Russell – History, Product Range, and Quality of Apparel

Roots of the Brand – Russell Athletic

The Russell brand – today known in Europe as Russell Europe – boasts over 120 years of history rooted in the United States. It was founded in 1902 when Benjamin Russell established a clothing company in Alexander City, Alabama. Initially a small manufacturing workshop, the company produced around 150 garments daily, focusing on women’s shirts, underwear, and workwear for industrial workers. From the early decades, the company was known for its innovation – it is credited with inventing the sweatshirt around 1920, a breakthrough that revolutionized sportswear globally.

A turning point came with the brand’s expansion into the sportswear market. In 1932, Russell acquired Southern Manufacturing Company, gaining access to the sports uniform segment and changing its name to Russell Southern Co. Soon after, in 1938, the company began producing professional sports uniforms – from basketball jerseys to baseball and football gear. The brand’s growth continued over the following decades. By the 1960s, Russell Athletic (the name under which the brand operated) had become the largest manufacturer of sportswear in the U.S., supplying uniforms for Major League Baseball teams for many years. This deep connection to sports – from inventing the sweatshirt to outfitting professional leagues – became a defining element of the brand’s legacy.

In the following years, Russell expanded internationally. By the 1970s, the company (renamed Russell Corporation in 1973) operated manufacturing plants in places like Scotland, marking its first presence in the European market. A truly global chapter began in the 21st century. In 2006, Russell was acquired by Fruit of the Loom, a Berkshire Hathaway company led by Warren Buffett. From then on, Russell became part of the Fruit of the Loom family, alongside other renowned brands such as JERZEES. This acquisition strengthened Russell’s position in the apparel industry, providing access to global resources and distribution networks.

Russell Europe is the European branch of the Russell brand, created to adapt its offering to the standards and preferences of the European market. It focuses primarily on the B2B segment – providing high-quality corporate, promotional, and workwear apparel for companies and institutions across Europe. Importantly, the brand still draws on the heritage of Russell Athletic while operating independently from the retail sports line. In Europe, there are two distinct divisions: Russell Europe, which serves the corporate and promotional market, and Russell Athletic, targeting retail consumers (sports and fashion apparel). The latter operates under license – an independent partner holds distribution rights for the Russell Athletic collection in Europe, focusing on sports retail stores. This division allows the brand to maintain a consistent global identity while tailoring its offering to different audiences. A great example is the logo – in 2022, to mark the 120th anniversary of Russell Athletic, the B2B division in Europe adopted the iconic Eagle R logo (a red-white-blue “R” with an eagle silhouette), used by Russell Athletic, but without the word “Athletic.” This helped unify the brand image globally while distinguishing the corporate segment from the sports line.

Product Evolution Through the Years

Russell’s product development reflects the broader transformation of the clothing industry. In its early days (early 20th century), the company focused on basic utility garments – producing underwear, shirts, and workwear for the local market. Entering the sports market in the 1930s and 40s, Russell expanded its offering to include training and teamwear. It began making sports jerseys, shorts, training sweatshirts, and eventually full uniforms for various teams. By the mid-20th century, Russell Athletic gear was worn by countless school, college, and professional teams across the U.S. – from American football to baseball. A highlight of this era was Russell becoming the official uniform supplier for most MLB teams in the 1990s (in 1995, it outfitted 25 out of 28 Major League Baseball teams). At the same time, the company introduced casual sportswear for consumers – such as tracksuits, t-shirts, and sweatshirts with the iconic Eagle R logo.

After 2000, especially following integration with Fruit of the Loom, the brand reoriented its product line toward business and promotional needs, particularly in Europe. Russell Europe leveraged its sportswear know-how to create garments that combine athletic durability with elegant, versatile style. Gradually, collections were introduced to serve corporate, workwear, and promotional apparel markets – ideal for logo branding. This evolution is well illustrated by the product lines:

Russell Collection – a line of classic corporate wear, including high-quality men’s and women’s shirts (Oxford, poplin), knitwear (sweaters, cardigans), designed for companies seeking a professional look. The clothing is elegant, easy to care for (many easy-care fabrics), and ideal as uniforms for office workers or sales teams.

Authentic – an iconic collection of sweatshirts and tracksuits inspired by the brand’s sports heritage. Known as the Authentic Collection, it includes crewnecks, hoodies, zip-up sweatshirts, and sweatpants – several models for both adults and children. These garments are made from premium fabrics (e.g., three-layer knits in premium sweatshirts) and feature a modern fit – slightly tapered cuts, wider cuffs, and better shoulder fitting. Authentic Sweats are a nod to the original Russell Athletic style, redesigned for the promotional market (ideal for printing or embroidery).

