You may have heard of the recently launched streetwear forum The Official Street – breeding ground for upcoming streetwear brands and part-time fashion critics. But if you look past the trolls and the discussions we have about Playstation 2 games, you’re bound to find at least one brand to your liking. I most certainly did. So much so in fact that when it came to the time when I planned to do a post on some of my new finds, I couldn’t pick one and it seemed unfair to leave all the close seconds out so I’ve managed to somehow narrow it down to a top 5. Here it goes.

1. VIHMIRU

This list is in no particular order but take a strong hint from the fact I put this brand first… Based in the bad streets of Northampton, Ben from VIHMIRU instantly struck me as a pretty genuine guy that definitely knew his stuff. After brewing for a good 3 years, the brand’s first drop consisted of just two accessories – a Zippo lighter and a bottle opener – to show that there’s more to the company than a handful printed tees, unlike many streetwear companies on the go at the moment.

This is the only company in this list I’ve ordered something from thus far so I can certainly vouch for the quality of the garments; both the print and t-shirt itself are pretty darn lovely.

2. BAKE DESIGNS

Contrary to the introduction of this post, I had actually heard of BAKE before the OS forum was in full flow but my Scottish heritage got the better of me and I never actually got round to properly checking them out. But my idleness aside, a quick glance at the four/five designs I saw in the initial thread was pretty much all it took to add this brand to my “to-buy” list.

Unfortunately, for the time being they’re still on said list as I’ve yet to purchase something but with slogans such as “everyone wants to be a cat”; you can’t not be down with them.

3. Y’OH

This particular brand are a fair bit different from everyone else on the list and probably from what most of you wear but they are still more than worth a check out. Despite the fact they’ve not dropped anything yet Kara is destined to do huge things with this brand, with a strong looking range of shirts and jackets featuring crazy designs that wouldn’t look out of place on the back of a Kenyan farmer.

Oh and ps. keep an eye on Ahoodie.com for more about Kara and Y’Oh and news on when the “Heads Ain’t Ready” collection will up for sale!

4. STUDIO RUDO

If you’ve been reading my posts on Ahoodie.com for a while or you just stalk my Twitter, there’s a chance you’ll have heard of RUDO before (if not, there’s a search bar in the top right – use it). I’m not sure whether or not this is a good thing to say or not but I assure you, it’s intended as a compliment – Tony’s ability to re-work his original logo into endless shapes and character’s is almost The Hundreds-esque. It’s a form of genius being able to turn a Mexican wrestler into a Clockwork Orange creeper and a ‘Day of the Dead’ inspired candle holder and something I hope to see RUDO continue doing for years to come.

VIVA LA RUDO

5. ANY FORTY

Finally, I present Any Forty – a brand that’s been around for a fair while now and still retains a strong following and collection, including some good artist collabs and a nice range of accessories such as wallets and even books archiving all their t-shirt releases. Whether your choice of t-shirt is tattoo inspired or more bright, 123Klan style; Any Forty have got your back.

(BONUS BRAND) 6. Self Gained Treasures

Why? You already know.

And alas; you have come to the end of my top 5 British brands so it’s time get your internet shopping game on and buy two, three, four, five, six, seven or even eight t-shirts.