This Is Not a T-Shirt: A Brand, a Culture, a Community - a Life in Streetwear
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This Is Not a T-Shirt: A Brand, a Culture, a Community - a Life in Streetwear Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,073 ratings

The story of The Hundreds and the precepts that made it an iconic streetwear brand by Bobby Hundreds himself

Streetwear occupies that rarefied space where genuine "cool" coexists with big business; where a star designer might work concurrently with Nike, a tattoo artist, Louis Vuitton, and a skateboard company. It’s the ubiquitous style of dress comprising hoodies, sneakers, and T-shirts. In the beginning, a few brands defined this style; fewer still survived as streetwear went mainstream. They are the OGs, the “heritage brands.” The Hundreds is one of those persevering companies, and Bobby Hundreds is at the center of it all.

The creative force behind the brand, Bobby Kim, a.k.a. Bobby Hundreds, has emerged as a prominent face and voice in streetwear. In telling the story of his formative years, he reminds us that The Hundreds was started by outsiders; and this is truly the story of streetwear culture.

In This Is Not a T-Shirt, Bobby Hundreds cements his spot as a champion of an industry he helped create and tells the story of The Hundreds - with anecdotes ranging from his Southern California, punk-DIY-tinged youth to the brand’s explosive success. Both an inspiring memoir and an expert assessment of the history and future of streetwear, this is the tale of Bobby’s commitment to his creative vision and to building a real community.

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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 49 minutes
Author Bobby Hundreds
Narrator Bobby Hundreds
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date June 25, 2019
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07SHVYSF6
Best Sellers Rank #82,423 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#70 in Fashion & Textile Business
#183 in Art (Audible Books & Originals)
#277 in Biographies of Business Leaders

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,073 global ratings
Not just about Streetwear.
5 Stars
Not just about Streetwear.
A really great story about the struggles we all face. Of not fitting in, of not feeling heard, of everyone saying turn right when you want to go left, of having to claw your way to what your gut tells you you need, of finding a way in the side window when the front door won’t open, of getting more than you ever dreamt of, and of that not lasting forever and learning to stand strong against the waves. Streetwear may be the backdrop, but this book and the lessons Bobby delivers are simply about life - to learn how to trust yourself and push forward despite what the works tells you you “should” do. The stories are so so good, the pace is quick, and each chapter leaves you with a few nuggets of wisdom that leave you inspired. And for any fans of Ben Horowitz’s book The Hard Thing About Hard Things, this reads closely to it and you’ll love it.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2019
This is one of those rare books that I couldn’t wait to pick up and didn’t want to put down.

I had very little knowledge of Bobby, Ben and the hundreds before reading this. But when I saw the tasteful way Bobby seems to combine entrepreneurship, art, clothing skateboarding, community, and music in the way he writes and creates I was sold...

I pre ordered a copy and devoured it in the last week.

I was hoping for something mildly entertaining and what I got was so much more...

This book was well written, funny, easy and enjoyable to read and it was powerfully motivating, entertaining, and inspiring!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t wait to pick it up...didn’t want to put it down
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2019
This is one of those rare books that I couldn’t wait to pick up and didn’t want to put down.

I had very little knowledge of Bobby, Ben and the hundreds before reading this. But when I saw the tasteful way Bobby seems to combine entrepreneurship, art, clothing skateboarding, community, and music in the way he writes and creates I was sold...

I pre ordered a copy and devoured it in the last week.

I was hoping for something mildly entertaining and what I got was so much more...

This book was well written, funny, easy and enjoyable to read and it was powerfully motivating, entertaining, and inspiring!
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Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2019
...and began to reread right away.

It's hard to put into words exactly how much and why this book has been my bible the past week and a half. I've already stained and worn my copy from carrying it everywhere with me. I've already bought two other copies as gifts. And yes, I'm buying another brand new copy for others to borrow (and maybe have Bobby sign).

I hate to admit that after having so many negative memories associated with The Hundreds, I forced myself to "move on" from the brand. But after reading this book, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with The Hundreds to begin with: Bobby's sincere and sheer authenticity. Not only is it an amazing read, but an easy one as well because of Bobby's genuine transparency (and ingenuity).

If you're looking for some inspiration to grow, or just interested in the history of streetwear, look no further and buy yourself a copy.

I think I might even try out the audiobook.

EDIT * I've officially bought a 5th copy to gift. Can't thank Bobby Hundreds enough for sharing this book at such a pivotal moment in my life.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
Bobby hundreds let’s you dive deep into his thought process and what it takes to run a successful brand
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2019
If you're into streetwear, this is the book to get you motivated to start a brand.

If you're not into streetwear, this is the book to get you motivated to make moves in your career or to start pursuing your passions outside of your career.

For me, I viewed it from both lenses described above. The in depth stories provided by Bobby give the reader great insight as to what it took for him to get to where he wanted to be, and where he hopes to be in the future. The writing is transparent and honest, which makes it that much more enticing. Each detail that helped shape Bobby and his brand have purpose and meaning. As a reader, you truly feel like you get to know the man and the brand. We know WHAT the brand is, but now we know WHO the brand is, and HOW it came to be, and WHY it matters.

