Beyond Champion: 7 Athletic Wear Brands Making Waves in 2024

Published on: November 14, 2024
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The humble Champion sweatshirt has earned its place in countless wardrobes, but today's athletic wear landscape offers intriguing alternatives that bring fresh perspectives to workout basics. We've uncovered several innovative brands emphasizing everything from regenerative agriculture to domestic manufacturing. Each brings something distinctive to the table, whether it's pioneering sustainable materials or reimagining classic designs.

: LA's Toxin-Free Take on Athletic Basics

Ever wondered what your sweatshirt would be like without all those synthetic chemicals? MATE the Label's Organic Fleece Graphic Oversized Sweatshirt gives us a glimpse into that cleaner future. Operating within a tight 17-mile radius in Los Angeles, MATE has created what we'd call a microverse of sustainable production.
Their "seed to skin" approach isn't just clever marketing. Every step of their manufacturing process, from cotton selection to final stitching, undergoes scrutiny that would impress even the most demanding environmentalist. The resulting French terry fabric manages to be both earth-friendly and incredibly comfortable - though we're particularly intrigued by their commitment to natural dyes, which yield subtle color variations that make each piece uniquely appealing.

Why we like MATE the Label

  • 1

    Local Production

    17-mile radius manufacturing in Los Angeles

  • 2

    Clean Materials

    Toxin-free, organic cotton with natural dyes

  • 3

    Transparent Process

    Complete seed-to-skin supply chain visibility

Jaclyn Grauman

Jaclyn Grauman

02/10/24

Mate’s cozy hoodies and waffle fits are my fave for hanging around

: California Cool Meets Technical Innovation

Richer Poorer's Men's Recycled Fleece Tapered and Crew Set reads like a case study in elevated basics. These aren't your typical sweats - we're talking about pieces engineered with such precision that even the placement of a single seam gets debated in their design meetings.
What catches our eye about this brand is their evolution from sock specialists to lifestyle innovators. Their signature silicone softening process is particularly fascinating - it's the secret behind that lived-in feel their pieces are known for. While other brands chase trends, Richer Poorer seems more interested in perfecting the foundations of our workout wardrobes.

Why we like Richer Poorer

  • 1

    Innovative Softening

    Proprietary silicone softening process

  • 2

    Precise Engineering

    Meticulous attention to seam placement and design

  • 3

    Recycled Materials

    Sustainable approach to fleece production

: Carolina Cotton's Contemporary Champion

In North Carolina's textile country, American Giant is writing a new chapter in American manufacturing. Their Premium Slub V-Neck Tee exemplifies domestic production done right - it's a garment that makes us rethink what "Made in USA" can mean in the 2020s.
The brand's vertical integration strategy reads like a masterclass in supply chain management. By controlling everything from cotton selection to final packaging, they've created a transparency level that's rare in modern garment making. Their North Carolina facilities aren't just factories - they're incubators for American textile innovation, employing techniques that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency.

Why we like American Giant

  • 1

    Domestic Manufacturing

    Complete Made in USA production chain

  • 2

    Vertical Integration

    Full control from cotton selection to packaging

  • 3

    Quality Craftsmanship

    Blend of traditional techniques with modern efficiency

: The Soil-First Sportswear Revolutionary

Harvest & Mill's Men's Organic Athletic Shorts tell a story that starts in the dirt. This Berkeley-based brand has us fascinated with their regenerative agriculture approach - it's athletic wear that actually improves the environment it comes from.
The brand's commitment to organic farming practices extends beyond mere certification. We're particularly impressed by their soil health initiatives, which treat cotton fields as complex ecosystems rather than just crop land. Their compostable packaging program completes the circle, ensuring that even their shipping materials return to the earth productively.

Why we like Harvest & Mill

  • 1

    Regenerative Agriculture

    Cotton farming that improves soil health

  • 2

    Ecosystem Approach

    Treats cotton fields as complete biological systems

  • 3

    Zero Waste

    Compostable packaging and sustainable materials

: The Plant-Based Performance Pioneer

Reprise Activewear's Aspen Leggings challenge everything we thought we knew about performance materials. While most brands default to synthetics, Reprise has developed plant-based alternatives that perform surprisingly well during intense workouts.
The brand's research into natural performance fibers opens up exciting possibilities for the future of athletic wear. We're particularly interested in their water-neutral manufacturing goals and their ongoing development of new plant-based materials. Their approach suggests a future where high-performance doesn't have to mean high-plastic content.

Why we like Reprise Activewear

  • 1

    Plant-Based Innovation

    Natural alternatives to synthetic performance materials

  • 2

    Water Conservation

    Water-neutral manufacturing processes

  • 3

    Sustainable Performance

    High-performance without reliance on plastics

Kelley Arena

Kelley Arena

02/06/24

These are the most comfy, stretchy, but squeezy leggings- made from plant based fabric (no microplastics please).

: Engineering the Perfect Athletic Basics

Bombas has transformed sock design into a science with their Men's Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper set. While most brands treat socks as an afterthought, Bombas has dedicated years to perfecting details like toe seam placement and compression zones.
Their approach to product development involves the kind of testing usually reserved for high-tech gear. We find their systematic approach to solving common sock problems particularly fascinating - each feature serves a specific purpose, from preventing blisters to maintaining circulation during long flights.

Why we like Bombas

  • 1

    Scientific Design

    Research-based approach to sock engineering

  • 2

    Targeted Solutions

    Specific features addressing common sock problems

  • 3

    Performance Testing

    Rigorous testing protocols for each design element

carla

carla

06/04/24

I have these socks, and they certainly compress! I wore them on an 18 hour flight with no blood flow issues.

: The Digital-Native Disruptor

Gymshark's Arrival 5" Shorts represent the evolution of athletic wear in the social media age. Born in a garage and grown through Instagram, this brand has mastered the art of creating performance gear that photographs as well as it functions.
Their product development process stands out for its reliance on athlete feedback and real-world testing. Instead of following traditional retail models, Gymshark has built a global community that functions as both customer base and product development team. This direct line to their users keeps their designs relevant and performance-focused.

Why we like Gymshark

  • 1

    Community-Driven

    Product development guided by athlete feedback

  • 2

    Social Media Integration

    Designs optimized for both function and aesthetics

  • 3

    Direct User Connection

    Strong relationship between brand and community

Hannah Patrick

Hannah Patrick

05/09/24

I hope to buy some of these shorts this year, they look so cute on so many people. This might be a summer must have

The Future of Athletic Wear

These seven brands showcase how athletic wear continues to evolve beyond the familiar territory staked out by Champion and its mainstream peers. From soil health to social media strategy, each brings unique innovations to the category. While Champion remains a solid choice for basic athletic wear, these alternatives demonstrate how the category continues to progress in exciting new directions.