The Story Behind Y-3

Y-3 began when Yohji Yamamoto, already a legend of Japanese avant-garde fashion, wanted to bring his designs back to the street. He approached adidas in Europe, and the two presented their first collection at Paris Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2003. The name says it all: Y for Yamamoto, 3 for the three stripes.

What followed was a label built on contrast. Adidas' sportswear engineering met Yamamoto's monochrome palette, oversized silhouettes and unconventional materials, and the result influenced a generation of designers who later did the same thing with other sportswear giants. More than twenty years on, Y-3 remains one of the clearest examples of high fashion and streetwear treating each other as equals.

Iconic Y-3 Pieces

Every Y-3 piece in our collection carries that same design language, from footwear to outerwear:

• Qasa: Released in 2013, the Qasa's neoprene sock upper and EVA outsole turned it into one of the defining sneakers of the decade. Still one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the collection today.
• Kaiwa: A low profile trainer with a clean leather or knit upper, built for everyday wear without losing that signature Yamamoto edge.
• Hokori: A running inspired silhouette that leans into Y-3's technical side, popular with people who want the aesthetic and the performance.
• Track jackets and oversized tracksuits: Chunky three stripe branding against classic Yamamoto tailoring, tracksuits reworked with a sportswear adjacent flair.

2nd Culture's Curated Y-3 Collection

Every Y-3 item that makes it into our store has been checked, authenticated and chosen by people who understand what makes the brand worth owning. We look at construction, materials and detailing before anything goes on the rail, so you can shop with confidence whether you already know the label inside out or you are discovering it for the first time. If you ever want a second opinion on a piece, our team runs an authenticity check in store.

How to Style Y-3

Let the silhouette do the talking. Pair a pair of black Qasas with tapered trousers and a plain crewneck, and the sneakers carry the whole look. For colder days, throw an oversized Y-3 track jacket over a fitted tee and straight leg denim, then finish with Kaiwas for something that reads considered rather than sporty. If you already love the way Stone Island or CP Company wear, Y-3 slots straight into that same design first wardrobe.

Y-3 Sizing

Y-3 footwear is often sold in UK sizing and tends to run true to size, though some silhouettes like the Qasa fit slightly generous due to the sock like upper. Apparel follows Yamamoto's signature oversized cut, so if you prefer a closer fit, consider sizing down. Our team can talk you through the fit of a specific piece in store or online before you buy.