​​Our Story: A Century of Championing Excellence​​

​​1919 – The Birth of a Legacy​​
It began with a vision. In Rochester, New York, three members of the Feinbloom family came together to launch Knickerbocker Knitting Mills on May 6, 1919. Little did they know, this humble start would grow into Champion—a brand synonymous with innovation and team spirit.

​​1926 – Supporting Our First Team​​
After crafting sweaters and sportswear, Champion partnered with Wentworth Military Academy to create their school uniforms. This marked the beginning of our enduring relationship with teams—both on and off the field.

​​1934 – Pioneering School Spirit​​
Bill Feinbloom revolutionized fan culture with Champacraft, a flocking process that made college insignias affordable for mass production. When Abe Feinbloom struck a deal with Moe’s Sport Shop to sell University of Michigan hoodies and tees, collegiate apparel was born—and athletic wear became everyday fashion.

​​1938 – Engineering the Future​​
Champion solved a common frustration: shrinking sweatshirts. Our Reverse Weave® design, cut on the crossgrain, resisted shrinkage and became an instant hit with athletes nationwide. Patented in 1952, it remains a game-changer.

​​1950 – Raising the Bar in PE​​
Concerned about low fitness levels among American youth, Champion introduced high-quality PE uniforms—so well-made, they earned certification from the American Institute of Laundering.

​​1956 – The Iconic “C”​​
Our signature sleeve logo debuted, becoming a timeless symbol of authenticity. That little “C” has stood for quality ever since.

​​1967 – Cooler by Design​​
Football players needed relief from heat exhaustion, so Champion created the mesh jersey. Lightweight and breathable, it quickly expanded to basketball, track, and beyond.

​​1968 – Empowering Women in Sports​​
Champion transformed women’s athletics with stylish, mix-and-match PE uniforms. By the 1970s, we led the market—later pioneering the sports bra to further support female athletes.

​​1987 – Adopted by Music Culture​​
Hip-hop and punk artists embraced Champion in the late ’80s and ’90s, turning our gear into a badge of urban cool. New York City became the epicenter of this cultural shift.

​​1992 – Dressing the Dream Teams​​
We outfitted both the men’s and women’s Olympic Dream Teams—legendary squads that redefined basketball excellence. As the NBA’s official outfitter until 2001, Champion was at the heart of the game.

​​2012 – Reverse Weave Returns​​
Celebrating 60 years of innovation, we relaunched Reverse Weave® across Europe, reintroducing a classic to new generations.

​​2017 – A Hoodie in the Museum​​
The Reverse Weave® Hoodie earned a spot in MoMA’s permanent collection, honored as a piece of fashion history that shaped modern style.

​​2019 – 100 Years of Teamwork​​
For our centennial, we celebrated “The Team”—connecting with passionate communities worldwide while crafting timeless pieces for tomorrow’s champions.

​​2020 – Collaborations That Inspire​​
From Chiara Ferragni’s feminine reinvention of athleisure to a nostalgic Super Mario Bros.™ capsule, Champion fused heritage with fresh creativity.

​​2021 – Honoring a Legend​​
Our Muhammad Ali™ collection paid tribute to his six core principles, blending his fight for justice with Champion’s legacy.

​​2022 – Unexpected Partnerships​​
Teaming up with Harley-Davidson® (curated by Todd Snyder) and Smiley®, we reimagined classics with bold, feel-good twists.

​​Today – Still Championing You​​
From the playing field to the streets, Champion continues to innovate, collaborate, and celebrate the teams that shape our world. Here’s to the next century.