Foundation (1919–1920s)

Champion was established on May 6, 1919, as Knickerbocker Knitting Mills by the Feinbloom family in Rochester, New York. The company originally manufactured knitted garments and sweaters.

In the early 1920s, brothers Bill and Abe Feinbloom renamed the company Champion Knitwear Mills. The brand quickly earned a reputation for producing durable athletic uniforms for schools, military academies, and college sports teams. One of its earliest customers was Wentworth Military Academy, whose satisfaction with Champion sweaters led to orders for athletic uniforms. [3]

During the 1930s through the 1950s, Champion became a leading supplier of athletic clothing in the United States. The company produced uniforms for:

• High schools

• Colleges and universities

• Military training programs

• Professional athletic organizations

Champion focused on durability, comfort, and functionality, making its products popular among athletes and coaches.

One of Champion’s greatest contributions to apparel history was the development of the modern hooded sweatshirt.

In the 1930s, Champion designed hooded sweatshirts for workers and athletes who needed warmth during outdoor training. Over time, the hoodie became standard athletic apparel and eventually one of the world’s most popular casual clothing items.

Today, Champion promotes itself as one of the original inventors of the hoodie, and its hoodies remain among its signature products. [1]

In 1938, Champion introduced Reverse Weave®, a patented fabric construction designed to reduce shrinkage after washing.

Instead of cutting fabric vertically, Reverse Weave garments are cut horizontally, with side panels that improve flexibility while helping garments maintain their shape.

Benefits include:

• Reduced shrinkage

• Greater durability

• Better range of movement

• Heavier premium fabric

Reverse Weave sweatshirts remain one of Champion’s flagship product lines.

Champion has long been associated with American sports.

For decades, it supplied uniforms and training apparel to:

• NCAA college teams

• Professional sports organizations

• Olympic athletes

• Physical education programs

• Military academies

Its athletic heritage became one of the foundations of the brand’s identity.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Champion apparel became popular beyond athletics.

Hip-hop artists, skateboarders, college students, and streetwear enthusiasts embraced Champion hoodies and sweatshirts because of their comfort and oversized fit.

In the 2010s, vintage Champion clothing experienced a major resurgence, helped by collaborations with fashion labels and renewed interest in classic American sportswear.

Champion’s famous “C” logo is among the most recognizable symbols in sportswear.

Features include:

• Red and blue stylized “C”

• Usually embroidered on the left sleeve

• Simple and instantly recognizable

• Represents authenticity and athletic heritage

The sleeve logo has become an iconic design element, even on minimalist garments.

Champion manufactures a wide range of apparel and accessories, including:

Clothing

• Hoodies

• Sweatshirts

• T-shirts

• Tank tops

• Joggers

• Sweatpants

• Shorts

• Jackets

• Polo shirts

• Leggings

• Sports bras

Footwear

• Sneakers

• Slides

• Athletic shoes

Accessories

• Hats

• Backpacks

• Socks

• Bags

• Underwear

Champion has collaborated with numerous fashion brands, designers, and retailers, including:

• Supreme

• Vetements

• Todd Snyder

• Urban Outfitters

• Target

• BAPE

• Kith

These collaborations helped transform Champion from a traditional sportswear manufacturer into a major lifestyle and fashion brand.

Champion has changed ownership several times throughout its history:

• 1919: Founded as Knickerbocker Knitting Mills.

• 1989: Acquired by Sara Lee Corporation.

• 2006: Became part of HanesBrands after Sara Lee spun off its apparel business.

• 2024: Sold to Authentic Brands Group in a deal valued at approximately US$1.2 billion, with additional performance-based payments possible. [2]

Champion is known for combining:

• Athletic performance

• American heritage

• Everyday comfort

• Durable construction

• Timeless design

• Affordable premium basics

Its products appeal to athletes, students, fashion enthusiasts, and casual wearers alike.

Champion has had a significant impact on global fashion and sports culture.

The brand has been worn by:

• College athletes

• NBA players

• Hip-hop artists

• Skateboarders

• Musicians

• Fashion influencers

Vintage Champion sweatshirts and Reverse Weave hoodies are particularly valued in resale and collector markets.

More than a century after its founding, Champion remains one of the most influential names in sportswear. Its innovations—especially the hoodie and Reverse Weave® technology—have shaped modern athletic and casual fashion. By bridging performance apparel with streetwear, Champion has maintained a lasting presence in both sports and popular culture.

1. Inventor of the Hoodie | Champion Heritage

2. HanesBrands to sell sportswear business Champion to Authentic Brands in $1.2 bln deal

3. Brand Story- Champion Group International Limited