A Complete Guide to Comme des Garçons Sub-Labels and Collections

When it comes to innovation in fashion, few brands rival the legacy and creative power of Comme des Garçons. Founded by Rei Kawakubo in Tokyo in 1969, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, form, and expression. But what many people don’t realize is that Comme des Garçons is more than just one label — it’s a multi-dimensional fashion universe filled with distinct sub-labels, each with its own aesthetic and purpose.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer exploring the brand for the first time, this guide breaks down the most important Comme des Garçons sub-labels and collections — and helps you understand which one best matches your style.

1. Comme des Garçons (Mainline)

The original and most avant-garde line, Comme des Garçons Mainline, is where Rei Kawakubo fully exercises her visionary creativity. Often seen on the runways of Paris Fashion Week, this collection features sculptural garments, deconstructed silhouettes, and conceptual fashion that challenges norms. These pieces are not designed for trend-following — they’re designed to make statements and provoke thought.

The mainline isn’t everyday wear for most, but it's a pillar of high-concept fashion artistry, influencing designers and critics worldwide.

2. Comme des Garçons PLAY

Arguably the most recognizable of the sub-labels, CDG PLAY brings Comme des Garçons to the streetwear world. Known for its casual staples like t-shirts, hoodies, striped shirts, and cardigans, the line features the iconic heart-with-eyes logo created by artist Filip Pagowski.

The CDG PLAY x Converse sneaker collaboration is one of the most successful fashion crossovers to date. If you’re looking for designer fashion that feels accessible and wearable, PLAY is the perfect entry point into the CDG universe.

Shop the latest CDG PLAY and Converse releases now at
commedesgarconswear.com — your trusted destination for original, authentic CDG styles.

3. Comme des Garçons Homme

Designed by Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons Homme focuses on menswear with a utilitarian and tailored edge. Unlike the experimental approach of the mainline, this collection features structured garments, classic fabrics, and functional silhouettes with unexpected twists.

It’s perfect for men who appreciate craftsmanship, quality, and subtle design evolution. While more reserved than the mainline, Homme still carries the DNA of Kawakubo’s rebellious spirit.

4. Comme des Garçons Homme Plus

This sub-label blends avant-garde concepts with menswear in a way that mirrors the mainline but is more focused on male tailoring and street-meets-runway fashion. Homme Plus frequently shows at Paris Fashion Week and explores themes of masculinity, identity, and subversion through fashion.

If you’re a man looking to explore fashion as art but still want structured pieces, Homme Plus is a bold and impactful choice.

5. Comme des Garçons SHIRT

Don’t let the name fool you — CDG SHIRT is more than just about shirts. This sub-label is known for bold colors, geometric graphics, layering, and playful tailoring. It’s one of the more youthful and expressive collections under the CDG umbrella, perfect for anyone who enjoys remixing formalwear with street-style aesthetics.

The line is a favorite for fashion lovers who want something wearable but with an edge — like reinvented button-downs, patchwork jackets, or oversized silhouettes.

6. Comme des Garçons Noir

CDG Noir is the label’s elegant and minimalist sub-collection, centered around the color black. With a focus on timeless tailoring and detailed textures, Noir delivers refinement with the signature Comme des Garçons twist — asymmetry, layering, and artistic structure.

It’s ideal for those who love black clothing but still want standout pieces that move beyond basics.

7. CDG (Logo Line)

Separate from CDG PLAY, the CDG Logo Line is a newer streetwear-inspired collection focused on bold logos, oversized fits, and urban-ready apparel. It includes everything from graphic tees to branded outerwear and is considered a more direct answer to today’s hype culture.

This line is especially popular among younger audiences and sneakerheads who want to wear the CDG name proudly, without diving into runway-level pricing or complexity.

8. Junya Watanabe & Tao

Both Junya Watanabe and Tao Kurihara trained under Kawakubo and went on to lead their own CDG sub-labels. Junya Watanabe is known for his technical innovation, patchwork design, and material exploration, while Tao explores more feminine, romantic aesthetics with an avant-garde approach.

These collections are perfect for seasoned fans of the brand who want to explore offshoots that retain the CDG DNA but offer fresh perspectives.

The Importance of Sub-Label Diversity

Comme des Garçons’ sub-labels aren’t just marketing branches — they reflect Kawakubo’s vision of fashion as a layered, multifaceted discipline. Each collection serves a unique purpose, audience, and voice, yet they all maintain a shared spirit of independence, experimentation, and artistic value.

Whether you're looking for bold runway statements or wearable streetwear with designer credibility, there's a CDG collection tailored to your needs.

Customer FAQs: What Buyers Want to Know

What is the difference between CDG PLAY and CDG SHIRT?

CDG PLAY focuses on casual basics like tees and cardigans with the iconic heart logo, while CDG SHIRT features bolder, fashion-forward designs with patterns and color-blocking. PLAY is more minimal, SHIRT is more expressive.

Are CDG sub-labels unisex?

Many CDG collections are designed to be gender-neutral or come in unisex sizing. CDG PLAY, SHIRT, and CDG Logo lines especially appeal to all genders with inclusive fits and styles.

Where can I buy authentic CDG sub-label items?

To ensure authenticity and quality, shop directly at commedesgarconswear.com. You'll find a curated selection of CDG PLAY, Converse collabs, and more.

What makes each CDG sub-label unique?

Each sub-label focuses on a different aesthetic. PLAY is minimal and casual, SHIRT is colorful and experimental, Homme is functional menswear, and the mainline is purely conceptual. The diversity is what makes CDG a leader in multidimensional fashion.

Are CDG PLAY Converse sneakers true to size?

Most customers say CDG Converse sneakers run slightly large. It’s generally recommended to size down by half a size for the best fit.

Do CDG sub-labels go on sale?

Some sub-labels like CDG Logo Line or past-season PLAY pieces may occasionally go on sale, but mainline collections and exclusive drops typically retain their full value due to high demand.

Final Thoughts

Comme des Garçons is far more than a single brand — it’s a fashion institution made up of unique, creative sub-labels that cater to every level of style exploration. Whether you're drawn to the clean design of CDG PLAY, the artistic brilliance of the mainline, or the tailored edge of Homme, there’s a CDG collection that speaks directly to your personal fashion voice.

With Rei Kawakubo’s consistent vision of pushing boundaries and redefining fashion, each label under the CDG banner offers something truly special — making it a lasting icon in a world that constantly shifts.