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Early Champion Sweatshirt - 1950? Reverse Weave?

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2023 10:45 am
by AmandainVermont
I bought two of these sweatshirts in a thrift store in Vermont and know very little about vintage sweat shirts. These are heavy and in very good condition. I’ve been researching all over the place and have learned that Champion was founded in 1919 as "Knickerbocker Knitting Mills" in Rochester, New York. It was renamed "Champion Knitting Mills Inc." in the 1930s. In the 1950s and 1960s, the company was called "Champion Knitwear Company”. It became "Champion Products" in 1967. 

I wonder what the 46 on the label means. And is this what you call reverse weave? It kind of has a second lining inside. The Hardwick Academy was torn down in 1970 and the local school mascot then became the Wildcats.

I appreciate any knowledge you can share. Amanda

Re: Early Champion Sweatshirt - 1950? Reverse Weave?

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2023 12:03 pm
by jimmyj
Wow, relic! What's the measurement from pit to pit? 46 is probably the size.

There's a gent on IG you might contact, who is the Champion expert, he might even want to purchase one.

Re: Early Champion Sweatshirt - 1950? Reverse Weave?

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2023 3:47 pm
by AmandainVermont
Hi Jimmy and thanks. Is IG Instagram? What would be the name of the Champion expert on IG?
Yes, underarm to underarm is 23 inches. I can't believe the good condition of these pieces.

Re: Early Champion Sweatshirt - 1950? Reverse Weave?

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 12:28 pm
by jimmyj
Tags and Threads - he authored our guide on Champion t-shirt tags:

https://www.defunkd.com/vintage-champion-t-shirt-tags/