BRAND PROFILE: PALM ANGELS

You might not be familiar with Mr. Francesco Ragazzi, the founder and Creative Director of Palm Angels, but if you're into streetwear, chances are you've come across his brand. Originally a coffee table book and project documenting LA's skateboarding culture, this Milan-based label has morphed to become a main player in the world of streetwear, leading the cultural charge from its unexpected beginnings. 

LA TO THE WORLD: ORIGINS & THE MEANING OF PALM ANGELS

Tracing Palm Angels' history reveals its explosive entry into the streetwear sphere in 2015, rapidly earning its spot as a must-know brand. Interestingly, this streetwear heavyweight, helmed by founder and creative force Francesco Ragazzi, wasn't initially envisioned as a clothing brand. It's a cool twist in the story of Palm Angels and how it came to be.

What is Palm Angels?

Renowned worldwide, Palm Angels is an Italian luxury brand which breathes new life into classic pieces like hoodies, track pants, and t-shirts. It masterfully combines the casual elegance of LA with the precise craftsmanship and premium fabrics Italy is known for, often highlighted by distinctive graphics and typography.

Why is it called Palm Angels?

Palm Angels’ name goes back to Ragazzi’s 2014 coffee table book, a photographic documentation of the communities who defined the skateboarding scene and the very first photo taken for this. Picture a blond guy skating, floating in the air with his board underneath palm trees. The name was born, as the creative director shares, “I thought, there’s the palms, he’s an angel, so ‘Palm Angels”.

FROM A PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK TO A FULLY-FLEDGED BRAND

From sun-drenched Venice Beach to Manhattan Beach, the book captured the spirit of places in which Ragazzi fell in love with before ever even visiting California, setting the stage for what Palm Angels would eventually become.

Published by Rizzoli, images were shot by Ragazzi himself and the foreword is written by Pharrell Williams, who the Palm Angels founder now considers family. Black and white photography became clothing designs, marking the beginning of the Palm Angels brand, mixing an Italian sartorial background with the same spirit captured in skate photographs around the city.

Who owns Palm Angels?

Palm Angels is founded and owned by Francesco Ragazzi. From Milan to the top of the streetwear world, the creative director's story is one of ambition and growth. Starting at Moncler, he worked his way to becoming the artistic director. It was his wanderlust and fascination with different cultures that really set the stage for his brand to make a splash on the international streetwear scene.

When was Palm Angels founded?

Since Palm Angels was founded in 2015, the brand has quickly risen to international fame. Just like the 2014 published ‘Palm Angels’ book and its subject, “the definitive book on the L.A. skateboarding scene, capturing the style and street culture of the world's most elite communities of skaters”, this narrative was creatively adapted into clothing, presenting a captivating fusion of cultures. By interpreting American lifestyle through an Italian lens, Palm Angels collections have not only impressed but also captivated a global fan base with their unique aesthetic.

Is Palm Angels a luxury brand?

Palm Angels is shaking things up in the luxury fashion scene, offering a fresh alternative to Italy's traditional heritage brands. It's not every day that you find palm trees blending seamlessly with high fashion. This unique mix is exactly what's catching the eye of the new generation, setting Palm Angels apart from the crowd.

Is Palm Angels a mens brand?

Not just menswear, the Milan-based brand also has a Palm Angels womenswear collection, including puffer jackets, knitwear and track jackets. Browse Palm Angels womens clothing at UrlfreezeShops

Palm Angels Collaborations

Francesco Ragazzi may be the founder and creative director of Palm Angels, but rewind ten years and the creative was climbing the ranks at Moncler. With strong ties to the French powerhouse, this bond has paved the way for sought-after collabs, like the innovative Moncler Genius x Palm Angels collection, a testament to what happens when two powerhouses join forces on a platform dedicated to creative co-creation.

ELEVATED WEST COAST NOSTALGIA: PALM ANGELS AESTHETIC

Palm Angels Design Codes

Palm Angels perfectly captures the laid-back vibe of LA with a touch of Italian finesse. Ragazzi, the brains behind the brand, likes to think of pieces as "post and pre-preppy". With every collection, there's a clear nod to renowned Milanese tailoring skills, making each item something special.

What style is Palm Angels?

Palm Angels masterfully combines an edgy attitude with luxury aesthetics, known for its vivid graphics, funky tie-dye effects, and the famous palm tree motif.

