80-Year-Old Sweatshirt
Russell Corp., in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the sweatshirt this year, is using the occasion to promote its Jerzees line of pill-less fleece apparel.
Jerzees sweats are made from NuBlend, a poly/cotton blend made from jet-spun yarns that eliminates pilling on the garment, according to the company.
Atlanta-based Russell created the first sweatshirt in 1926 for the University of Alabama football team. The team’s jerseys were made of lightweight cotton, rather than the traditional woolen sweaters worn by other athletes at the time. According to the company, the lightweight, breathable jersey was a hit, and soon became de rigueur for other sports, including track and baseball.
Since then, Russell has grown to become a $1.4 billion company, with a workforce of 15,000. —Alison A. Nieder
