American sportswear pioneer known for inventing the sweatshirt and producing durable, heritage-inspired athletic apparel.
ORIGIN
United States
PRICE TIER
affordable
Founded in 1902 in Alexander City, Alabama, by Benjamin Russell, Russell Athletic is an American sportswear pioneer with a deep-rooted legacy in athletic apparel. Originally established as a manufacturer of undergarments, the brand shifted its trajectory in 1930 when Benjamin Russell Jr. suggested an all-cotton alternative to itchy wool football jerseys, leading to the invention of the modern sweatshirt. This innovation cemented the brand's role in American sports culture, eventually making it a primary supplier of uniforms for Major League Baseball and collegiate teams.