Vale Forever
Vale Forever is an American streetwear label that also goes by the names Vale and Vale Lives. The brand puts its own spin on Americana and streetwear basics, with heavy prints, zips and frayed appliqués. The Vale Forever zip up hoodie in particular has become the piece that makes the label instantly recognisable.
The history of Vale Forever
Vale Forever was founded in 2014 by two designers who work under the names 1stbrain and Dontnojess. From the start they took familiar American garments as their starting point and reworked them heavily: sweatshirt fabric, flannel and denim were given prints, patches and frayed edges.
In the late 2010s Vale became one of the standout young names in streetwear. The VALE STATE collection played a big part in that: hoodies and T-shirts in the style of American college wear, but with the raw finish that belongs to the brand. Alongside Vale Forever, the founders also run ARKIVE, a label with a gothic edge.
What Vale Forever is known for
Vale’s signature lies in the details. Thick prints run across the chest, back and sleeves, zips appear in places you would not expect and appliqués are deliberately frayed or distressed. As a result, a new piece looks as if it already has a past.
Other recognisable items are flannel shirts with a spiderweb motif and screen-printed tees. The brand has also worked with several American athletes as ambassadors. In 2020 Vale created a Nike player exclusive (PE) for basketball player Kyrie Irving: a shoe made for the player himself that never went on sale in stores.
Popular Vale Forever items
The Vale Forever range on WOOVIN consists of clothing. These are the types of pieces you will find most often right now:
- Zip-up hoodies: the core of the brand, with large prints and often rhinestone or bling graphics. Think of the Classico in colours including Orange, Sapphire and Black, plus the Carver, Inferno, Two Face and the extra-roomy Bipolar Big Zip Up.
- T-shirts and Big Tees: shirts with bold graphics, such as the Fury Big Tee, Grim Big Tee, Wrecked and Ride The Dragon.
- Flannel shirts: including Purple Fever, Skyfall and Moonlight, plus the patchwork Splash Zone.
- Shorts and trousers: jorts such as the Rainstorm and Passport, DIY camo shorts and the Skittles sweatpants.
- Longsleeves: printed long-sleeved shirts such as the Tribal, Gravedigger and Budokai.
Vale belongs to a group of American labels that visibly rework their clothing. If that style appeals to you, you will probably also like Gallery Dept. with its paint splatters, Denim Tears for denim with a story or Rhude for graphic prints with a retro feel.
Vale, Vale Lives or Vale Forever?
These are three names for the same label. Vale Forever is the name you see most often, but the brand is also simply called Vale or Vale Lives. Looking for a specific piece? Keep all three variants in mind.
How does Vale Forever fit?
Vale pieces are generally cut roomy and boxy. Items with ‘Big’ in the name, such as the Big Tees and the Big Zip Up, are deliberately meant to be extra roomy. So compare the measurements with a hoodie or shirt you already own. If you prefer a closer fit, consider going one size down.
Buy Vale Forever at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find Vale Forever clothing such as zip-up hoodies, Big Tees, flannel shirts and jorts. Want a typical Vale piece? Start with the zip-ups featuring large prints or bling graphics. If you choose a Big Tee or Big Zip Up, bear the extra-roomy cut in mind and set the size filter to your size.
