The Jackets That Defined Rap Culture: How Avirex, Starter & More Became Streetwear Icons

Rap culture and fashion go hand in hand.

From oversized jeans to iced-out chains, every piece of clothing tells a story.

And when it comes to outerwear, jackets have always been a status symbol.

Whether it’s:

• A crisp Avirex leather
• A classic Starter pullover
• Or a North Face bubble

the right jacket can:

• Turn heads
• Flex wealth
• And stamp a rapper’s identity in the streets.

Let’s take a deep dive into how jackets have shaped rap culture and why these iconic pieces still hold weight today.

Avirex: The Leather Legend

When you think of Avirex, you think of:

• Premium leather
• Bold patches
• And heavyweight status.

This brand made its mark in the ’90s and early 2000s, becoming a staple in hip-hop thanks to its military-inspired bomber designs and insane quality.

Rappers Who Rocked It:

• Nas flexed an Avirex in the Hate Me Now era, solidifying its spot as a hustler’s uniform.
• DMX, known for his raw energy and street presence, frequently donned Avirex leathers, adding to his rugged persona.
• Jay-Z and Dipset also embraced the brand, making it clear that Avirex was not just a jacket – it was a symbol of power.

Even today, Avirex is making a comeback with new drops, tapping into the nostalgia of those who lived through its golden age while attracting younger generations who appreciate timeless street fashion.

Starter Jackets: The Ultimate Throwback

Before Avirex, Starter jackets were the go-to flex piece in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

These satin-finish, oversized team jackets weren’t just sportswear – they were streetwear before streetwear had a name.

Why Starter Jackets Blew Up in Hip-Hop:

• Team Affiliation: Repping a team jacket wasn’t just about sports – it was about claiming territory. Lakers, Bulls, Raiders, and Georgetown Hoyas jackets were hood favorites.
• Music Videos & Street Cred: LL Cool J, Run DMC, and N.W.A. all rocked Starter, pushing the brand to iconic status.
• Accessibility & Swagger: Unlike designer pieces, Starter jackets were attainable but still made a statement. They gave young hustlers and up-and-comers a taste of fresh fashion without breaking the bank.

Starter may have faded from the mainstream for a while, but the recent resurgence of vintage and 90s nostalgia has brought them back into rotation.

Pelle Pelle: The King of Custom Leather

Pelle Pelle jackets were different from Avirex in that they leaned more into:

• Customization
• Graffiti-inspired designs
• And heavy embellishments.

This brand was for those who wanted to stand out even more.

Hip-Hop’s Love Affair with Pelle Pelle:

• Detroit legends like Big Meech and BMF turned Pelle Pelle into a streetwear must-have.
• 50 Cent and G-Unit brought Pelle Pelle into the mainstream, showcasing them in music videos and interviews.
• The custom designs and crazy colorways made each jacket unique, reinforcing the idea that if you had a Pelle Pelle, you were somebody.

While Pelle Pelle has slowed down in mainstream hip-hop, vintage collectors and underground fashion heads still hunt these down today.

The Bubble Coat Era: North Face, Triple Fat Goose & More

Bubble coats weren’t just about fashion –  they were a necessity.

Cold East Coast winters demanded heavy-duty outerwear, but rappers made it a style statement.

Key Players in the Bubble Coat Game:

• North Face Nupste: A go-to for NYC rappers, The North Face became essential streetwear. Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, and Dipset made sure the Nuptse wasn’t just about warmth – it was about looking fly.
• Triple Fat Goose: Before Canada Goose, there was Triple Fat Goose. Known for its puffed-up insulation and rugged appeal, this jacket was seen on hustlers and rap icons alike.
• Helly Hansen: This waterproof, technical brand became a hood favorite in the ‘90s, often associated with drug dealers and get-money culture.

Even today, bubble coats remain a winter flex, with brands like:

• Moncler
• Canada Goose
• And even vintage North Faces

making waves.

Gucci & Designer Jackets: The Rapper Uniform

Once hip-hop started making serious money, luxury brands became part of the culture.

• Gucci
• Louis Vuitton
• Fendi
• And Prada

all became essential to a rapper’s wardrobe, and jackets were no exception.

Designer Jackets & Rap:

• Dapper Dan x Gucci: Before rappers had official collaborations, Harlem’s Dapper Dan was remixing high-fashion into custom streetwear. His Gucci-inspired leather jackets became legendary.
• Runway to Rap Videos: Artists like Future, Lil Baby, and Kanye West regularly flex Gucci, Balenciaga, and LV outerwear in their visuals, making designer jackets a status symbol.
• Customization & Excess: Rappers don’t just wear designer – they make it their own. From fur-lined bombers to monogrammed trenches, luxury jackets have become a core part of hip-hop’s visual aesthetic.

The Jacket as a Status Symbol

In rap, every piece of clothing means something.

A jacket isn’t just outerwear – it’s a statement.

• Leather jackets (Avirex, Pelle Pelle) = OG street legend, authority, and wealth.
• Starter jackets = Classic hip-hop nostalgia and loyalty to the game.
• Bubble coats = Survival, winter hustle, and real streetwear.
• Designer jackets = Wealth, power, and making it out of the struggle.

These jackets have been stitched into the fabric of rap culture, not just for their aesthetics but for the status they represent.

They tell a story of:

• Where you’ve been
• Where you’re going
• And how you choose to show up.

The Future of Jackets in Rap Culture

As streetwear continues to evolve, jackets remain a core staple.

Brands like:

• Supreme
• Off-White
• And Fear of God

are redefining outerwear, while vintage Avirex and Starter pieces are making a huge comeback.

Even newer artists are tapping into the nostalgia, bringing back styles from the ‘90s and early 2000s.

The message is clear:

No matter how trends shift, the right jacket will always be a symbol of status, style, and culture in hip-hop.

What’s Your Go-To Rap Jacket?

Got a classic piece in your collection?

Whether it’s a vintage Avirex or a fresh Gucci bomber, let us know what jacket makes you feel like a boss.

Stay locked in with RealTrapFits.com for more deep dives into streetwear, rap culture, and the styles that define the game.