From Bedroom Brand to Rules The World

Corteiz was founded in 2017 by Clint Ogbenna, known to the culture as Clint419. There was no showroom and no big-budget campaign behind it, just a relentless focus on community and unpredictability. Drops happen without warning, the website is password-protected more often than not, and getting your hands on a piece can mean joining a scavenger hunt through the streets of London.

The Alcatraz Island logo and the tagline Rules The World capture that independence, a message that resonated fast with UK grime culture and made Corteiz clothing a favourite of Central Cee, Skepta, Stormzy, and Drake. That independence was tested early too. Nike sued Clint419 in 2019 over the brand's original "Cortiez" name for its resemblance to the Nike Cortez trainer, a case Corteiz lost. Yet by 2023 the two brands had come full circle, teaming up on a Corteiz-branded Nike Air Max 95 released through the same treasure-hunt drop model, alongside a separate collaboration with Supreme.

Iconic Corteiz Pieces

Corteiz built its reputation on a handful of pieces that show up again and again across the culture:

• Alcatraz Cargos and Cargo Shorts: the brand's signature silhouette, relaxed fit with the Alcatraz print front and centre
• Corteiz Tracksuits: a nod to grime style, snug at the ankle and roomy through the knee
• Zip Ups and Long Sleeves: heavyweight layering pieces built for the same oversized cut as the rest of the range
• Bolo Puffer: born from a 2023 jacket exchange event where fans traded in coats from other big brands for a Corteiz piece
• Guerillaz and 4Starz Collections: bolder camo prints and graphics with a rougher edge than the core line

Sizing and Fit

Corteiz doesn't do slim. Both the men's and women's ranges are built with a boxy, oversized silhouette in mind, so hoodies sit wide across the shoulders and cargos run roomy through the leg. Go true to size for the fit the brand intended, or size down if you prefer something closer to the body. Outerwear pieces like the Bolo puffer run generously too, with enough room to layer a hoodie underneath.

Styling Corteiz

Pair the Alcatraz cargos with a plain white tee and clean sneakers, and let the print and cut of the trousers do the talking. For colder days, layer a heavyweight hoodie under the Bolo puffer and finish with chunky boots. Corteiz pieces are statement enough on their own, so keep the rest of the fit simple.

Where to Buy Authentic Corteiz

Corteiz is one of the most counterfeited streetwear brands right now, and resale platforms like StockX and Depop carry their fair share of fakes. Every Corteiz item that comes through 2nd Culture is checked by our team for wash tag quality, print sharpness, and stitching before it goes on sale. Read more about our process on the authenticity check page.