Brands like Thug Club: 7 alternatives, from Chrome Hearts to Seoul peers

The closest matches to Thug Club, in our view, are Chrome Hearts, WACKO MARIA and We11done. HBX describes Thug Club as a luxury streetwear brand, and Sneaker Freaker describes punk-tinged, horror-inspired black leather and metal detailing. Chrome Hearts is a Los Angeles luxury label founded in 1988; Slam Jam says WACKO MARIA was founded in 2005 by retired J-League footballers; and Club21 says We11done was founded in Seoul in 2015, like Thug Club a Seoul label.

END. US listed Thug Club pieces including a Two Face Dirt hoodie at $355 and a Jamong MA-1 jacket at $885, undated (checked October 2026). We found no pick with a like-for-like price. We have sorted the picks by what you are probably after: the Los Angeles luxury reference point, Japanese rock-and-music labels, or Seoul and luxury peers.

Last verified · 52 sources checked · how we chose

The short answer

  • The luxury gothic reference point

    Chrome Hearts

    A Los Angeles luxury label founded in 1988 that, per Wikipedia, primarily produces silver, gold and diamond accessories.

  • Rock 'n' roll and music, from Tokyo

    WACKO MARIA

    END. says its AW21 collection leaned into a bold rock 'n' roll aesthetic.

  • Grungy graphic tees with skulls

    Number (N)ine

    Highsnobiety says the original label's famously grungy tees include skull graphics.

  • Another Seoul label

    We11done

    Club21 says it was founded in Seoul in 2015.

  • The skull motif, from Tokyo

    Mastermind Japan

    Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo credits Mastermind with sparking a skull boom in men's fashion.

  • Distressed denim, Los Angeles luxury

    Amiri

    Umbrex lists distressed and repaired denim among its recurring product codes.

  • Edgy luxury streetwear from Milan

    Palm Angels

    END. says it combines an edgy attitude with luxury aesthetics.

What 'like Thug Club' usually means

In our view, alternatives usually offer one or more of three things: the dark, punk-tinged look (black leather, studs, skulls and ripped denim), the luxury-streetwear price tier, or the Korean-wave story. Few brands deliver all of them.

HBX's 2024 spotlight points to studs, compared to medieval armour, tassels and hardware such as zip pulls. Highxtar says the label draws direct inspiration from the hip-hop and biker culture of Itaewon, and Complex says its pieces take inspiration from military wear and workwear, with a punk twist. Highxtar reported an eight-piece Diesel capsule on 2 October 2025.

Thug Club's END. US listings in October 2026 were a Two Face Dirt hoodie at $355, Skull Stitch ripped denim pants at $679 and a Jamong two-tone washed MA-1 jacket at $885, with no date; END. UK listed the same jacket at £675. Those two listings are in different currencies, so we do not compare them. We call a pick cheaper only where it lists a comparable item in the same currency from a comparable seller, and we found none.

7 brands like Thug Club, ranked by how close they get

  1. #1 · $$$$$

    Chrome Hearts logo

    Chrome Hearts

    1988Los Angeles, United States

    Wikipedia says Chrome Hearts was founded in Los Angeles in 1988 by Richard Stark, Leonard Kamhout and John Bowman, and that it primarily produces silver, gold and diamond accessories. HBX calls Thug Club a luxury streetwear brand.

    What it shares

    • Leather and metal: Complex says Richard Stark and John Bowman began by making leather jackets in a Los Angeles garage, and Sneaker Freaker describes Thug Club's black leather and metal detailing
    • Denim as a statement piece: Complex's 2020 article mentioned $1,750 for denim adorned with leather crosses, and END. US listed Thug Club's Skull Stitch ripped denim pants
    • Collaborations: Wikipedia lists a long run including Comme des Garçons (2007), A Bathing Ape (2009) and Rick Owens (2010); Highxtar reported Thug Club's Diesel capsule in October 2025

    Where it differs

    • Wikipedia says Chrome Hearts primarily produces silver, gold and diamond accessories; HBX's guide to Thug Club lists boxers, hoodies, T-shirts, caps, a down jacket and denim
    • Access: Coveteur reported in June 2026 that Chrome Hearts boutiques are by appointment and online drops happen only a handful of times a year; Thug Club's flagship TC Castle opened in Itaewon, Seoul, in July 2023
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. We found no current official Chrome Hearts price list. The only recent Chrome Hearts retail anchor we have is a '1988' hoodie offered as a pre-order at $550 on the brand's web store in April 2024, and Complex's 2020 article mentioned $1,750 for denim adorned with leather crosses in 2020. Thug Club's hoodie at $355 is an undated END. listing.
    Best for
    The luxury end of the dark, leather-and-metal look.

