In the world of streetwear, few brands have managed to remain as authentic and culturally rooted as Born X Raised. Pronounced “Born and Raised,” the brand stands out not just for its bold designs but for the powerful story and purpose behind it. Born X Raised isn't just clothing; it’s a statement, a form of resistance, and a love letter to Los Angeles.

Founded in 2013 by Spanto (Chris Printup) and 2Tone (Alex Erdmann), Born X Raised was created in direct response to the rapid gentrification of Los Angeles neighborhoods. The brand was built from a place of pride, resistance, and identity. Unlike many fashion labels that are born in boardrooms, Born X Raised was born in the streets — from the soul of Venice, California.

Origins Rooted in Resistance

Born X Raised didn’t emerge out of a desire to ride the wave of streetwear hype. It came from a much more personal place. Co-founder Spanto had a vision of creating something that spoke to the people who were being erased from the city’s story — the locals, the marginalized, the working-class residents of Los Angeles whose culture was being overtaken by high-rise condos and trendy boutiques.

Spanto and 2Tone used their experiences and their pain to fuel the creative direction of the brand. Venice, once a vibrant and culturally diverse area, was facing the pressures of gentrification at an alarming rate. Families that had lived there for generations were being priced out. What Born X Raised offered was a sense of community and identity in a changing city — a reminder that the roots of LA were still alive and fighting.

The Style of Born X Raised

The clothing is gritty, raw, and Bornxraised hoodie local. The brand is known for its strong typography, bold slogans, and throwback visuals that reference the 80s and 90s Los Angeles street culture. It’s not about clean aesthetics or minimalism; it’s about power, emotion, and memory.

Each drop feels like a statement — often featuring controversial, politically charged phrases or imagery. But that’s what sets Born X Raised apart. It doesn’t try to appeal to everyone. Instead, it speaks directly to those who get it — the people who see their stories reflected in the designs.

T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets become more than just apparel. They become tools of expression. Whether it's a simple logo piece or a graphic-heavy item, the energy is always the same: unapologetically LA, and deeply personal.

Collaborations and Cultural Relevance

While Born X Raised has always been fiercely independent, it hasn’t shied away from collaborations — but only when they make sense culturally. The brand has teamed up with major names like Nike, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and even the NFL, but it has always ensured that these partnerships reflect its values.

These collaborations aren’t about chasing clout; they’re about honoring the communities they come from. When Born X Raised worked with the Dodgers, for example, it wasn’t just another sports apparel drop. It was about celebrating LA’s deep connection with baseball, especially among Latino communities.

Every collaboration feels organic. It ties into a deeper narrative — one that places culture, history, and authenticity above all else. This commitment to staying true to its roots is what continues to earn Born X Raised respect not just in Los Angeles, but in cities across the globe.

The Legacy of Spanto

The story of Born X Raised cannot be told without honoring the legacy of its co-founder, Spanto. More than just a designer or entrepreneur, Spanto was a symbol of resilience. He battled cancer while continuing to lead the brand and represent his community. His personal struggle and commitment to storytelling through fashion inspired a generation of young creatives.

Spanto didn’t just build a clothing brand — he built a movement. His voice carried weight because it came from real experience. The pain, the joy, the anger, and the pride that he poured into Born X Raised created a blueprint for others looking to use fashion as a form of activism and storytelling.

Even after his passing, Spanto’s vision lives on. His partner 2Tone continues to guide the brand, ensuring that it never strays from the mission they started together. In many ways, every new collection is a tribute to Spanto’s life and his love for Los Angeles.

Community at the Core

What makes Born X Raised so powerful is its ongoing commitment to community. Whether it’s hosting pop-ups in local neighborhoods, supporting social justice causes, or spotlighting overlooked artists and voices, the brand is always giving back.

Born X Raised operates with the understanding that culture doesn’t belong to corporations. It belongs to the people — and the people should benefit from it. From day one, the brand has made sure to include the very communities it represents. It’s not just about selling clothes; it’s about preserving culture and creating opportunities.

In a time where many streetwear labels focus heavily on limited drops and resale hype, Born X Raised stays grounded in reality. It never forgets where it came from or who it’s for.

A Voice for the Marginalized

Born X Raised has always embraced the uncomfortable. It doesn’t try to be politically correct, and it certainly doesn’t aim to be universally accepted. Instead, it provides a platform for the voices that often go unheard — the ones that are shouted over by development, money, and mainstream media.

The brand calls out injustices, highlights cultural erasure, and refuses to back down when others try to sanitize or rebrand the neighborhoods that shaped it. It forces people to pay attention, to listen, and to understand that culture cannot be bought or sold — it must be protected and honored.

The Future of Born X Raised

Looking ahead, Born X Raised seems poised to continue evolving while never forgetting its roots. The brand has already proven that it can balance growth with integrity. Its influence is expanding, but its message remains consistent.

There’s no telling what the next chapter will hold, but one thing is certain: Born X Raised isn’t going anywhere. As long as there are stories to tell, communities to uplift, and cultures to protect, the brand will remain at the forefront of meaningful streetwear.