Palm Angels Logo & Creative Aesthetic

With its logo, Palm Angels nails the blend of past and present, making it a hit among the Y2K fashion enthusiasts looking for something both familiar and cutting-edge. With '90s Blackletter and Old-English gothic fonts, to the iconic graffiti hoodies and bold flaming graphics, each is unmistakably Palm Angels.

Palm Angels Teddy Bear & Shark

Palm Angels is taking childhood memories and giving them an adult twist with their unique “Kill The Bear” and shark-themed pieces. Say goodbye to the safe and cuddly. 

What brand has a teddy bear head ripped off?

Palm Angels is the name you're looking for, the brand behind the iconic Palm Angels teddy bear hoodie – the one with the headless fluffy toy. Masters at tearing down the usual barriers, this graphic injects some dark humour into streetwear and creates outfits that are sure to spark conversations wherever you go.

BREAKING DOWN PALM ANGELS SIGNATURE STYLE 

Over time, Palm Angels' lineup has evolved, now with outerwear, accessories, and footwear. We explore these hallmark items which honour the brand’s skate culture origins.

What is Palm Angels known for?

Palm Angels clothing merges an appreciation for sartorial codes and a joy for fabric. Whether it's relaxed sweatshirts, tees, go-to denim, or signature tracksuits, each piece is a key player in the lineup every season. And we can't forget the accessories – from pool slides and vulcanized sneakers to backpacks and iconic bucket hats, the brand is all about capturing that nostalgic West Coast essence in a way no one else does.

Palm Angels Tracksuits: Where Comfort Meets Old-School Cool

The Palm Angels tracksuit stands as a timeless favourite among both men and women. The brand has put its unique stamp on the classic athletic style by combining the raw edge of skate culture with the throwback charm of 80's sportswear. Tweaked and revisited each season, the essentials like the striped sleeves, the old-school sports cut, and the comfortable fit are here to stay. There’s no wonder it's a highlight in every collection.

How do you wash a Palm Angels tracksuit?

To keep your Palm Angels tracksuit looking fresh and prevent logos from fading, we suggest giving them a gentle hand wash in cool water. Always check the wash care label inside your tracksuit jacket and pants for the best advice on keeping them fresh. 

Redefining Street Luxe: Palm Angels' Graphic T-Shirts & Hoodies

Palm Angels has a way of turning tees and hoodies into luxury streetwear statement pieces, thanks to a graphic-heavy approach. Simply put, it's tough to miss someone wearing one. Featuring bold palm patterns alongside the brand’s hallmark elements, Palm Angels clothing is all about an easy-going, off-duty style.

Can you wash a Palm Angels t-shirt?

Palm jersey styles, including tees, hoodies and sweatshirts, may already have a vintage wash from the get-go, giving them that pre-loved feel. To keep the fabric and graphics looking fresh, though, it's a good idea to check the wash care label. You might need to treat some items to a cool or delicate wash in the machine, or even a hand wash.

Palm Angels Sneakers

In the world of Palm Angels footwear, its sneakers take centre stage, highlighted by the iconic University sneaker, a perennial crowd-pleaser. Under Ragazzi’s meticulous eye, these sneakers for men and women capture the essence of skate culture intertwined with the charm of the '80s. The design features a nostalgic nod to American college styles, enhanced by palm tree motifs on the sidewall, offering a low-top silhouette that's distinctly retro-revived.

Palm Angels Accessories: Raising the Bar on Californian Style

Palm Angels' accessories stand on par with its clothing collection. From crossbody bags and caps to bucket hats and pool slides, each piece is embellished with LA-inspired iconography, embodying the laid-back, Californian cool vibe.

PALM ANGELS: SIZING & STYLING

At UrlfreezeShops, we have more than a handful of Palm Angels aficionados. We've asked them to share their expertise on both the fit of Palm Angels clothing and the best ways to wear it. Discover sizing guidance and tips on styling pieces, for whether you're hitting the skate park or elsewhere.

Does Palm Angels fit true to size?

Generally, Palm Angels tends to fit true to size. Given its skate culture origins, it's worth noting that many fans of the brand prefer an oversized aesthetic, often opting to size up for a more laid-back appearance.

Palm Angels’ clothing is created with comfort in mind, offering a broad 'Palm Angels Standard Size' spectrum from XX-Small to XXX-Large. For an ideal fit, whether it's those joggers you've been lusting after or the iconic zip jacket, we recommend giving the ‘Size Guide’ button a quick click on any product page. Or get one step ahead and check out the conversion chart below. 