    '1988' hoodie, web-store pre-order $550 (April 2024) · Denim adorned with leather crosses $1,750 (2020) · T-shirt, starting price cited by Coveteur (reseller) from $1,000 (2026 article)

  2. #2 · $$$–$$$$

    Wacko Maria logo

    Wacko Maria

    2005Tokyo, Japan

    Slam Jam says WACKO MARIA was founded in 2005 by retired J-League footballers Keiji Ishizuka and Atsuhiko Mori, and HBX says music is at the core of its work.

    What it shares

    • A rock and punk edge: END. describes the label as 'rebellious, bold, experimental' with a bold rock 'n' roll aesthetic in AW21; Complex says Thug Club has a punk twist
    • Signature pieces: Hypebeast's 2019 profile names Hawaiian shirts, bold leopard prints and souvenir jackets as signature staples
    • Collaborations: Hypebeast's 2019 profile lists nonnative, UNDERCOVER and Converse, and Highxtar reported Thug Club's Diesel capsule

    Where it differs

    • Music, film and art drive each season's themes, according to HBX; Highxtar ties Thug Club to the hip-hop and biker culture of Itaewon
    • Older: Fashion Press says its first flagship, PARADISE TOKYO, opened in Nakameguro in 2015, where Thug Club's flagship opened in July 2023
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. HBX listed the UFC heavyweight full-zip hoodie at £215 regular and £130 on sale, undated (checked October 2026); Thug Club's hoodie listing is in dollars at a different retailer. We do not convert between them.
    Best for
    A rock-and-music label with a long Tokyo track record.

    UFC heavyweight zip hoodie £215 (£130 sale) (HBX, Oct 2026) · Silver Nude Ring €205 (incl. German VAT) (Firmament, Oct 2026)

  3. #3 · $$–$$$

    N

    Number (N)ine

    1996Tokyo, Japan

    Highsnobiety says Takahiro Miyashita launched Number (N)ine in 1997, though its 2026 article refers to a 1996 debut, so sources differ. Hypebeast reported in September 2025 that Miyashita was returning to the creative helm.

    What it shares

    • Grungy graphic tees: Highsnobiety says the original label's famously grungy tees include skull graphics; HBX points to studs and hardware on Thug Club
    • A tee-led launch: Hypebeast says the relaunch began with a T-shirt capsule titled BACK, I MISSED YOU., and HBX says Thug Club's slogan boxers went viral in 2021

    Where it differs

    • A complicated history: Hypebeast reported in February 2009 that the brand was ending, and Highsnobiety says the new label is called Number (N)ine by Takahiro Miyashita because he sold the original name to a parent company
    • Its own item page showed prices with a $ sign and no stated currency, all sold out when we checked in October 2026, from $168.80 to $3,045.30
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. The brand's page showed the 'Ian.' item at $270.20 and 'Timberland.' at $761.40, all sold out, with no date. Thug Club's END. listings are a hoodie, denim and a jacket.
    Best for
    Skull-and-grunge graphics with a cult Tokyo history.

    'BACK, I MISSED YOU.' tee $168.80 (brand site, Oct 2026) · 'Ian.' tee $270.20 (brand site, Oct 2026)

  4. #4 · $$$–$$$$$

    We11done logo

    We11done

    2015Seoul, South Korea

    Club21 says We11done was founded in 2015 in Seoul, and Hypebeast names Dami Kwon and Jessica Jung as founders who earlier opened the concept store Rare Market.

    What it shares

    • Seoul: HBX describes Thug Club as a Seoul label, and Club21 places We11done in Seoul
    • A punk reference: Hypebeast links the Spring/Summer 2023 Rough Strokes collection to Manet, punk and 19th-century romanticism; Complex says Thug Club has a punk twist
    • Denim and outerwear: We11done's official site menus list outerwear and denim, and HBX's Thug Club guide lists a down jacket and denim

    Where it differs

    • Club21 describes bold proportions, relaxed fits and bold graphics, presented as unisex; Sneaker Freaker describes Thug Club's black leather and metal detailing
    • Jiemian reported that Sequoia China acquired a majority stake; we found no company statement confirming the figures it cited
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. Marais lists prices as AUD: a Classic Front Logo T-shirt at AUD 325 and a Washed Nylon Bomber at AUD 700, down from AUD 1,400 (undated, checked October 2026). Thug Club's listings are in US dollars and pounds.
    Best for
    A Seoul-born label with a fashion-led, graphic look.

