Gramicci

Gramicci's story begins in 1982, established as a brand dedicated to crafting functional clothing for the great outdoors. Built for movement, the brand has won the affection of numerous cultural movements. From a humble start in a garage in Ventura, California, Gramicci's influence has reached far and wide, extending all the way to the streets of Tokyo and beyond​.

The genesis of Gramicci was rooted in the 1970s in California, where a group of free-spirited rock climbers, known as the Stonemasters, began a new chapter in the history of climbing at Yosemite National Park. Their approach emphasized speed and style, which called for a new kind of attire. While painter pants and army surplus gear served their purpose to an extent, a greater level of flexibility was needed. One of the Stonemasters, Mike Graham, possessed a keen eye for design and decided to create the first true climbing shorts​​.

Taking inspiration from kung-fu trousers, a diamond-shaped gusset was incorporated into the crotch of the shorts for full 180-degree flexibility. The durable canvas material was chosen for its ability to withstand rough conditions. A novel feature was added to the shorts: a nylon webbing belt, similar to backpack straps, integrated into the waist. This ingenious design allowed the wearer to adjust the shorts with just one hand, while the elasticated waistband maintained comfort​​.

Gramicci, the name chosen for the brand, was a nickname that Graham had given himself during the Stonemasters' attempt at the first 'all-Italian' ascent of Yosemite's infamous Half-Dome (despite none of the climbers being Italian). Following the shorts, trousers were introduced, and word soon spread about these nearly indestructible pants, known as the G-Pants. They gained popularity not just among rock climbers, but also among surfers and skaters by the mid-80s. They were drawn to these sturdy trousers that sported a unique hand-drawn 'running man' logo​.

The brand also found popularity on the streets of Tokyo. When the time came for Gramicci to find a new home, Japan emerged as the perfect place. Since then, Gramicci has been committed to innovation and pushing new ideas, all while preserving its original ethos. Even 40 years after the first pair of Gramicci shorts were stitched together in Mike Graham's garage, the brand's philosophy remains intact: to create hard-wearing, functional clothing designed with movement in mind​​.