Since 1982, Gramicci has been crafting practical outdoor clothing designed for life in motion. Built for freedom and embraced by countless cultural movements, what began in a small garage in Ventura, California, has journeyed from Yosemite’s granite walls to the streets of Tokyo and beyond.

The story starts in California in the 1970s, when a new generation of free-spirited rock climbers — the Stonemasters — settled in Yosemite National Park. They pioneered a bold new climbing style that valued speed, style, and technical skill. This fresh approach demanded gear that could keep up. Painter pants and army surplus gear worked to a point, but real freedom required flexibility. Mike Graham, a Stonemaster with an eye for design, set out to create the first true climbing shorts.

Drawing inspiration from kung-fu trousers, Graham added a diamond-shaped gusset to the crotch, giving complete 180-degree flexibility. Hard-wearing canvas offered the durability needed for rock faces, while an integrated nylon webbing belt, inspired by backpack straps, allowed for secure, one-handed adjustment. An elasticated waistband ensured all-day comfort, whether scaling cliffs or relaxing at camp.

In 1982, Gramicci was officially born. The name came from a nickname Graham adopted during an attempted “all-Italian” ascent of Yosemite’s Half-Dome — despite no one on the team being Italian. Shorts were soon followed by the now-iconic G-Pants, and word of these tough, functional pants spread fast. By the mid-80s, they’d moved beyond the climbing community, finding fans among surfers, skaters, and anyone who valued gear that could handle both adventure and everyday life — all marked by the hand-drawn “running man” logo.

Gramicci’s appeal soon reached Japan, where the brand became a fixture in outdoor and streetwear culture. Relocating its base to Japan allowed Gramicci to continue innovating while staying true to its roots: clothing built for movement, freedom, and durability.

Four decades after that first pair of shorts left Mike Graham’s garage, the mission remains unchanged — creating resilient, functional clothing designed for those who live life without limits.