Promotional & Workwear – the core of Russell Europe’s offering consists of versatile corporate garments, including t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts (both sporty and workwear), fleeces, softshells, jackets, vests, and trousers – all designed for customization (print, embroidery). Specialized lines focus on heavy-duty garments: thick t-shirts and sweatshirts resistant to frequent washing and wear, ideal for industries like logistics, manufacturing, and construction. The casual sportswear segment includes hoodies, joggers, and shorts combining comfort and modern style – popular among corporate teams and event organizers.

Pure Organic – a line made from 100% organic cotton – the brand’s response to growing demand for high-quality sustainable apparel. The Organic collection includes t-shirts and polos that are eco-friendly and soft to the touch. Its market launch marked a major milestone in Russell’s sustainability journey.

Russell Workwear – designed for heavy-duty use in demanding conditions, this line includes t-shirts, pants, and vests made from durable fabrics (often polyester blends), washable at 60°C, and ready for branding. Modern fits, reinforced seams, and functional details (like tool pockets and reflective accents) make this clothing ideal for logistics, construction, and industry – combining comfort with a professional look.

Across all Russell Europe collections, the common denominator is quality and functionality. The brand constantly modernizes its products, drawing from its sports legacy and advancements in textile technology. For instance, modern Russell jackets use DuPont™ Sorona® insulation (37% plant-based fibers), and water-repellent finishes like Aquapel® or Bionic-Finish® Eco that are free from harmful PFCs. These innovations ensure that Russell clothing combines durability, comfort, and modern style. Still, the brand remains known for what made it famous decades ago – premium sweatshirt fabrics, top-quality cotton, and solid construction. Russell garments are soft, comfortable, and extremely durable – able to withstand heavy use and frequent washing without losing shape or color. That’s why Russell sweatshirts and t-shirts are considered among the most durable in the promotional apparel market.

The Brand’s Current Position in Europe

Today, Russell Europe is a leader in the European market for corporate, promotional, and branded clothing. As part of the Fruit of the Loom family, it benefits from an extensive distribution network across the continent. Europe has become Russell’s most important market outside the United States – the demand for high-quality logo-ready textiles among companies, schools, and NGOs continues to grow. Russell Europe’s headquarters is located in Kaiserslautern, Germany (also the European HQ of Fruit of the Loom), and the brand collaborates with local partners in all regions.

In Poland, Russell Europe apparel is available through official distributor - Ies Polska is the largest domestic distributor of Fruit of the Loom Europe and Russell Europe, offering Polish clients direct access to the full catalog range. Thanks to an established distribution network, business customers in Poland – such as advertising agencies, garment printers, and corporate marketing departments – can easily order Russell products from local warehouses, ensuring short lead times and customer support.

Production Standards and Ethics – Quality Beyond the Surface

Russell’s reputation stems not only from its history and product quality but also from its commitment to responsible production. The brand emphasizes that the safety of people and the environment is as important as garment comfort. All Russell Europe products comply with international safety and ethical standards. Every batch is tested according to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, one of the most important global certifications that ensures textiles are free from harmful substances. Moreover, the company is also a participant in the amfori BSCI initiative.

Russell’s quality standards go hand-in-hand with responsibility. Certifications (OEKO-TEX 100, BSCI) and real pro-environmental and pro-worker actions show the brand takes business ethics seriously. For companies ordering promotional apparel, this means a double benefit: top-quality products made responsibly – safe for people and the planet. In a world where sustainability and corporate responsibility matter more than ever, these added values make Russell Europe a truly trustworthy partner.

Summary

From a factory in Alabama in 1902, through decades of sports triumphs, to today’s corporate clothing collections – Russell Europe has come a long way. Today it blends American heritage (like inventing the sweatshirt) with European innovation and a deep understanding of business clients’ needs. As part of the Fruit of the Loom family, the brand offers complete apparel solutions for businesses: from printed t-shirts and polos to elegant shirts for managers and specialized jackets for field teams. All of this is built on solid foundations – premium materials, modern design, and ethical production. Russell Europe is now synonymous with highest quality promotional apparel – clothing that looks good, lasts long, and reflects positively on the brand wearing it.

You can explore Russell apparel on our sales platform - iespolska.eu

Ies Polska is the largest authorized importer and distributor of original Russell Europe, Fruit of the Loom, Result, Spiro, and Jadea clothing in Poland. This guarantees partners consistent access to full collections at attractive prices. Our warehouse space, measured in thousands of square meters, holds hundreds of thousands of garments. Our logistics allow us to pick and ship orders the same business day. With millions of garments sold annually and tens of millions in turnover, our scale translates to market trust and delivery reliability.

We maintain full size ranges and a broad color palette – from white to bright yellows – making it easy to build a cohesive team look, whether you need t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, or vests. Choosing Ies Polska means gaining a partner who combines massive resources with flexibility and rapid service – ensuring supply continuity and expert support at every stage of your collaboration.