Difference between Champion Sportswear and Russell Athletic
Champion Sportswear and Russell Athletic are two of the most familiar names in the fitness market. Each offers a wide range of products in a variety of styles, making them the best choices for sportswear and athletic accessories. Which one is more deserving of your money? Let's see!
Profile
Champion Sportswear is a clothing manufacturer that specializes in sports and athletic wear. The brand is under the ownership of HanesBrands Inc. and was originally a part of the Sara Lee Corporation.
Russell Athletic is also a sports wear manufacturer, and the company manufactures athletic shoes and sports equipment as well. Founded in 1902, the company markets its products under several different brand names, among them Russell Athletic (which is the flagship brand of the company), Spalding, Huffy, and Brooks.
Notable Accomplishments
Among Champion Sportswear’s most notable accomplishments are the invention of the hoodie, the sports bra, reversible t-shirts, and the breathable mesh material commonly seen in trucker hats. The company has also been instrumental in the development of hip hop and urban wear since the beginning of the 1990s. Seminal hip hop artists and rappers of the era were known for wearing the Champion Super Hood, and the fashion lives on in the genre today. Champion has also produced uniforms for the National Basketball Association, as well as for several major colleges in the United States, the Wales national football team, and the Greek basketball team.
Russell Athletic was originally known for manufacturing ladies and children's undergarments. By 1925, the company added sweaters, athletic shirts and a complement of ladies' undergarments and even vests.
In 1932, Russell acquired the Southern Manufacturing Company, and began manufacturing athletic team wear, and also embarked on cutting and sewing operations. By 1938, the company had begun manufacturing woven athletic wear for basketball, baseball and football. The company grew to over 14,000 employees in 2002, and its products were sold in over 40 countries around the world. The company also acquired Bike Athletic, Spalding, American Athletic, Huffy and Brooks.
Key Differences
Champion Sportswear and Russell Athletic both produce their own lines of athletic clothing and both are known for specialized athletic wear that aims to control body temperature during physical activity. Champion's Vapor Line also helps control odor.
Champion also has a much better return policy than Russell, and it shows just how much the company stands behind its products. On the other hand, Russell does have an arguably more fashionable line of products, which makes the company well worth checking out as well.
Similarities and Differences
Champion Sportswear
- Specializes in sports and athletic wear
- Invented the hoodie, the sports bra, reversible t-shirts
- Known for hip hop and urban wear since the 1990s
Russell Athletic
- Sports wear, athletic shoes and sports equipment manufacturer
- Acquired Bike Athletic, Spalding, American Athletic, Huffy and Brooks
- Has an arguably more fashionable line of products
