Product News: Russell Athletic and Edwards Garment

Never judge a book by its cover, or, it seems, a sweatshirt by its name. Thanks to Russell Athletic, the sweatshirt has lost its sweat and will never be the same.

Russell Athletic, the company that invented the sweatshirt 80 years ago and has led in sweatshirt sales ever since, is introducing the most significant technology breakthrough in the history of America’s most classic clothing icon. The new technology, which manages moisture and transfers sweat away from the skin, recently debuted in Russell Athletic sweatshirts under the brand name of Dri-Power ® Fleece.

“This is the most important technology breakthrough in the history of the sweatshirt,” said Russell Athletic Vice President of Marketing Alex Hodges. “It is easy to underestimate the place of the sweatshirt in American culture, much less to think of it in terms of innovation. However, a recent research study showed us that 90 percent of Americans own more than one sweatshirt, and that most people have purchased a new sweatshirt in the last 12 months. Dri-Power ® Fleece will make life more comfortable for all of us.”

Russell Athletic’s Dri-Power ® technology is a dual moisture management system that first pulls sweat away from the body and then transfers it to the top layer of fabric, keeping the wearer’s body drier and cooler than with untreated fabric.

“Until now, the sweatshirt would soak up the sweat – hence the name ‘sweatshirt.’ We aren’t changing the name,” Hodges said. “It looks the same, but now the sweatshirt pulls sweat away from your skin and baselayer and keeps it on the top of the fabric where it evaporates more quickly. It keeps you drier and more comfortable longer.

“Russell Athletic is committed to giving elite and everyday athletes the chance to workout and become healthier. Products like Dri-Power ® Fleece sweatshirt can be used every day at every level of activity and promise its wearers performance, durability and value,” added Hodges.

Russell Athletic’s Dri-Power ® Fleece hits stores nationwide in July, at a time when adults are focused on increasing their physical activity. The number of health clubs has increased steadily over the past decade, and fitness participation is climbing, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA).

“Intense aerobic activity increases a body’s sweat production, and evaporation of that sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling core temperature,” said Dr. Larry Kenney, Russell Athletic “sweatxpert” and professor of physiology at Penn State University. “Clothing worn during workouts should maximize sweat’s evaporative efficiency.”

Russell Athletic is a division of sporting goods manufacturer Russell Corporation, which also owns brands like Spalding ®, BIKE ®, Brooks ® and Mossy Oak ®. The sweatshirt has been the main staple of Russell Athletic for 80 years when it was first used as a replacement for the then wool football jersey. The sweatshirt worn by that first football team still resembles the ones worn today on every street in America and around the world.

More than 65 million athletes now wear sweatshirts as part of their workout attire. Most often used as a transition piece from gym to home, or used as a layering piece before or after a workout, now the sweatshirt is equipped to work as hard as any other performance gear.

Dri-Power ® technology was introduced four years ago by Russell Athletic in its baselayer and everyday performance pieces and more recently in its team uniforms.

The basic gray sweatshirt may look pretty much the same as it always did, but Russell Athletic sweatshirts now come in more than 20 colors and four different styles. “As the saying goes, things change but some things stay the same,” concluded Hodges. “The sweatshirt as a basic item in everyone’s wardrobe is a constant. However, the sweatshirt has had its biggest change ever this year, a perfect way to celebrate its 80 th birthday. Dri-Power ® Fleece is a big breakthrough.”

For more information about Russell Athletic, visit www.russellathletic.com Russell Corporation’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RML and its Web site address is www.russellcorp.com.

From sweatshirts to the dog days of summer, Edwards Garment South Sea shirt collection is designed to evoke images of white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. The South Sea shirt collection from Edwards is made from 100% microfiber, providing great comfort and fashion. The short sleeve shirts in unisex sizing come in three styles: a solid, a leaf print and a geometric. They are a full cut with a left chest patch pocket, hemmed bottom with side vents and are machine washable.

If you’re in the arena management business, Edwards Garment has just introduced a new blazer that will help associates stand out in a crowd. The Michigan supplier has a line of value blazers made from 100% polyester for men and women that are ideal for stadium security, ushers, and counter associates. The blazer is fully lined, has one top breast pocket and two patch pockets with flaps, two inside breast pockets (one in women’s blazer), and a center back vent for men.

The blazers are available in green, navy and red. Men’s even sizes 36 – 54, with short, regular and tall sizes also available. Misses sizes 4 – 28, regular and tall available.

Finally, if its comfort you’re after, Edwards has designed a new microfiber pant. Made from 100 percent microfiber, the pant is now included in the Edwards Signature Collection. The hidden stretch waistband provides two inches of adjustment which gives the wearer waistband freedom and all day comfort. The easy-fit, wrinkle resistant pants are available for men and women in a flat front and pleated front style in tan, navy and black. Available in men’s even sizes 28 – 54, misses’ sizes 0 – 18 and women’s sizes 20W – 28W in a regular or tall pant length. The stylish pants are functional as well, providing stain release, moisture transport and are fast drying.

For more information contact Edwards Garment at 800.253.9885 or visit www.edwardsgarment.com

Editor’s note: Would you like to see your new products featured in a future installment of Product Round-up? Send an email to Jackie@uniformmarket.com