They wear it new, oversized, and pristine. For decades in Los Angeles, the PRO CLUB Heavyweight White T-shirt has been an iconic staple, bringing together Black and Latino communities. Here’s a look back at the history of this renowned T-shirt brand.
On the streets of Los Angeles, everyone is proudly wearing a PRO CLUB T-shirt.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Born in Los Angeles in the late 80's, PRO CLUB was primarily established for professionals and athletes, hence the name "Pro Club," signifying a club of professionals. Their tees quickly gained popularity over the years due to their exceptional quality, durability and thickness. But PRO CLUB T-shirts not only became a staple in sportswear it also made a significant impact on urban and streetwear fashion scenes.
FROM THE HOOD TO THE SPOTLIGHT
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, these T-shirts gained popularity within the rap scene. Icons like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. were frequently seen wearing PRO CLUB gear, inadvertently boosting the brand's status in the hip-hop community. At the same time, these t-shirts also gained traction among gangsters in Los Angeles, further cementing PRO CLUB's presence in urban fashion and culture.
Gang members usually go up 2 or 3 sizes to hide a gun under their t-shirts.
As hip-hop evolved, so did PRO CLUB's influence. Initially favored for their comfort and durability, the brand's versatile T-shirts became symbols of authenticity and street credibility. Artists like Nipsey Hussle, Larry June, and Bishop Snow, among many others, have been seen wearing PRO CLUB T-shirts in music videos, concerts, and daily life, reinforcing the brand's lasting significance in hip-hop culture.
Nipsey Hussle wearing a PRO CLUB white tee in Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles.
WHY PRO CLUB T-SHIRTS REMAIN ICONIC IN 2024: THE SECRET TO THEIR ENDURING SUCCESS
PRO CLUB T-shirts stand out from anything else on the market. Their distinct appeal lies in thoughtful design details: from the spandex woven into the collar, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit, to the philosophy behind fabric density—“thick enough so you can’t see through to the skin.” The shirts are dyed in a unique blend that gives them their bright “snow white” hue. “It’s not the creamy white you see elsewhere. Snow white has almost a blue undertone — that kind of vibe.”