Gallery Dept Clothing

From a small studio in Los Angeles, Gallery Dept has come a long way to become one of the most well-known and discussed streetwear brands of today. The Gallery Dept  brand’s signature hand painted details, Gallery Dept distressed finishes and unique take on the basics make it hard to differentiate between art and fashion. Each piece has been crafted as though by hand as opposed to coming off the factory line and comes with character right in the fabric.

What Makes Gallery Dept Clothing Different?

A vast majority of streetwear brands follow trends. Gallery Dept does the exact opposite — it considers clothing to be a canvas. With old clothes as the raw material, Josué Thomas, the founder of the label, painted, patched and reworked the clothes to create new ones. There are a few blemishes in the mass produced goods — a bit of paint splattered here, a hem that isn’t perfectly even, a slightly faded wash — which makes each feel individual. But it’s this lack of finishing that is the one thing that separates Gallery Dept from the norm of the streetwear industry

Gallery Dept T-Shirts

It’s in the t-shirts that many people find the brand. Typically, they begin with heavy weight, cotton shirts, and apply distressing, bleaching or hand-applied graphics to each, to make them worn in, lived in, and look as though they had been used. Some Gallery Dept T-Shirts are minimal, with just a logo on the chest; others are bold, paint splattered designs on the front. They are designed from the ground up to resemble your favorite shirt you’ve owned for years, even on the first day.

Gallery Dept Button-Up Shirts

Button ups from Gallery Dept are more relaxed and vintage style. Look for any flannels, western snap T-shirts or denim button-downs that are worn out or do not appear new. The fits are loose enough so it can be layered with a t-shirt and it’s comfortable enough to be worn open under an outfit. Ideal for individuals who want to wear a shirt that is personal yet can’t appear over-dressed.

Gallery Dept Long Sleeve Shirts

The long sleeves fall somewhere between the tees and the button ups, they are casual enough to wear daily but offer just a touch more coverage and structure. Many feature of Gallery Dept long sleeves T-Shirts  the same uncomfortable and hand-painted details that are throughout the rest of the line, as well as thumbholes, raglan sleeves or contrast stitching on some models. They can be used as a solo or under a jacket during colder weather.

Gallery Dept Jeans

Denim is perhaps Gallery Dept’s signature fabric. Heavy distressing, painted panels, patchwork repairs and decades old washes are characteristic features of the jeans. After buying a nice piece of denim, you would eventually have to wear it to get that break-in look to the fabric, but with this piece you get it right away. Depending on the fit, you can choose a slim or relaxed cut, so you can find the silhouette that suits your body type the best, not just one standard fit.

Gallery Dept Shorts

The shorts are designed to follow the same philosophy as the jeans, that is, distressed, painted and/or patched denim and cotton that are intended for warm weather wear. From short and cropped to longer, looser hair, there are choices to suit those who prefer more coverage on their legs. Typically they can be worn with just a plain t-shirt or button down shirt, and fit seamlessly into a pair of jeans.

How to Style Gallery Dept Clothing

As for the rest of an outfit, it is best to keep it simple with Gallery Dept pieces as the focus point. A t-shirt with paint or distressing is more effective when worn with plain jeans or trousers, while a Gallery Dept Clothing  t-shirt with statement denim will work well with a basic white or black shirt. Layering is often used, such as a button-up shirt with the sleeves open over a t-shirt or a long sleeve t-shirt showing above a jacket. Worn boots or sneakers will neutralize worn clothing somewhat when their shoes and boots are cleaned up.

Choosing the Right Size and Fit

Due to the number of pieces that are distressed or hand finished, there may be slight variations in sizing. For best results, review the measurements provided for each item and don’t just assume it’s the same size as you’re used to. Tees and button ups are sized up—those who like it big do—jeans are true to size in most cuts. IIf you’re unsure, you can avoid guesswork by perusing a comprehensive size chart or the feedback of other purchasers.

Everyday Comfort and Streetwear Appeal

Though full of art details, the comfort has not been compromised. The fabrics used are soft and breathable and the loose fits allow for easy wearing throughout the day. It’s exactly this blend of style and comfort that has led to their popularity — a garment can be used for running errands or creating a more thoughtful ensemble. It’s streetwear without sacrificing comfort for style.

Building a Gallery Dept Wardrobe

It’s a brand that doesn’t require too many items to make a difference. A distressed pair of Gallery dept jeans, a couple of graphic tees and one stand out button-up or jacket can be the foundation of an easy-to-mix-and-match wardrobe. The pieces are already full of style, so there’s no need to add a lot of accessories, allowing the garments to shine through.

Why Gallery Dept Clothing Has Appeal

The magic is in the background — clothing that’s created by a non-designer, but an artist, and places a focus on the individual over mass production. The other part is easy – the faded washes, painted details and vintage-inspired cuts stand out from the regular streetwear – yet they don’t go so far as to be difficult to wear. It’s the combination of art, comfort and practicality that makes the brand so popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gallery Dept true to size? With a number of items distressed or hand finished, fit could be different pieces. It is best to refer to each product’s size chart to ensure the right fit.

How is Gallery Dept clothing ‘distressed’? Many of these start as old or blank pieces of clothing, and are reworked by hand, often by painting, fading, patching or otherwise.

Does Gallery Dept cater to streetwear aficionados? It’s definitely inspired by streetwear, but the loose, neutral designs allow it to seamlessly fit into any casual outfit.

What do I do when the pieces are stressed, or painted? Washing clothes inside out, using cold water and using soft washing powders can help keep painted details intact and prevent further wear over time.