How SUOT Translates Japanese Street Style for the Filipino Street
In the heat and noise of Metro Manila, SUOT redefines streetwear with clothes that feel as effortless as the lives they’re made to move through
A Filipino brand rooted in function and form
Oversized clothing has become the silhouette of the moment, with loose shirts and wide trousers defining what it means to look effortlessly modern. The trend, which began on the streets of Tokyo, has found new energy in Metro Manila through SUOT, a local brand that reimagines Japanese street style for the tropical city.
Founded by Antipolo-based designer Karl Guerra, SUOT creates pieces that are equal parts stylish and functional, translating global influences into something distinctly Filipino.
SUOT, which means “to wear” in Filipino, offers a range of everyday staples designed with practicality. Boxy button-ups, wide-legged trousers, and tulip-style bucket hats form the foundation of its collections. The brand’s identity is simple but distinct. Its shirts are recognizable by their rounded hems, drop shoulders, and single breast pocket.
“Comfort and quality. Those are the things that define us.”
Karl’s interest in fashion started in high school. When he could not find the exact pieces he wanted to wear, he had them tailored. He began sharing his looks online, where friends and followers encouraged him to make them available to the public. That interest eventually became SUOT.
A year ago, Karl left his day job to pursue the brand full-time. “It’s exciting and scary,” he says. “You have to take that first step and just hope and pray you did the right thing.”
Inspired by Japanese culture and hip-hop
His first encounter with streetwear came from an unlikely source: anime. “It had a super cool soundtrack that mixed Western and Japanese hip-hop,” he recalls. “I started listening to Method Man and The Game, and then naturally began dressing like them.” That fascination with oversized clothing carried into his own design language, where proportion and comfort remain central.
Karl sees streetwear as a form of expression that belongs to everyone. “We all walk the same road,” he says. “You don’t have to come from a specific place or culture to wear it. Streetwear should be accessible.”
He believes that as Southeast Asia’s creative scene continues to grow, local designers have the opportunity to shape their own visual identity.
“Japan was inspired by the West but made it their own. We can do that here too. I’ve seen it in Vietnam and Thailand. Eventually, people will look to Southeast Asia for inspiration.”
SUOT’s philosophy reflects that vision. It rejects exclusivity in favor of inclusivity, offering pieces that fit different shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. Karl’s designs feel easy and lived-in, meant for movement and everyday wear. His goal is to see a more diverse group of people across generations and borders wearing SUOT. “I want it to be accessible for everyone.”
The future of Southeast Asian streetwear
For Karl, the future of streetwear lies in evolution. He believes it should continue to shift and adapt to its surroundings. “It does not have to be one thing,” he says. “It keeps changing. That is what makes it exciting.”
In his own words, SUOT will never compromise on two things: comfort and quality. They remain at the heart of the brand’s identity and its promise to its community. “We’ll always strive to be better,” Karl says. “But SUOT will always be SUOT.”
Streetwear in the Philippines is still finding its voice, and SUOT’s confidence feels like part of that story. It is a reflection of what happens when global style meets local sensibility.
When asked what he wants Southeast Asian streetwear to stand for, Karl pauses and smiles:
“I just want it to be proud of itself. Just do you. That’s it.”
SUOT is a Filipino streetwear brand founded by Karl Guerra. It focuses on comfortable, gender-inclusive clothing inspired by Japanese street style but made for the tropical climate of Metro Manila.
SUOT emphasizes comfort, accessibility, and simplicity, offering boxy shirts and wide-legged trousers that fit a range of body types. The brand prioritizes quality and movement rather than trend-driven design.
Karl Guerra began SUOT after creating custom clothing for himself in high school and sharing his looks online. The demand from friends and followers encouraged him to officially launch the brand.
SUOT draws inspiration from Japanese streetwear, Filipino practicality, and hip-hop culture. Each piece reflects a balance between style and function suitable for everyday wear.
The main takeaway is to embrace oversized silhouettes for both comfort and confidence. SUOT’s designs show that style can be effortless while still making a strong statement.
Photography Joseph Bermudez
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Corven Uy
Grooming and hair Jean Anganangan, Crish Marfil, Patricia Marcaida, and Dhanver Serrano (Nix Institute of Beauty)
Models Christian Bootle
Production design Studio Tatin
Production Francis Vicente
Photography assistant Rojan Maguyon
