As a long-time fitness buff and sportswear enthusiast, I‘ve tested my share of athletic apparel from brands big and small. Russell Athletic has always caught my eye for their heritage as a quintessential maker of American sweats.
But in today‘s market flooded with high-tech workout gear, I had to find out if their old-school style could match the latest in performance.
After years of hands-on experience wearing Russell clothing through all kinds of sweaty adventures, I present my definitive verdict:
Overview – Russell Athletic‘s Enduring Legacy of Quality
Russell Athletic has suited up generations of athletes ever since their founding in 1902. Based in Alexander City, Alabama, founder Benjamin Russell started the company focusing on revolutionary moisture-wicking uniforms.
Over the 20th century, Russell became the country‘s largest sportswear manufacturer. To this day, their clothing graces the fields and courts of high school, college and pro sports teams nationwide.
While many heritage labels lose their relevance (I‘m looking at you, K-Swiss!), Russell has admirably kept up with the times. They‘ve translated over a century‘s worth of fabric innovations into casual clothes built to perform during any active lifestyle.
Now I‘ll share my hands-on experiences testing Russell‘s wears through all kinds of sweaty workouts and adventures. Grab a Gatorade and read on!
Trying Russell Tops for High-Intensity Training
I first took Russell clothing for a spin during a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class. These brutal workouts involve alternating intense bursts of cardio with short rest periods.
My usual choice for HIIT classes has been speciality performance brands like Lululemon or Under Armour. Though thepremium price tags often make me hesitate to really push my gear to the limits.
That‘s why I took a chance on the Russell Athletic Women‘s Cotton Performance long sleeve tee. And let me tell you – this $16 shirt held up like an absolute champ!
The midweight cotton-poly blend wicked moisture rapidly as I sprinted and burpeed across the room. Unlike cheaper cotton tees, it didn‘t soak and chafe during intense exercise.
I also loved the slim athletic cut that allowed me to move freely while layering cleanly under my jacket. No awkward bunching up like I‘ve experienced with looser athletic brands like Champion.
At the end of the draining workout, the Russell tee remained light and dry despite my best efforts to drench it. And not a hint of stink either thanks to the anti-odor tech infused into the fabric.
For HIIT and high-cardio activities, I can safely vouch for Russell performance tees to keep up with the toughest workouts!
How Russell Stacks Up to Other Workout Brands
Based on my experience testing workout tops across brands, here is how Russell compares:
- Moisture-wicking: On par with Under Armour, slightly ahead of Champion
- Odor resistance: Beats typical cotton but not as advanced as Lululemon‘s Silverescent tech
- Shape retention: Better than cheaper Hanes and Gildan activewear
- Affordability: Far cheaper than big brands for equivalent if not better performance!
Lounging and Layering with Russell Fleece
Next I wanted to test Russell‘s reputation for ultra-soft fleece comfort. As temperatures began dropping this fall, I started rocking their Men‘s Dri-Power pullover hoodie non-stop.
The plush cotton-poly fleece felt divine during chilly morning dog walks and weekends running errands. Unlike most sub-$30 hoodies that are thin, scratchy and pill easily.
I especially appreciated the roomy profile that layers perfectly over a flannel or denim jacket when the mercury really plummets. The ribbed cuffs also lock in warmth even through harsh New England winds.
After countless wears and washes, my Russell hoodie remains as soft as the first day I got it. Now it‘s my trusted weekend companion for adventures big and small!
Putting Russell Sweats to the Test
As an all-season active outdoorsman, I rely on durable sweatpants I can move freely in. So when winter rolled around again, I copped Russell‘s famed Dri-Power closed bottom sweats.
The brushed cotton fleece interior pampered my legs during long hours working outdoors and shoveling snow. While the tapered legs allowed just enough range of motion for some backyard calisthenics.
I did find the sizing a little large though. I‘d recommend ordering at least one size down from usual if you prefer a more tailored fit. But for lounging, their signature roomy cut can‘t be beat!
After repeat wears and washes throughout winter‘s worst weather beating down on it, my Russell sweats emerged unscathed. As expected for such a storied sweatpants label!
For unrivaled winter comfort that holds up to the elements, Russell Athletic remains a tried-and-true choice. These sweats embody that perfect broken-in feel few other brands can match even when brand new!
Russell Athletic – Quality That Lasts…Or Your Money Back!
Between the performance tee that slayed HIIT class, fleece hoodie that survived bitter cold and durable sweats that braved winter storms – consider me a Russell convert for life!
Beyond living up to their century-long reputation, I feel good giving my business to a brand that still proudly manufactures right here in the USA. Take that, fast fashion crop!
So if you‘re hunting for casual activewear and sweat gear guaranteed to last more than a few wears without falling apart or fraying, Russell has you covered.
In fact, I bet my own Russell pieces will easily outlast me! And at their affordable pricing, you almost can‘t go wrong trying them out.
But in the rare case their clothes disappoint, Russell offers a 30 day return policy to get your money back. So why not give their Iconic sweats and performance tops a test run this season?
Let me know if you have any other questions about Russell Athletic gear! Whether you‘re curious about sizing, materials, personal recommendations or anything else – drop a comment and I‘ll help you out.
Stay sweaty out there!
Tom
