Picture any queue outside a streetwear drop in Auckland and you'll spot two hoodies again and again: a spider-web print with a bold logo, and a flaming star logo across the back. That's Sp5der and Hellstar, the two American labels that took over the oversized graphic hoodie, and the quick answer to "which one?" is simple. Pick Sp5der if you want loud colour, webs and rhinestones; pick Hellstar if you want washed fabrics, flames and darker, faded tones.
Both run true to size with roomy cuts, so the real choice is style, not sizing. Here's how the two brands started, what makes each one recognisable, how they fit and which pieces to start with in NZ.
By Josh Cole, Im Your Wardrobe
Sp5der vs Hellstar at a glance
| Sp5der | Hellstar | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2019, by rapper Young Thug | 2020, by designer Sean Holland and school friends |
| Roots | Atlanta | Los Angeles |
| Signature look | Spider webs, big logos, bright colourways, rhinestones | Flame and star graphics, religious and cosmic imagery, washed fabrics |
| Hoodie fit | True to size, boxy, slightly shorter body | True to size, slightly oversized |
| Best known for | Graphic hoodies and matching sweats | Graphic tees, hoodies and flared sweatpants |
| adidas link | adidas x Sp5der apparel | Hellstar x adidas Megaride S2 sneaker |
The Sp5der story: from Young Thug's hoodies to New York Fashion Week
Sp5der (often written SP5DER, and still called "Spider" by most people) was launched in 2019 by Atlanta rapper Young Thug. It started as a run of graphic hoodies that sold out drop after drop, and the formula has barely changed: a heavy hoodie, a bold Sp5der logo, and a spider web spread across the chest, sleeves or back.
The brand grew up fast. In September 2024 it showed a full Fall/Winter collection at New York Fashion Week, with more than three dozen looks that pushed it beyond hoodies into leather, denim and accessories. Even so, the hoodie is still the piece everyone wants first, and the Pink V2, OG Web and Beluga designs are the ones you'll recognise on the street.
Sp5der also leans into collaborations. We stock pieces from the adidas x Sp5der range and Travis Scott's Cactus Jack x Sp5der "Days Before Rodeo" capsule, including the Days Before Rodeo Hoodie Brown.
The Hellstar story: an LA label built on flames and faith
Hellstar was started in Los Angeles in 2020, during the pandemic, by graphic designer Sean Holland and friends from high school. The early goal was modest: make enough from tees and caps to cut back on shifts at work. Within a few years it had become one of the most talked-about names in American streetwear.
Holland's graphics are the whole point. Hellstar mixes biblical and religious imagery with flames, stars and space themes, then prints them on washed, faded garments that look like vintage band merch. The recurring logo is a profile face inside a crescent, with flames for hair and a star at its side.
The brand has moved into sportswear and footwear too. Its adidas work includes the Megaride S2, which we have in the Cloud White Bright Red colourway.
Design: which one suits your style?
The quickest way to choose is to look at what you already wear.
- Choose Sp5der if your wardrobe is colourful and playful. Pink, mint, navy and bright green colourways, oversized logos and rhinestone versions make Sp5der the louder of the two. It works best as the one bold piece in a simple outfit: black or grey sweatpants, straight denim and clean sneakers.
- Choose Hellstar if you lean darker and more vintage. Washed blacks, greys and greens, sun-faded prints and large back graphics give Hellstar a worn-in, rock-tee feel. It suits stacked denim, flared sweatpants and chunky runners.
Both brands are made to be seen, so keep the rest of the fit quiet and let the hoodie do the talking.
Fit and sizing compared
Good news for anyone buying online: neither brand needs a size jump. Both are designed to look roomy in your usual size.
| If you usually wear... | Sp5der hoodie | Hellstar hoodie | Hellstar tee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your usual fit, intended look | Usual size | Usual size | Usual size |
| A neater, closer fit | One size down | One size down | Usual size |
| Extra room or length | One size up (the body runs short) | Usual size (already slightly oversized) | One size up |
Sources: Hellstar product pages ("fit slightly oversized" for hoodies; "order true size, size up for an oversized fit" for tees) and Feature's Hellstar Uniform Hoodie listing; Sp5der fit notes from The Hype Magazine and PAGE Magazine, as summarised in our streetwear size guide.
The main difference is shape. Sp5der hoodies are wide and a little short in the body, so tall buyers who want length should go up rather than down. Hellstar hoodies are cut generously all over, so most people stay in their usual size. Buy matching sweatpants in the same size as your hoodie for either brand.
Where to start: our picks from each brand
Sp5der
- Sp5der OG Web V2 Hoodie Black: the classic web design in its most wearable colour.
- Sp5der Beluga Hoodie Navy: a darker option that still shows off the graphic.
- Sp5der OG Web Rhinestone Hoodie Brown: the rhinestone version for maximum shine.
- Sp5der Atlanta Hoodie Black: a nod to the brand's home city.
Hellstar
- Hellstar Uniform Hoodie Black (FW23): the washed black hoodie with the HELLSTAR wordmark.
- Hellstar Marble Paradise Hoodie Green/Black: a bolder, all-over graphic.
- Hellstar No Guts No Glory Hoodie Grey: an easy grey for everyday wear.
- Hellstar HStar Hoodie Black (SS26): one of the newer designs.
Where to buy Sp5der and Hellstar in NZ
Both brands sell out quickly and are widely faked, so buy from a store that checks every piece. Every item at Im Your Wardrobe is authentic and inspected before it ships, NZ shipping is free on every order, and you can pay with Afterpay. Browse the full Sp5der collection and Hellstar collection, or read our guides to where to buy Sp5der in NZ and where to buy Hellstar in NZ.
Sp5der vs Hellstar FAQ
Is Sp5der or Hellstar better?
Neither is better overall; they suit different styles. Sp5der is brighter and more playful, with webs, big logos and rhinestones. Hellstar is darker and more vintage, with washed fabrics, flames and religious and cosmic graphics.
Who owns Sp5der and who owns Hellstar?
Sp5der was founded in 2019 by the rapper Young Thug. Hellstar was founded in Los Angeles in 2020 by graphic designer Sean Holland and friends from high school.
Do Sp5der and Hellstar hoodies fit the same?
Both fit true to size, but the shape differs. Sp5der hoodies are boxy with a slightly shorter body, while Hellstar hoodies are slightly oversized all over. Take your usual size in both, or one size down for a neater fit.
Can I buy authentic Sp5der and Hellstar in NZ?
Yes. Im Your Wardrobe stocks authentic Sp5der and Hellstar hoodies, sweatpants and tees, inspected before they ship, with free NZ shipping on every order.
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