About XYZ Clothing

XYZ Clothing: A Legacy of Skate and Style

In the sun-drenched summer of 1992, nestled in the skateboarding haven of Carlsbad, California, a new force emerged in the skate world—XYZ Clothing. Originally conceived as a skate shop by legendary pro-skater Danny Way and his childhood friend Tommy Caudill, XYZ was more than just a retail space; it was a cultural hub for the local skate scene. But when skateboarding was banned in Carlsbad just three years later, the duo pivoted with purpose. The shop closed, but the spirit lived on—reborn as a clothing brand that would soon become iconic in skateboarding circles.

From Dust Bowl to Design Powerhouse

XYZ Clothing quickly carved out a reputation for producing apparel that was unapologetically raw, authentic, and designed by skateboarders for skateboarders. Their gear—ranging from bold graphic tees to snapback hats with 3D embroidered logos—was a reflection of the gritty, rebellious energy of the skateboarding lifestyle. With a tagline like “destroying since 1992,” XYZ wasn’t just selling clothes; they were selling attitude.

The Dream Team

One of XYZ’s most defining moves was assembling a powerhouse roster of sponsored riders. The brand backed some of the most influential names in skateboarding history, including Danny Way himself, Pat Duffy, Heath Kirchart, Peter Hewitt, Ronnie Bertino, Trainwreck (Alex Gall), Neal Mims, Bill Weiss, and many more. These skaters weren’t just wearing XYZ—they were living it, shredding in legendary skate videos that helped cement the brand’s place in skateboarding lore.

Skate Videos That Shaped a Generation

XYZ Clothing didn’t stop at apparel. They produced some of the most memorable skateboarding videos of the '90s and early 2000s, including Stars & Bars, Meet Your Maker, Decade of Destruction, and The XYZ Video. These films weren’t just showcases of talent—they were cultural artifacts, capturing the raw energy and creativity of the skateboarding underground.

Where Are They Now?

Today, XYZ Clothing exists more as a legacy than a current brand. While their products are no longer widely available, their influence still echoes through the skateboarding community. The brand’s aesthetic, ethos, and contributions to skate culture continue to inspire new generations of skaters and creators. Though the shelves may be empty, the spirit of XYZ is anything but gone.

XYZ CLOTHING, STARS&BARS, PLATINUM SKATEBOARDS PART

XYZ CLOTHING -"THE XYZ VIDEO" PAT CHANNITA / PETER HEWITT