Gramicci

A diamond-shaped gusset found on a pair of kung-fu trousers was added to the crotch for full 180 degree flexibility, whilst hard-wearing canvas kept things sturdy when the going got tough. To keep the shorts fully secure, a nylon webbing belt was integrated into the waist. Taking cues from backpack straps, this cunning feature allowed the shorts to be adjusted with one hand, whilst the elasticated waistband kept things comfortable.

In 1982, Gramicci was born—taking its name from a moniker Graham had given himself back when a few of the Stonemasters attempted the first ‘all-Italian’ ascent of Yosemite’s notorious Half-Dome (even though none of them were actually Italian). After the shorts came trousers—and word of these seemingly-indestructible pants—dubbed the G-Pants—soon spread. Their popularity wasn’t limited to rock climbers either, and by the mid-80s a small contingent of surfers and skaters were seeking out these hard-wearing pants with the little hand-drawn ‘running man’ logo.

Gramicci also found favor on the streets of Tokyo—and when time came for Gramicci to find a new home—Japan was the perfect place. Since then, Gramicci has continued to innovate and push new ideas, all the while retaining its original ethos. 40 years since the first pair of Gramicci shorts were sewn together in Mike Graham’s garage, the song remains the same—it’s hard-wearing, functional clothing, designed with movement firmly in mind.