Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
This Is Not a T-Shirt summary
Bobby Hundreds
Brief summary
This Is Not a T-Shirt by Bobby Hundreds is a captivating memoir that delves into the world of streetwear fashion. It explores the journey of The Hundreds, a groundbreaking streetwear brand, and offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship and creativity.
Table of Contents
This Is Not a T-Shirt
Summary of key ideas
The Genesis of The Hundreds
In This Is Not a T-Shirt, Bobby Hundreds takes us on a journey through the inception and evolution of his streetwear brand, The Hundreds. He begins by recounting his early years, growing up as a Korean-American in Southern California. Bobby shares how his love for punk rock and skateboarding, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, led him to start a blog in the early 2000s, which would later become the foundation for The Hundreds.
As the blog gained traction, Bobby and his business partner, Ben Shenassafar, saw an opportunity to create a streetwear brand that resonated with their community. They named it The Hundreds, inspired by the 100% work ethic they believed in. The brand's initial offerings were graphic T-shirts, a reflection of the duo's love for art and design, and their desire to create a brand that was more than just clothing.
The Rise and Challenges
With a strong online presence and a growing fan base, The Hundreds quickly gained popularity. Bobby and Ben opened their first flagship store in Los Angeles, which became a hub for streetwear enthusiasts and creatives. The brand expanded its product line, introducing hoodies, jackets, and accessories, all featuring the signature The Hundreds aesthetic.
However, Bobby doesn't shy away from sharing the challenges they faced along the way. He discusses the pressures of running a business, the constant need to innovate, and the difficulties of maintaining authenticity in an industry that was becoming increasingly commercialized. Despite these obstacles, The Hundreds continued to thrive, largely due to their unwavering commitment to their core values and community.
Community and Culture
One of the key themes in This Is Not a T-Shirt is the importance of community and culture in streetwear. Bobby emphasizes that The Hundreds was never just about selling clothes; it was about creating a platform for self-expression and fostering a sense of belonging. The brand collaborated with artists, musicians, and other streetwear labels, further solidifying its position as a cultural influencer.
Bobby also delves into the social and political aspects of streetwear, highlighting how the clothing became a medium for expressing dissent and advocating for social change. The Hundreds used their platform to address issues such as racial inequality, police brutality, and environmental conservation, aligning with the values of their community.
Lessons and Legacy
As This Is Not a T-Shirt nears its conclusion, Bobby reflects on the lessons he's learned from building The Hundreds. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's vision, embracing failure as a part of the journey, and constantly evolving to stay relevant. He also acknowledges the role of luck and timing in the brand's success, humbly attributing a part of it to external factors.
In the end, Bobby leaves us with a powerful message about the legacy of The Hundreds. He believes that the brand's impact goes beyond its products; it's about the people it has inspired, the culture it has shaped, and the community it has built. This Is Not a T-Shirt is not just a story about a clothing brand; it's a testament to the power of creativity, authenticity, and community in shaping a cultural movement.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is This Is Not a T-Shirt about?
'This Is Not a T-Shirt' by Bobby Hundreds takes readers on a journey through the world of streetwear and the founding of the iconic brand, The Hundreds. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, Bobby delves into the cultural impact of streetwear and the power of creative expression. It's a thought-provoking exploration of fashion, art, and entrepreneurship.
This Is Not a T-Shirt Review
This Is Not a T-Shirt (2019) by Bobby Hundreds explores the rise of streetwear culture and its impact on art, fashion, and business. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Offers a unique insider perspective from the co-founder of The Hundreds, a renowned streetwear brand, providing valuable insights into the industry.
- Examines the intersection of street culture and entrepreneurship, showcasing how streetwear has influenced and shaped contemporary culture.
- Combines personal anecdotes, interviews, and captivating stories, making the book an entertaining and informative read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Who should read This Is Not a T-Shirt?
- Readers interested in the history and culture of streetwear
- Entrepreneurs looking for insights into building a successful brand
- Those curious about the intersection of fashion, art, and business
Categories with This Is Not a T-Shirt
Book summaries like This Is Not a T-Shirt
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
This Is Not a T-Shirt FAQs
What is the main message of This Is Not a T-Shirt?
The main message of This Is Not a T-Shirt is that streetwear is more than just fashion—it's a reflection of culture and a form of self-expression.
How long does it take to read This Is Not a T-Shirt?
The reading time for This Is Not a T-Shirt varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is This Is Not a T-Shirt a good book? Is it worth reading?
This Is Not a T-Shirt is a must-read for streetwear enthusiasts and those interested in the intersection of fashion and culture. It provides valuable insights and a behind-the-scenes look into the industry.
Who is the author of This Is Not a T-Shirt?
Bobby Hundreds.
What to read after This Is Not a T-Shirt?
If you're wondering what to read next after This Is Not a T-Shirt, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Start with Why by Simon Sinek
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey A. Moore
- Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
- Built to Last by Jim Collins
- Start-up of You by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha
- The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
- Inspired by Marty Cagan
- ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson