Synthwave & Retrowave Clothing Brands in 2026: How to Choose
Quick answer: Five brands cover most of what people mean by synthwave or retrowave clothing in 2026: Akade Wear, NeoMachi, Newretro.Net, Retro Outlaws and Vapor95. Which one fits depends on what you're after: a full outfit with VHS-style sneakers, all-over-print vaporwave shirts, graphic tees and posters, loud 80s streetwear, or darker cyberpunk pieces.
Disclosure: this guide is published by Newretro.Net, one of the five brands below. They're listed in alphabetical order, not ranked, and the notes on the other brands come from their own sites.
The five brands at a glance
| Brand | Known for | Typical price | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akade Wear | Loud, colorful 80s streetwear graphics | $30 to $65 | Varies |
| NeoMachi | Cyberpunk and Japanese-inspired hoodies, jackets and tees, printed in Europe | €35 to €100 | Varies |
| Newretro.Net | VHS-tape sneakers, plus shirts, jackets, sunglasses and watches | Most pieces $20 to $90; VHS sneakers $89.99 to $299.99 | Free worldwide |
| Retro Outlaws | Synthwave tees, hoodies and wall art | $25 to $60 | Varies |
| Vapor95 | All-over-print vaporwave shirts and pants, made in the USA | $40 to $70 | Paid, US-based |
How to choose
If you want the whole outfit, sneakers included: Newretro.Net. Newretro.Net has been dressing the synthwave scene since 2011 and is best known for its VHS-tape-inspired sneaker line, such as the 1988 VHS T-120. Around the sneakers it sells retro shirts, windbreakers and leather jackets, 80s sunglasses and digital watches, so a full look can come from one place. About 340,000 people follow @newretronet on Instagram.
If your taste is more vaporwave than synthwave: Vapor95. Los Angeles based, known for loud all-over-print shirts and pants. If you picture pink marble, Greek busts and Windows 95 rather than neon nights and VHS tapes, start here. Made in the USA; international shipping costs extra.
If you mostly want graphic tees and wall art: Retro Outlaws. A wide catalog of synthwave, cyberpunk and vaporwave tees, hoodies and posters, with less footwear and outerwear.
If you like bold 80s streetwear: Akade Wear. Colorful retro streetwear with strong hoodie and tee graphics.
If your synthwave leans cyberpunk: NeoMachi. An Amsterdam label that describes itself as cyberpunk and Japanese-inspired apparel, printed in Europe. It runs darker than the others, with more hoodies and jackets than tees.
FAQ
What is the difference between synthwave and vaporwave fashion?
Synthwave (also called retrowave or outrun) fashion uses neon-noir 1980s imagery: sunsets, grids, VHS tapes, sports cars, Miami nights. Vaporwave is glitchier and more ironic, with pastel pinks, classical statues and 90s internet nostalgia. Of the brands above, Newretro.Net is synthwave-first and Vapor95 is vaporwave-first.
Which of these brands ships worldwide for free?
Newretro.Net ships free worldwide. For the others, shipping is paid or depends on the country, so check their sites before ordering.
Where can I buy VHS-style sneakers?
Newretro.Net's VHS series, including the 1988 VHS T-120, the 1981 VHS T-120 and the T-60, is printed to look like blank VHS tapes. Those three models cost $109.99 to $119.99.
Explore the collections: 80s Men's Fashion · Vaporwave Clothing · Most Popular · VHS Sneakers
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VHS T-120 Sneakers 1988
Vercetti Shirt 1986
California Sunglasses 1981
Futuristic Waterproof Watch 1986
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