Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the Story Behind The Hundreds?
- How The Hundreds Started
- What Inspires The Hundreds’ Designs?
- Why The Hundreds Became Influential in Streetwear
- The Hundreds’ Philosophy: People Over Product
- Who Is The Hundreds Best For?
- The Hundreds vs Other Streetwear Brands
- What New Brands Can Learn From The Hundreds (My First-Hand View)
- How to Apply The Hundreds' Strategy to Your Clothing Line
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
As a streetwear factory working with brands worldwide, I often get asked:
“What is the story behind The Hundreds?”
The Hundreds is more than a clothing label — it’s one of the most important community-driven streetwear brands to ever come out of Los Angeles.
In this article, I’ll break down the brand’s story in a simple, structured way based on my real experience working with streetwear clients.
What Is the Story Behind The Hundreds?
The Hundreds was founded in 2003 by Bobby Kim (Bobby Hundreds) and Ben Shenassafar (Ben Hundreds).
They created the brand with one mission:
Build a streetwear label rooted in community, California culture, and authentic storytelling — not just hype.
The brand’s identity revolves around:
- Southern California lifestyle
- Skate culture
- Punk and DIY attitude
- Community-first values
- Streetwear as a storytelling platform
How The Hundreds Started
The Hundreds began as:
- A small passion project
- A streetwear blog
- A reflection of LA youth culture
Bobby Hundreds wrote daily blog posts documenting:
- street culture
- art
- music
- fashion
- life in LA
This “blog-first” approach built a loyal community before the clothing line even launched.
By the time they released apparel, people already felt connected to the brand’s personality and values.
What Inspires The Hundreds’ Designs?
Their inspiration comes from:
California nostalgia
Surf, skate, and West Coast culture.
90s graphics
Bold prints, bright colors, cartoon-style artwork.
DIY attitude
Hand-drawn graphics and punk influence.
Social commentary
Designs often reflect cultural moments and personal stories.
This is why The Hundreds still feels like a culture brand, not just a clothing brand.
Why The Hundreds Became Influential in Streetwear
The Hundreds shaped modern streetwear in several major ways:
- Community-first marketing
- Consistent blogging and storytelling
- Authentic California identity
- Collabs with global cultural icons
- Early adoption of skate + surf crossover styles
- High-quality graphic tees and hoodies
When I work with new streetwear brands, many still reference The Hundreds’ early graphics and signature “Adam Bomb” mascot.
The Hundreds’ Philosophy: People Over Product
The brand openly states:
“The Hundreds is a people’s brand.”
Meaning:
- Community matters more than hype
- Storytelling matters more than drops
- Relationships matter more than profit
This philosophy separates The Hundreds from trend-driven labels.
Who Is The Hundreds Best For?
The Hundreds appeals to:
- Fans of California streetwear
- People who value culture over hype
- Buyers who love bold 90s-style graphics
- Skate and surf communities
- Streetwear collectors and nostalgic fans
It’s a brand for people who want character in their clothing.
The Hundreds vs Other Streetwear Brands
| Brand | Core Identity | Style | Price | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hundreds | Community-first culture brand | 90s graphics & California vibes | Mid | Adam Bomb, blogs |
| Stüssy | Surf/skate original | Minimal + surf-influenced | Mid-high | Global subculture |
| Supreme | Skate luxury/hype | Simple logos + drops | High | Scarcity model |
| Obey | Art/political | Graphic streetwear | Mid | Shepard Fairey art |
What New Brands Can Learn From The Hundreds (My First-Hand View)
From working with global streetwear creators, here’s the biggest lesson:
Tell your story every day
The Hundreds blog built trust long before products existed.
Build a community, not just customers
People want to feel part of something meaningful.
Use graphics as a voice
Graphic tees are still the strongest format for storytelling.
Stay consistent
The Hundreds kept the same personality for 20+ years.
How to Apply The Hundreds' Strategy to Your Clothing Line
Here’s how new brands can adapt this strategy today:
Start with storytelling
Use blogs, TikTok, or Instagram to document your brand journey.Use meaningful graphics
Not random images — graphics with character.Build a mascot or visual icon
Just like The Hundreds’ Adam Bomb.Release strong hoodies and tees
Heavyweight fleece and bold prints still perform best.Work with a manufacturer who understands streetwear graphics
👉 FuKi Apparel – Custom Streetwear ManufacturerStay connected to your community
Engage with followers through stories and behind-the-scenes content.
FAQ
What is The Hundreds best known for?
Its California identity, Adam Bomb mascot, and community-driven streetwear.
Who founded The Hundreds?
Bobby Hundreds and Ben Hundreds in 2003.
Is The Hundreds still popular today?
Yes — especially among collectors, OG streetwear fans, and California communities.
Is The Hundreds a skate brand?
It blends skate, surf, punk, and streetwear culture.
What makes The Hundreds different from hype brands?
It focuses on storytelling instead of limited-edition hype.
Conclusion
The Hundreds is a California-born, community-driven streetwear brand built on storytelling, culture, and authenticity.
Its founders transformed a blog into one of LA’s most influential streetwear labels.
If you want to build a brand that lasts, The Hundreds’ strategy is the perfect blueprint:
community first, story always.
For premium streetwear manufacturing, heavy hoodies, graphic tees, and small-MOQ production:
👉 FuKi Apparel — Custom Streetwear Manufacturer
