Serial 【 Minor Goods Illustrated] VOL.21 Russell Athletic, not plain.

Classic items from established brands are truly the best. As the name “classic” suggests, they have a long history and reliable quality, so you’ll never get tired of them, no matter how old you get. But this series is aimed at those with a bit of a rebellious streak. Here, I’ll introduce some lesser-known yet truly compelling items from those very brands. In this 21st installment, we’re featuring some hidden gems from Russell Athletic.

Photo_Arata Suzuki
Styling_So Matsukawa
Text&Edit_Yuri Sudo

Russell Athletic is actually the brand that created the world’s first sweatshirt.

In 1920, following the advice of founder Benjamin Russell’s son, the company switched from wool to cotton for its football shirts. The brand subsequently gained popularity among many athletes.

Even now, 100 years later, the brand is still strongly associated with “high-quality, simple, solid-color sweatshirts,” but in fact, the lineup isn’t limited to solid colors. In fact, it’s not even limited to sweatshirts. They actually had items like this, too.

Striped Jersey T-Shirt ¥6,600
*Available in early April

This is a thick, multi-striped T-shirt made from 100% cotton (10T). With red as the base color and accents of orange and blue, it features a vivid color scheme that’s perfect for sunny days. The fabric is dyed at the yarn stage, giving it a depth of color that can’t be achieved with printing.

Made with open-end yarn, this piece features a fluffy, voluminous feel and a crisp texture. Yet, it develops character the more you wear it, making it a garment you’ll cherish for years to come.

RealTree New Blend™ Sweatshirt Hoodie ¥9,900

Next up is a sweatshirt hoodie featuring an all-over Real Tree Camo print. I heard the design is based on archival pieces. The embroidered brand logo blends seamlessly into the background, making for a really nice design.

As for the fabric itself, it’s made from “Nu Blend™ Sweat”—a medium-weight brushed fabric with a cotton outer layer and a polyester backing—which offers lightness, quick-drying properties, and easy care. It has a perfect thickness that falls somewhere between a T-shirt and a sweatshirt, and best of all, it can be worn year-round.

Super Heavy Stripe Jersey Rag Shirt ¥9,350

This is an extra-thick raglan shirt made from 100% cotton (100% cotton, 10% T-polyester) using a yarn-dyed process. As you can see from the straight, undistorted stripes, it’s built to last. Like the striped T-shirt mentioned earlier, it features an open-end yarn that gives it a fluffy, dry texture. However, thanks to the use of two-ply yarn, pilling is minimized, resulting in a fabric with excellent strength and body.

The logo stands out crisply, and it’s the kind of piece that somehow makes you sit up straight. I’d love to wear this one until it’s worn out and turn it into a vintage piece with my own hands.

"In the closets of American homes, you'll find Russell apparel—even if you don't realize it."

This quote is taken from the brand’s official website, but if you’re picturing a closet full of plain sweatshirts, you’re way off. As you can see, the patterned ones are just as great. In a few years, the Russell in someone’s closet might just be a patterned one.

Location Note: The workshop of a long-established dry cleaner in Takanawa. The numerous pipes overhead were reportedly installed over time, starting 50 years ago when the building was first constructed.