    Classic Front Logo T-shirt (black) AUD 325 (Marais, checked Oct 2026) · Washed Nylon Bomber (black), sale AUD 700 (AUD 1,400 listed) (Marais, checked Oct 2026)

  5. #5 · $$$–$$$$$

    Mastermind logo

    Mastermind

    1997Tokyo, Japan

    Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo's page says Mastermind JAPAN was established in 1997 by designer Masaaki Homma and describes it as a high-end Tokyo brand. Maxfield LA calls it a luxury Japanese streetwear brand known for its skull and crossbones motif. This pick has the thinnest record in this set.

    What it shares

    • A skull motif: Homma says he wanted to create a skull motif better than any other brand's, and the page credits Mastermind with sparking a skull boom in men's fashion; END. US lists a Thug Club Skull Stitch denim pant
    • Luxury streetwear positioning: Maxfield LA calls Mastermind a luxury Japanese streetwear brand, and HBX's brand page calls Thug Club a luxury streetwear brand

    Where it differs

    • The page is an interview dated 2011 that says Homma announced the brand would stop after its Spring/Summer 2013 collection; we did not find a source explaining its return, though HBX and Maxfield LA list Mastermind pieces
    • Homma said T-shirts that sold for about ¥4,000 later sold for about ¥50,000, in the same interview
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. HBX listed the Will Never Die short-sleeve tee at £447, undated (checked October 2026); Thug Club's END. listings are a hoodie, denim and a jacket in dollars. We found no hoodie price for Mastermind.
    Best for
    Buyers who want the skull motif from its Tokyo originator.

    Will Never Die short-sleeve tee £447 (HBX, Oct 2026)

  6. #6 · $$$$–$$$$$

    Amiri logo

    Amiri

    2014Los Angeles, United States

    Amiri's About page says Mike Amiri established the label in 2014 in his hometown of Los Angeles, beginning by hand-crafting stage pieces for performers. Umbrex places it at the luxury end of the retail market.

    What it shares

    • Distressed denim and leather: Umbrex says the label began with highly worked denim, leather jackets and flannel shirts, and lists distressed and repaired denim among its recurring codes; END. US lists Thug Club's ripped denim pants
    • A music link: Amiri's About page says Mike Amiri began by making stage pieces for Los Angeles performers; Highxtar ties Thug Club to hip-hop and biker culture
    • An existing comparison with Chrome Hearts: a Luxury Lifestyle buying guide dated 21 July 2026 sets Amiri against Chrome Hearts, with no dollar figures

    Where it differs

    • The About page describes West Coast culture, Americana and hand-embellished work with Italian artisans; Highxtar ties Thug Club to Itaewon
    • Wikipedia lists OTB Group as the minority owner and Mike Amiri as majority owner
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. On amiri.com a kids' Stack Jean was $430 and a MA Bandana Printed Down Jacket $1,490, undated (checked October 2026); Lyst showed SSENSE men's Stack Jeans at $750 (black), with a blue pair at $675 on sale, undated. Thug Club's ripped denim at $679 is an END. listing of a different style.
    Best for
    Luxury denim and leather with a Los Angeles rock-and-roll slant.

    Stack jeans (SSENSE listing) $750 (SSENSE listing shown on Lyst, undated snapshot)

  7. #7 · $$$–$$$$

    Palm Angels logo

    Palm Angels

    2015Milan, Italy

    Wikipedia describes Palm Angels as founded in 2015 by Francesco Ragazzi, and END. calls it Milan-based. Fashion Dive reported on 12 February 2025 that Bluestar Alliance acquired it.

    What it shares

    • Edgy luxury positioning: END. says it combines an edgy attitude with luxury aesthetics, with Blackletter-font influences; HBX calls Thug Club a luxury streetwear brand
    • Hoodies, denim and outerwear: END. lists hoodies, track pants, puffer jackets, knitwear and denim; HBX's Thug Club guide lists hoodies, a down jacket and denim

    Where it differs

    • END. describes the vibe as laid-back Los Angeles with Italian finesse, with palm trees, flaming graphics and tie-dye among its motifs; Sneaker Freaker describes Thug Club's black leather and metal detailing
    • Wide third-party retail: a Lyst page showed more than 500 Palm Angels products from 54 partner stores
    Price vs Thug Club
    No like-for-like price. Simon listed the Classic Logo Track Hoodie at a regular $675 with a $199.98 sale price, and Lyst-linked sellers showed pounds and dollars for other garments. Thug Club's $355 hoodie is a different style at a different retailer.
    Best for
    Logo-led luxury streetwear with wide retail availability.

