Collection: By Parra

The By Parra Brand Story

Summing Up By Parra

Founded by the world-renowned Dutch artist Pieter Janssen, By Parra is a creative powerhouse that blurs the lines between fine art and contemporary streetwear. Originally launching as "Rockwell by Parra" in 2001, the brand has been a mainstay at Urban Industry for over two decades. The label is defined by Janssen’s signature aesthetic: a surrealist universe of bird-like silhouettes, abstract typography, and a vibrant, highly curated colour palette of pinks, blues, and reds. Far from being just another graphic brand, By Parra is celebrated for its commitment to high-quality garment construction and unique manufacturing techniques. Each seasonal drop acts as a wearable gallery, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of Janssen’s distinct visual language. Its relevance to the modern streetwear landscape lies in its authenticity, remaining fiercely independent and artist-led while consistently delivering premium, durable apparel.

How Does By Parra Stack Up

• Water-Based Screen Prints: Unlike heavy plastisol prints that crack over time, By Parra utilises water-based inks. This technique ensures a soft hand-feel and superior breathability, allowing the graphic to age naturally with the garment.

• Custom-Milled Fabrics: The brand frequently uses custom-milled, heavy-weight cotton jerseys and loopback French Terry. These fabrics are pre-washed to minimise shrinkage, ensuring a consistent fit and high-density durability for daily wear.

• Hybrid Outerwear Tech: While known for art, their technical jackets often feature windproof nylon shells and DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings, bridging the gap between gallery aesthetics and functional urban protection.

• Signature Embroidery: Many pieces feature high-stitch-density embroidery using custom-dyed threads that perfectly match Parra’s specific Pantone palette, providing a textured, premium alternative to traditional prints.

The Urban Industry Take on By Parra

By Parra is a cornerstone of our curation, offering a more expressive alternative to utilitarian Gorpcore or heritage workwear. In terms of UK styling, we recommend pairing their bold, multi-coloured hoodies with neutral trousers to let the artwork take centre stage. For the unpredictable UK climate, their mid-weight sweatshirts are ideal layering pieces. Regarding fit, By Parra generally follows a "true to size" European silhouette. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, oversized streetwear look, we advise sizing up. The brand’s tees are cut with a slightly structured shoulder, making them perfect for those who value a clean, architectural shape rather than a slouchy fit.

Our By Parra FAQ

How do By Parra T-shirts fit compared to other brands? By Parra garments typically offer a standard fit. They are not as oversized as some US skate brands, so we recommend taking your usual size for a clean look or sizing up for extra volume.

Are the graphics on By Parra hoodies durable? Yes, the brand uses high-quality water-based printing and embroidery. To maintain the integrity of the artwork, we suggest washing garments inside out on a cool cycle and avoiding the tumble dryer.

Does By Parra use sustainable materials? The brand prioritises quality and longevity, using pre-washed organic cottons and ethical production methods in Portugal to ensure their pieces remain in your rotation for years rather than seasons.

Why buy By Parra from Urban Industry

Urban Industry has been a leading destination for premium streetwear since 2002. Our longevity in the market is built on a foundation of trust and a passion for brands that offer genuine substance. When you shop with us, you are supported by a team dedicated to excellence, reflected in our high customer service reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and Judge.me. Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, we pride ourselves on a curated selection that brings the best global brands to the UK. We offer fast, reliable global shipping, ensuring your latest pickup arrives promptly and securely.