Born x Raised Clothing: Streetwear with a Soul Born x Raised is not your average streetwear brand — it’s a voice from the streets of Los Angeles, raw and unfiltered. Founded in 2011 by the late Chris “Spanto” Printup and Alex “2Tone” Erdmann, Born x Raised (often stylized as Born X Raised) blends high-impact design with deep social consciousness. It’s a brand that not only dresses the culture but speaks for it — unapologetically and with heart.
The Roots of the Brand
What sets Born x Raised apart is its strong connection to community. The name itself symbolizes pride in heritage: being born into a neighborhood and raised by its values, struggles, and survival. Both Spanto and 2Tone grew up in Venice, California, and saw firsthand how gentrification reshaped their city and erased long-standing cultures.
This deep connection to Los Angeles — especially the displaced communities of color — shaped their design philosophy. Born x Raised was created not to follow fashion trends but to defend cultural identity. It's clothing with context, often bold, sometimes aggressive, but always meaningful.
Design Language: West Coast, Unfiltered
Born x Raised clothing is instantly recognizable. The designs feature bold Gothic fonts, old English script, graffiti-style artwork, and provocative messaging. Every piece is a statement — not just in style, but in intent.
From graphic tees and hoodies to jackets and hats, Born x Raised pieces often carry political or cultural themes. Phrases like "Gentrification is Genocide" or "On the Turf" connect directly with the struggles of L.A.’s original communities. The graphics celebrate Chicano culture, gang aesthetics, street symbols, and raw urban energy.
Their approach is anti-corporate, anti-polished, and pro-truth. It’s no surprise that fans of the brand wear it not just to look good, but to express who they are and where they come from.
Product Range
While best known for their graphic t-shirts and hoodies, Born x Raised offers a full range of streetwear staples:
- T-Shirts: The backbone of the brand. Often oversized, always bold, and loaded with impactful messages.
- Hoodies : Heavyweight materials, perfect for layering and expressing street credibility.
- Shorts & Pants: Relaxed fits with sharp detailing, logos, and subtle nods to L.A. culture.
- Sweatspant: Mixing classic workwear with street styling, these pieces often feature embroidered motifs and back graphics.
- Accessories: Hats, socks, and limited-edition items that round out the outfit.
Cultural Impact
Born x Raised isn’t just worn — it’s respected. From local L.A. skaters to hip-hop legends and Hollywood A-listers, the brand’s reach is wide, but its roots are always visible. Celebrities like LeBron James, Kendrick Lamar, and A$AP Rocky have been seen wearing Born x Raised, helping bring the brand to global attention.
But even with fame, Born x Raised has kept its soul. The brand hosts local events, gives back to the community, and continues to speak on issues that matter — displacement, racism, poverty, and identity.
Spanto once said, "This brand was never supposed to be in fashion week. It’s supposed to be in the streets." And that’s exactly where it thrives — among the people.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Though deeply rooted in street culture, Born x Raised doesn’t compromise on quality. Garments are made from premium materials, often custom cut-and-sewn in small batches. The prints are vibrant and long-lasting, the stitching is solid, and the overall construction reflects the brand’s dedication to doing things the right way.
Unlike fast fashion labels that flood the market with trend-based drops, Born x Raised releases limited collections. This exclusivity creates demand and gives the pieces lasting value — not just as clothes, but as cultural artifacts.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Brand
Born x Raised is streetwear with soul, built on storytelling, struggle, and survival. It’s not about being trendy — it’s about being truthful. From its bold graphics to its cultural commentary, Born x Raised continues to challenge the norms of fashion while uplifting the voices that are often unheard.
In a world of mass production and soulless drops, Born x Raised stands out as a beacon of integrity. It is for those who wear their hearts on their sleeves and their cities on their backs. Whether you're from L.A. or halfway around the world, if you believe in standing for something — Born x Raised is for you.