Last Updated on December 13, 2021
If you’re after stylish athleisure wear, Champion is the brand for you.
This design company produces countless casual garments with an 80s and 90s retro twist. With bold colors, chic logo designs, and countless celebrity fans, Champion isn’t going anywhere soon.
Champion is a Brand that’s been around for a while. This brand was popular in the 1990s but then lost popularity in the late 1990s and the 2000s. If you’re wondering why this brand is suddenly back in the limelight, don’t worry – keep on reading and you’ll find out!
Champion History
Unlike other young brands on the market, Champion was established over 100 years ago in 1919. Its initial name was the “Knickerbocker Knitting Company”, however, this was changed in the 1930s to “Champion Knitting Mills Inc” when the team started selling knitted sweatshirts for the US Military Academy.
In the late 80s, Champion was bought by the Sara Lee Corporation which led to them producing NBA uniforms in the 90s. They also provided various NFL uniforms and sportswear for some of the largest college teams too. In 1992 the team created the basketball kit for the Olympics, cementing their name as a leading sportswear retailer.
Why is Champion so Popular and Who Made it Popular?
A key reason Champion clothes became so successful is because of the brand’s links to the NFL and NBA. Sports fans couldn’t ignore the Champion logo and eventually many were running to Champion stores to get replica kits or athleisure wear from the brand that clothes their favorite sports team. Slowly, Champion became a household name as their kit and clothes were heavily branded with their iconic logo.
Is Champion a Designer High-End Brand?
Though Champion is a well-known brand, they are not a high-end designer retailer. When it comes to luxury brands, you do not get mass-produced stock and the garments are made to an extremely high quality. Champion doesn’t have yearly fashion shows, nor do they sell at exclusive prices.
This doesn’t mean the brand isn’t good, they’re just aiming at a different market. Champion has collaborated with a few luxury brands for one-off releases though – giving options for those who do want to pay for luxury standards.
Are They Still in Style?
Though the brand wasn’t as popular during the 2000s, in the last few years it’s become increasingly on-trend again. With the rise of retro culture and 90s fashion returning to the mainstream, Champion has returned with a vengeance. This is thanks to retro re-selling websites like Depop and eBay too, as you can find vintage Champion pieces on these stores for a very high price.
Which Celebs Wear Champion?
Over the past few years, a wide range of celebrities has been spotted in this brand. From street style to on-stage performances, Champion clothes pop up in all situations. Some of the biggest names to wear this brand include Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, Chance the Rapper, Hailey Baldwin, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, and Travis Scott too.
Rating Champion on their Clothing Lines
Interested in trying some Champion garments for yourself? Here are some key picks!
Do Champion Design Quality Hoodies?
One of the most popular garments from Champion is their hoodie. Since the brand started out selling sweatshirts, this has remained their specialty for decades. You can find sweats with hoods, without hoods, in bright colors, dark colors, and more. This store has an extensive range of hoodies – perfect if you’re picky about your jumpers!
- Exceptionally soft cotton/polyester blend resists shrinking and pilling. Fabric: 50% Cotton/50% polyester; oxford: 90% cotton/10% polyester.
- Midweight 9 oz. fleece with a brushed interior for warmth without the extra bulk or weight.
- Extra stitch details and metal drawcord grommets for added durability. Screen-print script logo center chest. C patch logo at cuff.
- Wider, ribbed waistband and cuffs stay flat for a clean finish.
- Longer length for better coverage.
Last update on 2021-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are Champion Quality for Glasses?
While your first thought about Champion may not be that they sell glasses, the brand actually offers an impressive range of eyewear. From optical glasses to sports-optimized sunglasses, there are a lot of different styles to choose from. Many of these include bright pops of red and blue, and they all offer streamlined shapes.
- Brand: Champion Model: CU4004
- Style: Full Rim Rectangle Frame/Temple Color: Black/Dark Gunmetal - C01
- Size: Lens-58 Bridge-19 Temple-155mm Gender: Men's
- RX-able
- Made In: Imported
Last update on 2021-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are Champion Good for Shoes?
