55DSL was born in 1994, inspired by youth's increasing demand for action sports like snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding and the lifestyle that surrounds them. Action sports, music and the Internet are quickly and constantly changing young people's view toward life, fashion and sport. After 5 years of activity under Diesel, 55DSL spun-off in 1999 and started its own independent business unit in Balerna, Switzerland.

Tracing its roots to Diesel, 55DSL's mission was to encounter and capture the spirit of this new and fast-growing culture. 55DSL roots are clearly linked to action sports and in the past the brand sponsored an international team of pro-riders with very well known athletes such as surfer Joel Tudor, skateboarders Tony Hawk and Steve Berra, and snowboarder Lukas Huffman.