Russell Athletic

Russell Athletic is a timeless American sports and leisurewear brand. It is proud of its past, but has its eyes firmly on the future.

Behind the Russell name and brand with its iconic Eagle R logo lies one of the most enduring legacies in classic American sportswear. Since its foundation in Alexander City, Alabama in 1902, Russell Athletic has helped to define how America looks, feels and plays. After all, it was at the renowned Russell Cotton Mills where the sweatshirt and the T-shirt, two of the most emblematic items in the history of American clothing, were first invented nearly a century ago. Ever since, Russell and its iconic Eagle R logo have been at the forefront of both the sporting scene and youth culture trends, be it as a supplier of uniforms for Major League Baseball and the NFL, or as a key player influencing the music and streetwear culture. of the 1990s.

THE INVENTOR OF THE SWEATSHIRT

The breakthrough moment for Russell Athletic arrived in the 1930s when quarterback Benjamin Russell Jr. asked his father to develop an alternative to the uncomfortable woollen jerseys worn by football players.

Perhaps he had no idea that the result would be the classic, ribbed neck sweatshirt, probably the most enduring fashion icon of all time. It was the first garment to be produced in Pro Cotton – a soft, weighty fabric that withstands hard knocks, heavy sweat and frequent washes, and is still exclusive to the Russell Athletic brand.

AN AUTHENTIC AMERICAN ICON
The Russell Athletic eagle goes way back to 1906, when the company was just four years old. An American eagle with uplifted wings was printed on the company’s letterheads; a bold choice, but one that came to represent Russell Athletic’s ambition and soaring success in the years to come.

In 1969 the logo underwent another transformation, in keeping with modern times and an emerging youth culture. The leg of a bold Gothic ‘R’ typeface became the profile of defiant eagle, a flourish that suggested vigor and bravery – values that are still relevant today.

In the 21st century, the Russell Athletic Eagle R logo represents more than just a brand – it’s a hallmark of authenticity and quality.

The high-quality cotton goods produced at Russell Mills found a new market in the early 1930s, when it was under the direction of Benjamin C. Russell, a well-known fitness fanatic.

With superior, durable cotton fabrics and high-tech printing processes, the company found a natural home on America’s playing fields. It became the official supplier of uniforms for college sports teams and 15 Major League Baseball teams, including the Atlanta Braves, the San Francisco Giants and the mythical New York Yankees. Russell Athletic became as ubiquitous to a ball game as hot dogs and soda.

In 1960, with the company’s reputation for excellence in sports attire firmly established, it changed its name to Russell Athletic.

The rise of hip-hop and rap in the 1980s and 1990s gave the world more than a new form of music. It led to the rediscovery of classic sportswear brands as artists made athletic apparel their own. The Russell Athletic brand was embraced by musicians, graffiti artists and lovers of urban culture alike. It became a lifestyle brand without losing sight of its sports heritage.

The Russell Athletic brand keeps this ethos alive with clothing that prioritizes comfort and quality over trends. The sweatshirt was invented for a college football team after all. Seasonal colors, details and finishes create a look that is relaxed, somewhat nostalgic, and effortlessly cool.

Russell has never forgotten that its products are only as good as the people who make them.

As we celebrate over 100 years in business Russell Athletic looks to the future with the same sense of excitement
and purpose that has driven the company since 1902 from sweet home Alabama.