orn x Raised is a clothing brand that has captured the essence of Los Angeles street culture while simultaneously shaping the city's fashion landscape. Founded by lifelong Los Angeles residents, the brand is deeply intertwined with the city's identity, lifestyle, and rich cultural history. Known for its unique blend of laid-back Californian vibes and the raw, gritty realities of urban life, Born x Raised has carved a niche for itself within the streetwear scene, offering more than just apparel—its pieces act as a tribute to LA’s diverse community, reflecting a distinct fusion of pride, resilience, and authenticity.

Origins and Founding

The inception of Born x Raised dates back to 2013, created by a group of designers and creatives who grew up immersed in the streets and communities of Los Angeles. The brand was founded on the idea of representing their experiences, struggles, and the undeniable connection they had to their hometown. The name "Born x Raised" itself is a powerful testament to this connection—highlighting the notion of being both a product and a creator of the environment one is born into. The "x" in the brand’s name symbolizes the intersection between two seemingly contrasting worlds: the soft, sunshine-filled ideals of Los Angeles and the tough, real-life issues faced by those in the city’s lower-income neighborhoods.

A Reflection of LA’s Urban Culture

Born x Raised has consistently drawn inspiration from LA’s street culture, merging elements of skateboarding, hip-hop, and punk rock with high-end streetwear sensibilities. The city of Los Angeles, with its sprawling neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and rich history, provides the perfect backdrop for a brand that encapsulates both the beauty and the struggle inherent in life in the city. This can be seen in the brand's bold graphics, iconic logos, and the use of phrases and images that invoke both nostalgia and a sense of belonging.

From the very beginning, the brand sought to portray Los Angeles as more than just palm trees and sunny beaches. Its designs often feature motifs that reference the city’s darker side—its neighborhoods filled with gang culture, street violence, and the resilience of the people who fight to survive and thrive. The blend of optimistic and gritty elements reflects the duality of Los Angeles itself, where the bright lights of Hollywood sit side-by-side with the very real issues faced by many residents.

Streetwear with a Purpose

What sets Born x Raised apart from many other streetwear brands is its commitment to staying true to its roots and giving back to the community that inspired it. From the beginning, the founders made it clear that they were not just looking to profit from the trend of streetwear but to give voice and visibility to the culture that had shaped their lives. Born x Raised has worked closely with local charities and organizations aimed at improving the lives of youth and at-risk individuals in LA's neighborhoods. By reinvesting into the community, the brand fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability to the city that helped it grow.

Beyond charity work, Born x Raised has become a symbol of local pride. The brand regularly collaborates with local artists, musicians, and other creatives to highlight the talent emerging from the streets of Los Angeles. By creating pieces that reflect the voices and experiences of those who live in LA, the brand strengthens the bond between its clothing and the city itself. This sense of connection is not just about style—it’s about culture and identity.

Iconic Designs and Collaborations

The designs of Born x Raised are bold, graphic, and often packed with symbolism. From large, eye-catching logo prints to small, subtle details, every piece is infused with meaning. Some of the brand’s most iconic items include its graphic tees, hoodies, and jackets, which feature images of the California bear, skeletons, religious symbols, and phrases that draw from gang culture, tattoo art, and skate culture. These elements come together to form a visual language that is uniquely Born x Raised, instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in the streets.

Born x Raised has also garnered a reputation for collaborating with other respected brands in the streetwear and fashion worlds. These collaborations often feature special edition pieces that merge Born x Raised's signature aesthetic with the design sensibilities of other brands, such as Adidas, Nike, and Vans. Through these collaborations, the brand has expanded its influence and reached a broader audience while maintaining its core identity as a brand for those who live and breathe Los Angeles street culture.

In particular, the brand’s collaborations with other streetwear heavyweights have helped it elevate from a small, local operation to a globally recognized label. Yet, Born x Raised has remained grounded, continuing to support the local creative community and honor its roots in Los Angeles. Even as the brand grows in recognition, its core ethos remains the same: staying true to its origins, expressing the unfiltered realities of the city, and celebrating the culture that made it what it is today.

Cultural Influence and Global Reach

While Born x Raised remains deeply connected to Los Angeles, its influence extends far beyond the city’s borders. The brand has become a cultural icon in the streetwear world, appealing to people from all over the world who identify with its message of authenticity, pride, and resilience. What was once a small, niche label has blossomed into a global brand, beloved by celebrities, athletes, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Born x Raised’s popularity has also been bolstered by the rise of the "California lifestyle" aesthetic, which emphasizes laid-back style, surfing, skateboarding, and the unique fashion sensibilities that are rooted in the Golden State. Born x Raised has managed to blend this relaxed attitude with the more hardcore, urban elements of LA’s street culture, creating a balanced identity that resonates with a wide variety of people.

The brand has been embraced by music and entertainment icons, with celebrities frequently spotted wearing Born x Raised gear. This has further cemented its status as a brand that captures the essence of youth culture in a way that feels both aspirational and deeply rooted in the realities of everyday life.

A Legacy of Authenticity

At its core, Born x Raised is about authenticity. The brand’s founders remain deeply involved in every aspect of its creation, from design to production to community engagement. They are driven by a desire to represent the people and the culture that shaped them, and this commitment to authenticity is what has helped them build a loyal following. In an industry where trends change rapidly, Born x Raised has managed to remain relevant by staying true to its roots and producing clothing that speaks to the heart of what streetwear is all about—self-expression, community, and culture.

As the brand continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the importance of staying connected to one’s origins. Whether you're wearing a Born x Raised tee or hoodie, you're not just sporting a piece of clothing—you're donning a symbol of pride, resilience, and the spirit of Los Angeles. Born x Raised isn’t just a brand; it's a lifestyle, an attitude, and a reflection of the people who live it every day.