Cultizm was founded in Münster, Germany in 2004 by Dejan Milenkovic, who left a career as a stock market agent to build an online store around his interest in raw denim and heritage menswear. The shop built a loyal community of enthusiasts who traded knowledge about Japanese selvedge denim and reproduction workwear brands, helping establish Cultizm as a leading name in the niche. It has since expanded into a physical store in Münster's Hansaviertel alongside its online retail business.