Over the past year I have noticed that there are more and more Christian clothing brands coming out. It seems like there is a new one everyday. You can get online, go to your favorite social media feed and see someone new. With so many to choose from, the market almost seems flooded. “So why start a new Christian streetwear brand?”, you may ask. “Don’t we have enough?” And the answer to that question, in my humble opinion, (in the current state of this niche) is “yes.”
True “streetwear” comes from authentic street culture. It represents a collection of self-described misfits who wanted to stand out where they may not have fit in. Through the rise of hip hop, skateboarding, graffiti art, street ball, the latest sneakers and distinct pieced-together, bold style influenced by pop culture and through all the above, a new sub-culture based in community, began. Inclusivity, even if through a rebel spirit, allowed trends to form as the culture thrived. 20 years ago, you could go into your local skate shop or sneaker store and find all kinds of brands doing streetwear the way they felt it should be done. From the graphic tee to the hoodie, to sports jerseys reworked for fashion, everyone had their own take on what they deemed “cool”.
I believe the same is true now with Christian clothing. Christian clothing in general is and has been, up until recently, at least 10 years behind the trends of secular brands. But long gone are the days of Christians, especially the younger generation, wanting to wear a “Jesus” shirt that looks like a knock-off Coca-Cola logo. It’s just plain boring, and honestly pretty cheesy (and we know the Christian message is anything but). If we want to move the needle in telling our faith in our fashion, then we must allow space for Christian apparel to grow and change with the generations that are coming up.
With so many brands coming out, I see so many “I love Jesus” or “Jesus loves you” shirts from so many different companies. It’s the same type font, on the same boxy oversized (and often, very cheaply made) tee. They are all just starting to run together. (Now, before you put your defenses up, let me finish.) I am not saying that there is anything really wrong with these shirts, or their sayings. They have a very clear message and are very direct in saying exactly what we want people to know - Jesus DOES love them. What I am saying is there is a need and space for innovation.
Let me give you some insight. About a year ago, when my mom and I were talking about this crazy idea of me (and eventually my wife) starting a clothing company, I told her exactly what I am saying to you. She responded with, “Our church just did a shirt that says, “Ask me about my church.”” To which I responded, “But if a person who sees that shirt wants nothing to do with church, then they aren’t going to ask. And that is the problem. We need people to ask. We want them to think in its purest form, that it’s fashionable and interesting enough that they ask about it. Just as if you or I liked something someone was wearing enough to ask where they got it. It’s then that we can be RELATIONAL, and open up to them about the gospel, about our testimonies, in a non-intrusive way. Even if nothing happens at that moment, we were able to plant a seed.”
This is why we started Found One. I believe this is where we stand out. We have shirts that say things about God and faith, etc. But we want people to think. We want people to ask questions. Jesus spoke in parables. He told stories. He wanted his disciples to ask; to dig deeper. He wanted those that were lost to be intrigued enough to come a little closer. “What does this mean?” and “What does that mean?” This is where we reach people, through conversation. Every shirt, every design tells a story of faith in one way or another. We are not only serving the believer, but the non-believer. So, even though there is nothing wrong with in- your-face “Jesus” shirts, at times, maybe to some, they can do quite the opposite and detour the conversation that you are hoping to spark. We want people to be able to ask us about our clothing, so that we CAN start the conversation about God and His love and His son Jesus, and salvation, with someone who might otherwise would have steered clear.
We have to start meeting people where they are. That is exactly what Jesus did. He went TO them and because of that they were then drawn to him. We see Christian streetwear to be the same thing. People want to feel good about themselves. They want to look and feel “cool” representing what they love, just like in the beginnings of street culture. The skater kid at the park wants to feel that way around his friends. The sneaker-head wants things to match his shoes, and to be bold. SO, as Christians, if we believe that it’s “cool to love Jesus”, if we are proud to love and be loved by Jesus, then why wouldn’t we want to be the same while representing our faith? This is why we pick and create the designs we do. This is why we pick the fits and fabrics we do. We believe everything has to be just right, done to the best of our ability. What’s the point of putting a generic design on a cheap, bad fitting shirt or your everyday hoodie that shrinks up or loses its shape after 2 washes? We serve an exceptional God. So, what we put out in His name should be the same. So, yes, our prices might be a little higher than many fast-fashion retailers because of the level of materials, but we aren’t going to put out something that is going to be uncomfortable or awkwardly fitting, or fall apart, or just look bad after you have worn it a couple times. Quality is as important as design when representing our faith.
Again, please understand I am not shaming any other company out there, quite the contrary. I believe there is room for everyone in this space - the more the merrier. And, I believe there are some companies that do it very well. But, I believe there is room to grow. I believe that if we truly want to reach people for Jesus, then WE have to grow. Meet people where they are and be relational. Innovate. Don’t change or stray from the message, as the message is already perfect. But, I fear we are starting to create a Christian clothing bubble that is becoming more about exclusivity for Christians than it is about reaching people for Christ.
So, THIS is why we started and believe in this company, in this brand. The Story is in the Brand. It's in the name. We are all part of His story. And we need to share our story of how He left the 99. And how I am (we are) now a found one.
