Champion's Craftsmanship Revives the 1950s 'After-Hooded Sweatshirt' for the Modern Era

Champion's story begins back in 1919. The brand has introduced numerous innovative athletic wear items to the world, including its iconic 'Reverse Weave' sweatshirt, which uses horizontally-oriented fabric to reduce shrinkage.

In 2019, to celebrate its 100th anniversary, Champion launched the 'TRUE TO ARCHIVES' collection. As the name suggests, it's a 'complete reproduction line' that faithfully recreates pieces from the brand's rich historical archives.

Now, from the 'TRUE TO ARCHIVES' collection, comes an 'After-Hooded Sweatshirt' so masterfully crafted it looks like a genuine vintage find from every angle. We talked to Champion's PR team to get the inside scoop on this masterpiece, a true embodiment of the brand's enduring craftsmanship.

The Double-Layered Fabric That Inspired the Product Name

When you hear 'After-Hooded Sweatshirt,' can you picture it? It's a hoodie where the hood isn't integrated into the body but is sewn on afterwards. This design is said to have originated in the 1950s. Originals from that era are extremely rare, making them highly sought-after items among vintage clothing fans.

Naturally, the 'After-Hooded Sweatshirt' exists in Champion's archives. In fact, a model is already available in the 'TRUE TO ARCHIVES' line. The product is named the 'Double Thickness Pullover After-Hooded Sweatshirt,' with the model number 'C3-C108.' It comes in two colors, navy and silver gray, each featuring text printed on the back.

The new 'After-Hooded Sweatshirt' we're introducing today shares the same product name as the C3-C108 but features a new processed finish.

The model number for this new version is 'C3-C109,' offering a different look from the 'C3-C108.'

'This is a reproduction of an item sold as part of our athletic line in the mid-1950s. The double-layered, brushed-back material adds bulk and provides excellent insulation for the colder seasons.'

Let's dive a little deeper into this double-layered structure. Two pieces of brushed-back sweatshirt fabric are used, with their brushed sides facing each other. This creates a layer of dead air between the fabrics, significantly boosting its insulating properties.

With this double-layering, the smooth, non-brushed side of the fabric faces outward on both sides. In the vintage world, this is known as 'double face' and is a highly prized feature. It's a fabric construction often seen in sweatshirts and hoodies from older eras.

In Champion's past catalogs, this fabric was described as 'DOUBLE THICKNESS.' And yes, that's exactly where the 'Double Thickness...' in the product name comes from.

While we've focused on the structure, the plump fabric itself has a unique texture, and its manufacturing process is a testament to extraordinary dedication.

'From spinning the yarn, knitting, dyeing, and sewing to the secondary finishing, every step of the process is done in Japan. We use vintage-style sinker knitting machines to knit the fabric slowly. This low-tension process creates a remarkably soft and lofty finish.'

Incidentally, these knitting machines are from the same era as the original product—the 1950s.

Faithfully Reproduced Down to the Last Detail

'The origin of this item was a crewneck sweatshirt to which a hood was later attached for extra warmth. The hood is sandwiched and sewn between the neck rib and the main body fabric.'

This construction is the very essence of the 'After-Hooded Sweatshirt.' The folded rib combined with the double-face fabric of the body and hood means a total of six layers of fabric overlap, which the team says was incredibly challenging to sew.

Let's zoom in on the details. A different fabric is used for the neck ribbing, and the cuffs and hem feature tubular ribbing. This makes it feel soft against the skin for ultimate comfort.

The biggest difference from the "C3-C108" is the special processing used to create a vintage look. The bold lettering is a key design element.

"In the final production stage, each piece is hand-processed to replicate the authentic look and feel of a well-worn garment. This means every single item is unique, with subtle variations in its appearance.

The stencil-style lettering on the front is a nod to the original design. Unlike a penetrating print, where ink soaks directly into the fabric, we opted for a stencil print this time. This creates a slightly coarse yet appealing texture on the surface. This method preserves the fabric's original feel, allowing you to enjoy how it naturally ages and breaks in over time."

Another detail true to the original specifications is the absence of Champion's iconic "C logo" patch on the left sleeve. Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail—from the fabric, stitching, and design to the printing and processing—to perfectly resurrect the 1950s "After-Hooded Sweatshirt" for the modern era.

Craftsmanship Passed Down for Over 100 Years

This "After-Hooded Sweatshirt" unearthed from the archives—the original "C3-C109"—was sold in the mid-1950s. It was a time of great change in America, fueled by post-World War II economic growth and the rise of mass media.

"While we don't know the exact details of the athletic wear industry back then, we believe the market was booming. Champion mainly sold college wear—athletic apparel for sports like American football, basketball, and track and field."

The penetrating print of "FOOTBALL" likely refers to American football, and "96" was probably a player's number. It's not clear if it was for a college, high school, or a local club team. However, it's almost certain that it was used as training wear for American football.

"We're confident this piece will more than satisfy not only those who have already purchased from the 'TRUE TO ARCHIVES' line but also those who are experts on vintage Champion.

Of course, we also hope that customers who have never heard of an 'after-hooded sweatshirt' will give it a try. We hope that through this 'C3-C109,' you can experience the craftsmanship that Champion has cultivated over its 100-plus-year history."

As mentioned at the start, Champion has a remarkably long history and a vast archive of heritage pieces. The "TRUE TO ARCHIVES" collection is the result of unearthing masterpieces from these archives and reviving them with the best of modern technology.

While this latest "After-Hooded Sweatshirt" is certainly worth your attention, it's also exciting to keep a close watch on what the collection will bring next.