When there’s a void in your life - either from a recent break up or something substantially deeper – you’re going to try to fill it and distract yourself. For many, fulfillment is found in new friends, pets or hobbies. For others, it’s streetwear. At first thought, it might seem like a shallow solution, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Getting into streetwear gives people something to connect over and talk about, even if it’s just with strangers online. It’s also a sign that someone hasn’t totally given up since one of the major red flags of depression is not caring about your appearance anymore. In a Reddit thread started by crystal-cacti, users get deep in sharing their stories about what changed or was missing from their lives, and how embracing streetwear made things better. Not all are stories are sad though, the Redditors cover a range from girl problems and less-fortunate upbringings to angst, self-improvement and doing good in search of moral satisfaction. Check them out below.

crystal-cacti: “For me it has to be my crippling emotional state and lack of an SO. So on those bleak mornings when I struggle to get out of bed, I throw on a bape tee, a crisp pair of jeans, some rafs and a bogo hoodie. I can only then warm my cold heart a little from all the heat I’m wearing.”

Jarmeh: “I’ve never been good at sports or smart or good at games. I feel like streetwear is a place where I can be myself…I just feel like it’s an [outlet] for creativity and I feel accomplished when I put together a good fit.”

ItsssssMeeeee: “Streetwear connects me with a bunch of really cool people and it gives me a way to express myself which is difficult as a high schooler living with their parents.”

patrolpd: “The one my father left.”

OnLakeOntario: “It’s a way to give back to my industry. I have a degree in fashion management, but I’m not currently working in the industry. One of the reasons why is that my current job pays way more than most entry level positions in the Canadian industry, which is tiny. Retailers like H&M and Zara are partially responsible for this as well as the general Canadian attitude toward fashion. So when I buy streetwear, I’m making a statement with money which, lets be honest, is one of the few things in the world that matters to people. I’m saying that an independent designer or a company with principles when it comes to production is worth more to me than some monolithic company from Sweden that built their reputation on little South Asian kids making t-shirts in horrific conditions. I’m saying that I’m willing to barter the paper given to me as receipt for a piece of my life that I will never get back for professionalism, sacrifice, and workmanship. That’s why I like brands like Mastermind Japan who after all these years still produces their goods through A-Girls Ltd. which is a tiny shop in Tokyo and Bathing Ape who still uses cut and sew construction methods for hoodies.”

FuckItAndRecord: “man dressing well just makes me feel better. I think if you’re filling some type of “void” or “emptiness” then you’ve got some bigger problems that you need to think about.”

Chingus_: “basically, if i dont spend money on nice clothes im just gonna spend it on video games or like, new parts for my computer. buying clothes makes me want to go out to flex, even if its just walking my dog in the park.”

SUPR3M3B3ING: “I’m not very outgoing in social situations so if gave me a medium which I could use to say things about myself without having to speak.”

spicsonthemoon: “Grew up poor as fuck. Now I got it so I guess it fills the childhood void. I remember always being stuck wearing dollar store clothes like bugle boy and shit and I remember my parents working multiple jobs just to get by and now I have a good job so I guess it fills the childhood void and it’s a big fuck you to everyone who ever made fun of me or doubted me.”

sYn7090: “Whenever I feel bad I dress nicely and start feeling a little bit better. I’ve struggled with deppression in the past and knowing I look decent makes me not worry about it.”

newbified: “I used to only dress cause i wanted to impress my girl, now i dress everyday to flex on the hoe so she gets reminded of what she left.”