1934

Bill Feinbloom developed a flocking process, known as Champacraft, that enabled graphics such as college insignia to be affordably mass produced on Champion® t-shirts. For the first time, fans could proudly display their school spirit in the stands. After a visit to Michigan, Abe formed a partnership with Moe’s Sport Shop to sell collegiate hoodies, sweatshirts, and tees with the University of Michigan insignia. This gave birth to collegiate apparel as we know it and pioneered the popularity of athletic wear as everyday fashion.

1938

To overcome the shrinkage that came with frequent washing of sports apparel, Champion invented the world's first engineered sweatshirt. Cut on the grossgrain, the Reverse Weave sweatshirt prevents shrinkage and was quickly picked up by sports teams acoss the US. Invented in 1934, Champion applied for patenting in 1938 which was eventually granted in 1952.

1950

To help address low fitness levels in American children, Champion introduced modern PE uniforms that would be the standard for decades to come. The product line was of such high quality, it was the first to be certifed by the American Institute of Laundering.

1956

Champion's now familiar “C” appeared for the first time and was affixed from then on to the left sleeve of each sweatshirt. This logo and positioning would become synonymous with Champion.

1967

A true innovation in sport, the mesh nylon jersey was designed for football players to combat heat exhaustion. They were such a success that Champion expanded jerseys to basketball, track, lacrosse and other sports. Delivering cooler, lighter weight ventilation, mesh jerseys, uniforms, and apparel have become a staple in athletic wear for almost every sport.

1968

Champion transformed women's athletic market by introducing stylish, mix-and-match Physical Education uniforms in 1968. We became a leader in athletic uniforms in the 70s and have continued our commitment to women
through the years with innovative products to serve female athletes, including the pioneering the sports bra.

1987

Starting in the late 80s and early 90s, Champion experiences a surge in adoption among celebrities and musicians - becoming synonymous with a different kind of team. New York City is ground zero for the trend, which sees huge endorsement in music genres like hip-hop and punk.

1992

Champion outfitted the men’s and women’s Dream Teams in 1992 and 1996. Champion jerseys were worn by the winning men’s Dream Team in 1992, widely considered the greatest roster of USA basketball players ever. The winning 1996 women’s Dream Team helped launch the WNBA. Champion was the official outfitter of the NBA from 1989-2001, and the official WNBA outfitter from 1997-2001.

2012

To mark the 60th Anniversary of the year when Champion first patented the Reverse Weave Sweatshirt, Champion relaunched the legendary Reverse Weave Sweatshirt across Europe.

2017

As a testament of Champion’s rich sports heritage and contributions to the fashion industry, the iconic Reverse Weave® Hoodie was exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as part of the exhibition “Items: Is Fashion Modern?”, which displayed fashion items that have had a strong impact on modern society. In 2018, the hoodie became a part of MoMA’s permanent collection.

2019

Clothsurgeon joined forces with the heritage sportswear giant Champion to deliver an Ivy League-inspired collection that reenergises the collegiate styles of the 40s-60s. The collection sees classic styles like varsity jackets, letterman hoodies, and cardigans elevated through the expert tailoring that has become synonymous with clothsurgeon, seamlessly. fusing function and style. 

2019

Champion marks its 100th birthday with a celebration of 'The Team', connecting with the most interesting and passionate teams across the globe. Champion continues to create timeless classics for the champions of today, and tomorrow.

2020

Chiara Ferragni, the most famous female digital entrepreneur in the world and globally-renowned sportswear brand Champion Europe joined forces with an energetic SS20 capsule collection.

Inspired by Chiara’s signature aesthetic while paying homage to Champion’s sportswear heritage, classic athleisure staples are reimagined from a hyper-feminine perspective.

2020

Celebrating 35 years of Super Mario Bros.™, the limited edition collection features Champion classics reimagined with graphic prints from the archives.

2020

For this capsule collection of nine styles, Craig Green has explored the archives of Champion, the renowned manufacturer of authentic, athletic apparel.

The resulting pieces celebrate the functionality at the root of design and the community found through clothing – core beliefs of both Champion and Craig Green.

2021

Following the debut collaboration in 2020, Champion and Rick Owens are pleased to announce the official launch of their second collaborative collection available to buy now.

Celebrating Champion’s rich heritage and Rick Owens’ signature aesthetic, the collection is formed for both men and women and offers a fresh twist on modern essentials.

2021

A champion of justice and equality, Ali™ took his fight from ring to the world stage with conviction and eloquence.

Round I of Champion x Muhammad Ali™ explores the Six Core Principles that fueled his journey to greatness.

Round II of our Champion x Muhammad Ali™ collab pays tribute to his 1960 victory in Rome that marked his evolution from the ring to the world stage.

2021

Inspired by the critically acclaimed Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, our latest collaboration with artist & creative Tremaine Emory celebrates life through movement, throwing a spotlight one of the greatest black-founded American cultural arts companies of all time.