A great read for anyone and everyone.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2019
Great book. A must read for anyone interested in learning about the roots of street wear. As a fan of The Hundreds for more than 10 years it was very entertaining to learn about the brands beginning and fill in some of the blanks I had as a curious consumer and fan. Bobby does a great job of explaining the brands evolution and all of the tough decision he had to make as a leader and CEO to make sure that the brand never lost touch with its secret sauce, it’s community. There were multiple times when I’d finish reading a chapter and think back to my experience and interaction with the brand as the timeline progressed. Every time Id have a flashback I reinforced Bobby’s narrative of the importance of creating a connection with your consumers.

I’ve been a fan and loyal consumer for years, and after reading Bobby’s book I’ll be a loyal customer for life.
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019
For aspiring or current entrepreneurs, business owners, influencers and, personal brands, this book is a text book. You learn how someone took an idea and built a global brand from the ground up. Educational, inspirational, relatable, and has many great nuggets of truth that you can apply and execute with your own business or brand.

For fans of streetwear or for those who want to understand streetwear, this book is the bible. It's all you need. Has the history, insights into the frenzy and allure of streetwear culture, and how it has evolved and grown over the years.

For anyone just looking for a good read, this is an interesting and entertaining story. It has the ups and downs, trials and triumphs, surprises and excitement. You can't help but root for Bobby and The Hundreds.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Learn the most important things when building a brand
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019
For aspiring or current entrepreneurs, business owners, influencers and, personal brands, this book is a text book. You learn how someone took an idea and built a global brand from the ground up. Educational, inspirational, relatable, and has many great nuggets of truth that you can apply and execute with your own business or brand.

For fans of streetwear or for those who want to understand streetwear, this book is the bible. It's all you need. Has the history, insights into the frenzy and allure of streetwear culture, and how it has evolved and grown over the years.

For anyone just looking for a good read, this is an interesting and entertaining story. It has the ups and downs, trials and triumphs, surprises and excitement. You can't help but root for Bobby and The Hundreds.
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One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2019
This book is a great read. There are like 1-2 street brands that I rock with, The Hundreds and Intellects. This book was a great insight to the highs and lows to turning a hobby into a safe haven. The Hundreds is truly a safe haven, a lifestyle that many rock with. The insight in this book has led to keep thinking within on how the product i put out to the world (doesn’t always have to be a physical product), makes people feel. Do people feel like I am using them, do they feel heard? Etc. Bobby took me through that endeavor; of being a law student with a hobby and taking this and transforming lives through his work. I am proud of the brand, of the book, and the eye opening experiences he shared. I am not interested in starting a clothing company at all but I am interesting in learning from those who stay true to who they say they are and I appreciate this book for doing that.
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2019
I grew up buying the hundreds products so I figured this would be a good read. Honestly, I enjoyed the book most of the time! I found myself smiling, laughing, and making connection throughout. You can Definitely tell that the author put a lot of thought and emotion into his stories. However, I found myself a little bored during certain sections. Overall, It was a good read and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the brand or streetwear. You won’t be disappointed!

Top reviews from other countries

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Mario García
5.0 out of 5 stars El mejor
Reviewed in Mexico on March 23, 2023
Cómpralo, aún si no sabes inglés. Punto
Nadir Costa
5.0 out of 5 stars Ainda não é possível avaliar o conteúdo
Reviewed in Brazil on January 6, 2021
Estou no início da leitura. Futuramente terei condições de avaliar o livro de uma forma mais completa.
A.P
5.0 out of 5 stars Reco reco reco
Reviewed in France on January 23, 2021
The book is great! It’s inspiring and written in a very cool digestible way. I have it to my nephew who is an avid skater so he’ll be inspired with how one can take his passions and transform it into a 9 figures business :)
mattia rinieri
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Story of Success
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2020
The Hundreds is not the usual streetwear brand with an upward trajectory and a path to success from the start. Bobby Hundreds demonstrated to be an excellent writer in telling his own story, from screenprinting t-shirts in his flat to multiple stores worldwide and millions of dollars of revenue to growth stagnation to success again. This book tells you the story of an entrepreneur and how he made it in his own way, with clear insights and advice for your brand (and life in general). The book goes very fast thanks to the colloquial and direct tone.
Definitely a must, either you are into streetwear or not
Josephine Cruz
5.0 out of 5 stars Been waiting a long time for this book and it didn’t disappoint
Reviewed in Canada on July 9, 2019
Been following Bobby since I discovered The Hundreds blog in 2005/6ish. I always said if he wrote a book that I’d definitely buy it; I kept my word and preordered this the very first day I learned about it. This book has everything - humour, touching moments, lessons, gems and everything in between. It did make me super nostalgic for “the old days” of streetwear but upon finishing it I also felt thankful that brands like The Hundreds are still around for me to enjoy and people like Bobby are still in the game for me to look up to. Thank you Bobby - for writing our history; for giving hope to Asian kids who grew up liking punk rock and skateboarding; for writing a book for us suburban kids from small towns who found ourselves and our belonging on forums and blogs; and for those of us who will always value people over product despite the way things have changed in streetwear in the last few years.