PALM ANGELS SIZE CHART

What do you love about Palm Angels t-shirts?

Francesco Ragazzi's knack for creating distinctive designs shines through with Palm Angels T-shirts, a must-have in their fashion repertoire. The tees feature hard-to-miss graphics, serving as a proud emblem of the brand's ethos.

How are Palm Angels t-shirts sized?

"For that effortless skate look, I stick with tees in my standard size. For a more fitted style I’d consider sizing down”.

How do you style your Palm Angels tracksuit?

Every streetwear enthusiast should own a Palm Angels tracksuit, a celebrated piece that's become a signature element of every collection. 

“To really channel that Palm Angels aficionado vibe, go for the full set. Or, for a more relaxed look, style separately with tees and your favourite sneakers”.

How do Palm Angels track jackets fit?

Palm Angels tracksuits are known to offer a true-to-size fit, so sticking with your usual size is the way to go. Infusing a modern twist on traditional sportswear, they typically come in sizes XXS to XXL, following international sizing standards. For an accurate size conversion, we suggest referring to the 'Sizing Guide' under the ‘Sizing’ tab on each product page.

What’s your go-to Palm Angels product?

“Definitely a hoodie for me. It's such a breeze to throw on and instantly pulls an outfit together without any fuss."

What is your go-to Palm Angels accessory?

No Palm Angels collection is complete without its accessories, where the Italian brand truly shines. From sliders decorated with tropical motifs to skater-style socks and Palm Angels bucket hats, each piece captures the laid-back California cool vibe that's captured hearts globally.

"Weekends are for my Palm Angels cap. Its gothic logo is super recognisable, making it almost like a secret handshake when you see another person wearing one. It's our cool little nod in the Palm Angels fan club”.

Palm Angels: Footwear Sizing

Finding the perfect fit for your Palm Angels footwear is key to enjoying the fusion of Italian luxury and the laid-back vibe of Californian skate culture that defines the brand. Palm Angels shoes are designed with both style and comfort in mind. Our sizing guide on each product page ensures you effortlessly find the right fit across Palm Angels sneakers and slides. 

How do Palm Angels sneakers fit?

Palm Angels keep it fresh each season, introducing new colourways of sneakers, something the die-hards definitely don't miss. When it comes to sizing, they use Italian/EU standards and are known for their true-to-size fit. Your best bet is to go with the size you normally wear.

Not quite sure? Take a look at the useful Palm Angels footwear size conversion chart on each product page.

BRANDS SIMILAR TO PALM ANGELS

Keen on matching Palm Angels with brands that are on the same wavelength? We've got you covered and picked out the cream of the crop of brands to style with Palm Angels, so you can skip the search and jump straight to styling them together. 

Rhude

Hailing from the same Los Angeles streets that first inspired Palm Angels, Rhude is Rhuigi Villaseñor’s brainchild, seamlessly blending luxury touches with streetwear essentials – and, it's winning hearts everywhere. Expect equal parts edgy and effortless, with a mix of American iconography with nostalgic references.

Represent 

If you're always tracking the latest in streetwear and have a soft spot for Palm Angels, then Represent should definitely be on your radar. Started by the Heaton brothers, George and Mike, as a humble college project of screenprinting tees, it has since morphed into a streetwear heavyweight. With a dedication to graphic art and fostering a sense of community through standout collections like the pared-down 247 and the Owners Club lineup, Represent stands as a pillar for the streetwear devoted.

Dime

If you haven't heard of Dime yet, it's time to tune in. This Montreal-based brand has grown beyond its beginnings as just a skate brand, embedding itself deeply within the culture of streetwear and skateboarding alike. Similar to Francesco Ragazzi of Palm Angels, founders Antoine Asselin and Philippe Lavoie are passionate about skateboarding, and it shows. The brand’s designs are chill, functional, and perfect for anyone who appreciates that a blend of style and skate-ready durability.

Stüssy

With its roots firmly planted in California soil, Stussy has an uncanny ability to connect with various subcultures, sometimes stumbling into them by happy accident, kind of like the story behind Palm Angels. This has helped it stay a favourite among both the streetwear crowd and those after solid casual gear. Keep an eye out for no-nonsense designs, usually featuring Shawn Stussy’s unmistakable handwritten logo. Spotting one is a subtle nod to those in the know.