Russell Athletic | Athletic Apparel: Activewear and Workout Clothes.
Our
Heritage
At the turn of the century in Alabama, cotton was king, but football was a close second. For Benjamin Russell, growing up in Alexander City, Alabama was tough. After a fire in 1902 that destroyed most of Alex City, Russell rallied to build a hospital, hotel, laundry, grocery store, bakery, and telephone operation. The town helped shape the brand's legacy and commitment to community, sports, and overcoming adversity. Russell Athletic was born on the playing fields of America. Today, Russell Athletic embodies Benjamin Russell's spirit by working with communities and supporting teams, whether that team be at home, school, or work. We deliver incredible value to our consumer's by making quality athletic apparel with technical features and benefits for optimum performance.
1902
1930
1962
1973
1980
1990
2000
Future
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
BORN IN ALABAMA, 1902
On March 3, 1902, Russell Athletic was founded by 26-year-old Benjamin Russell as the Russell Manufacturing Company in Alexander City, AL. The tiny factory had 10 sewing machines and 8 knitting machines. Russell Manufacturing Company’s first garment was a women and children’s knit shirt. Benjamin Russell’s passion for sports and his entrepreneurial spirit fueled civic pride creating jobs for his community, while later making uniforms for teams and apparel for athletes throughout the United States.
1930
THE PIONEER, INVENTOR, AND CREATOR OF THE SWEATSHIRT
In 1926, founder Ben Russell’s son, Benny, came to his dad with a new idea for an all-cotton practice football jersey replacing the itchy, chafing wool uniforms worn at that time. Knowing the comfort and durability of cotton, the iconic crew neck sweatshirt began production in the Russell Athletic mills in 1930.
1960's
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED
By the 1960s, Russell Manufacturing Company's athletic division had become the largest manufacturer of sports apparel and uniforms in the United States. In 1962, Russell Manufacturing Company changed its name to Russell Mills, Inc. and began using the American Eagle to represent its iconic brand image.
1973
RUSSELL MILLS, INC. BECOMES RUSSELL CORPORATION
Russell Mills, Inc. name was changed to Russell Corporation and expanded manufacturing across Southern USA as well as to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Scotland.
BOOMING BUSINESS
RUSSELL ATHLETIC IS RANKED BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE
Russell Athletic is ranked 5th amongst apparel companies by Fortune Magazine in total return to investors over the 10-year period 1986 – 1996.
2002
RUSSELL CELEBRATES TURNING 100
In May 2002, Russell celebrated its 100th anniversary. While the brand has evolved from its early origins in Alexander City, Alabama, we take pride in our heritage. As a brand entrenched in sports history, Russell Athletic has a focus on innovation, versatility, and quality.
2017 AND BEYOND
For over 120 years, Russell Athletic® has stood for quality, innovation, and the people who make it all possible. As we look to the future, we carry forward the same passion and purpose that began in 1902—committed to outfitting those made to move.
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