A proxy in streetwear is a person or service that purchases items on someone else's behalf, typically because the buyer cannot access the release themselves. Proxies serve several functions: purchasing from stores in different cities or countries, entering multiple raffles, or simply having someone physically present when the buyer cannot be. Proxy services have formalized this practice, charging fees to purchase and ship items to international buyers or those unable to attend in-person releases. The term also refers to technical proxies—IP addresses used by bot operators to appear as multiple users and bypass purchase limits. Proxy relationships require trust, as money often changes hands before items are secured. Established proxies build reputations in communities, while proxy scams remain a persistent problem. The practice reflects streetwear's global nature: a collector in Tokyo might proxy a New York exclusive, while someone in London proxies a Japan-only release.