    Classic Logo Track Hoodie, regular price (a $199.98 sale price shown; sold out) $675 (Simon, checked Oct 2026) · Classic Logo Pullover Hoodie, black/off-white (consigned by trusted sellers; price not labelled resale or retail) $480 (Stadium Goods, checked Oct 2026) · Hoodie, black (THEBS via Lyst; £232.00 also shown) £181 (Lyst, checked Oct 2026) · T-Shirt With A Pocket, blue (VITKAC via Lyst) $230 (Lyst, checked Oct 2026) · Jeans, blue, men's (GIGLIO.COM via Lyst; £649.62 also shown, original price not labelled) £259.86 (Lyst, checked Oct 2026) · Insulated Jacket With A Stand-Up Collar, black (VITKAC via Lyst) $820 (Lyst, checked Oct 2026)

At a glance

Brand From Price tier vs Thug Club Known for
Thug Club Seoul $$$–$$$$$ — Slogan boxers, studs and hardware, ripped denim, black leather look
Chrome Hearts Los Angeles $$$$$ No like-for-like price Silver accessories, cross logo, leather and denim
WACKO MARIA Tokyo $$$–$$$$ No like-for-like price Music-led themes, leopard prints, Hawaiian shirts
Number (N)ine Tokyo $$–$$$ No like-for-like price Skull graphic tees, Miyashita relaunch
We11done Seoul $$$–$$$$$ No like-for-like price Bold proportions, graphic logo tees, unisex fits
Mastermind Japan Tokyo $$$–$$$$$ No like-for-like price Skull and crossbones motif, Made in Japan
Amiri Los Angeles $$$$–$$$$$ No like-for-like price Distressed denim, bandana prints, leather
Palm Angels Milan $$$–$$$$ No like-for-like price Palm tree logo, Blackletter fonts, track pieces

Price tiers use the directory's $–$$$$$ scale and describe typical retail positioning, not exact prices.

A note on dupes and replicas

We don't list replicas. HBX, a retailer, runs a brand page and has featured Thug Club in its guide and spotlight, and END. lists the label, so those are clearer routes. We found no source on how Thug Club handles counterfeits, so we make no claim about it.

A genuine alternative is a different brand with its own designs. The picks above were chosen on that basis: each is a separate brand selling under its own name.

What is a legit check?

Frequently asked questions

What are the best brands like Thug Club?

In our assessment, Chrome Hearts, WACKO MARIA and We11done come closest: a luxury leather-and-metal reference point, a Tokyo rock-and-music label and another Seoul label. Number (N)ine and Mastermind suit you if the skull motif matters most.

Are there cheaper brands like Thug Club?

We could not show a clear case. Thug Club's END. listings were a $355 hoodie, $679 denim and $885 jacket, and the alternatives list other garments, other retailers and pounds, AUD or yen.

Who founded Thug Club?

HBX describes Yeong Min Cho, known as Thug Min, as its brainchild and 'co-founder and face'. Sources differ on designer Jiyool Kwon: HBX says the label was established by Min and Kwon, and a Complex interview calls Kwon the founder.

How is Thug Club different from Chrome Hearts?

Chrome Hearts is a Los Angeles luxury label founded in 1988 that, per Wikipedia, primarily produces silver, gold and diamond accessories. HBX describes Thug Club as a Seoul streetwear label first launched in 2018 and lists boxers, hoodies, T-shirts, caps, a down jacket and denim.

Is there a Thug Club dupe?

We don't list replicas. Each brand on this page sells under its own name; we do not list replica sellers.

How we chose these brands

We shortlisted seven brands from the directory whose look, positioning or origin overlaps with Thug Club, using only brands whose research records we have completed; Mastermind Japan's record is the thinnest of them. Facts such as founding, ownership and prices come from the numbered sources in each brand's research record, opened and checked in October 2026. Rankings, 'what it shares' and 'best for' are our editorial judgement: the sources we opened do not compare most of these brands to Thug Club directly. Price comparisons are like for like only where the garment, currency and listing type are comparable; otherwise we say so. Prices are single snapshots from retailers and brand sites and will change.

Sources

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