Next time you’re looking for a new pair of sneakers, consider stopping by the Champion store. Since this team has expertise in the sportswear market, they offer a large range of durable and on-trend shoes. Whether you want a low-key style or an over-the-top logo design, options are available for both.
- Lightweight mesh and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) hot melt upper for breathable, flexible support.
- Ankle collar with pull tabs for easy on-and-off.
- Sturdy welded toe cap.
- Cushioned EVA midsole for comfort.
- Durable rubber outsole with logo tread pattern for grip.
Last update on 2021-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are Champion Good for Shirts?
When it comes to standard dress shirts, Champions aren’t the brand to go to. This store is focused on casual sportswear clothing. However, if you’re after a t-shirt, Champion is a great store to try. Their styles often feature their logo, good fit, and sports-focused materials too.
Get the look:
- Cotton jersey is ring-spun with a higher stitch density for durability and softness (Greys are a cotton-rich blend). Fabric: Body , 1x1 rib collar & cuffs: 100% cotton; granite heather: 60% cotton/40% polyester; oxford Grey: 90% cotton/10% polyester
- Set-on rib trim collar and cuffs.
- Soft back neck tape for no irritation.
- Classic men's fit through the shoulders and body for a relaxed, unisex fit.
- C patch logo on cuff.
Last update on 2021-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Example of Champion Advertising
One of the most popular Champion advertising campaigns was released in 2018. This saw the brand launching a tagline that stated “Dare To Be Champion”. This pushed fans to embrace their passions while wearing their stylish gear.
The campaign featured aesthetic images of a skateboarder, a dancer, and an artist pushing their clothing towards more alternative markets. This was a successful campaign as demographics that don’t traditionally wear sports clothing started opting for the Champion casual clothes.
Who Owns Champion?
Champion is currently owned by Hanesbrands Inc, an American clothing company that operates on a multinational scale. Hanesbrands was spun off by the Sara Lee Corporation, the original owners of Champion since the late 1990s. The current creative director of Champion is designer Ned Munroe.
Where Does Champion Make Its Clothes?
When it comes to manufacturing, this American brand makes the majority of its clothes in Mexico. This information was disclosed by the brand due to the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which aims to ensure ethical practice. Champion states on their website that they have a zero-tolerance policy regarding child labor.
Is Champion Fast Fashion and is it Ethical?
When it comes to checking ethics in fashion, the Good On You index is the best for an unbiased result. This tool rates Champion “Not Good Enough”, stating that the brand uses few c-friendly materials, has shown no proactive steps to reducing greenhouse gasses, uses hazardous chemicals, and isn’t taking steps to pay their workers a living wage.
Champion can be considered a fast-fashion brand, despite their slightly higher price point. At the end of the day, the retailer is still churning out collections and garments faster than any human needs – promoting excess purchases. Not only that but their garments are usually made from synthetic materials and there aren’t any green options.
Brands like Champion
Want to explore brands that are similar to Champion? Here are some other popular retro 90s casual wear brands to check out!
FILA
Italian brand Fila is another similar sportswear brand. This company also had an early start in 1911 and moved into the sportswear industry in the 70s with tennis endorsements. IF you want casual wear with bold colors, logos, and sporty touches this is a great brand to try. They also have popular shoe designs too to keep you fashionable from head to toe.
Recommended:
Fila Outfit Ideas: What to Wear With Fila Sneakers
15 of the Best FILA Sneakers for Women (You Won’t Ever Want To Slip Off)
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger offers another American option for casual athleisure clothing. This brand sits at a more luxury price point and also offers non-sports clothing too. Whether you want shoes, perfumes, or luggage, Tommy Hilfiger has high-end options for all needs.
Calvin Klein
If you want a more fashion-focused alternative, Calvin Klein is a good brand to explore. Notable favorites from this American store include their logo underwear, t-shirts, loungewear, and jeans too.
Summary: Is Champion a Good Brand?
Champion has made an impressive comeback into pop culture in the last decade. From celebrities to sports personalities, this brand is always in the public eye. If you like good-quality loungewear then this brand is a great option for you. However, if you prefer brands with more of a fashion focus, we would suggest you opt for different retailers as this brand sticks to its signature retro look.
What are your opinions on the brand Champion? Do you like their style? Let us know in the comments.
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