’s sweatshirts and hoodies are essential for the Human Made wardrobe. These items often feature the signature heart logo, simple typography, or vintage-style graphics, creating a comfortable yet stylish option for everyday wear.
- Footwear: Human Made has also collaborated with major brands like Adidas and Visvim to create footwear collections that align with the brand’s aesthetic. These collaborations have led to the creation of shoes that blend classic designs with innovative materials and craftsmanship, ensuring they remain as iconic as the clothing.
Collaborations: Expanding Human Made’s Influence
Human Made’s rise to prominence is also attributed to its ability to collaborate with major brands, blending streetwear with luxury fashion and technical gear. The brand’s collaborations with Adidas, The North Face, and Visvim have showcased Nigo’s ability to bridge different fashion worlds while staying true to the brand’s core identity.
For example, the Human Made x Adidas collaborations often combine the brand’s vintage-inspired designs with Adidas’ sportswear heritage, creating limited-edition sneakers and apparel that reflect both street style and athletic performance. Similarly, collaborations with The North Face have resulted in functional yet stylish outerwear that incorporates Human Made’s signature retro flair.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Human Made
The iconic style of Human Made is defined by a perfect balance between nostalgia, craftsmanship, and modern street fashion. Nigo’s commitment to quality, vintage-inspired design, and playful graphics has made the brand a standout in the streetwear scene. Through its iconic heart logo, premium materials, and collaborations with major fashion and sportswear brands, Human Made has firmly established itself as a cultural and fashion force to be reckoned with. As the brand continues to evolve, it will no doubt remain a beacon of timeless style, offering garments that are as relevant today as they were when the brand first began.