The iconic Champion logo is a symbol that transcends sportswear and has become synonymous with athletic excellence and street style. It stands out as a highly recognisable symbol in the realm of athletic apparel. Originally established as the Knickerbocker Knitting Company, the brand swiftly transformed into a powerhouse in textiles and footwear. The emblem reflects an embrace of new technologies and contemporary design. Its iconic signs convey the efficacy of Champion’s clothing in providing warmth and safeguarding athletes from hypothermia.
The brand’s logos have undergone a notable transformation, and feature two drastically different designs. The early version was characterised by intricate lettering and complex graphics, essentially a detailed illustration. In contrast, the latter version simplifies the emblem to just the company’s name. It signifies a shift from a multi-structured form to a more concise and minimalist representation. The article delves into the history and evolution of the Champion logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Champion Logo (1919 – 1960)
The original logo featured the image of an athlete gliding over the finish line – all in white. There is also a white tape that stretches across the chest of the athlete with his arms raised. The sports track below is indicated by white line. The elements are set upon a rectangular black background for better contrast.
At the top of these elements was the red wordmark “Champion” where the letters “C” and “h” were combined at the top. To the right of the black rectangle were the wordmarks “Processed” and “Sportswear” featured in black and red uppercase sans-serif typeface, respectively.
(1960 – Present)
The latest logo was designed in the year 1960 and it featured the brand name in a bespoke cursive handwritten style with the distinct letter “C”. It looked like an oval with a wide black strip in the middle and a red core inside.
Elements of the Champion Logo
Font
The lettering outside the iconic “C” in wordmark “Champion” bears a resemblance to an existing font, such as Monoment. However, the actual Champion logo font is a bespoke typeface crafted exclusively for the athletic brand.
Colour
The iconic nature of the Champion logo has prompted the development of numerous iterations over the years. The athletic-wear company has introduced various colour schemes for its logo to complement diverse product collections. For instance, the widely recognised blue Champion logo, colloquially referred to as the “red Champion logo” due to its frequent appearance on a vibrant red background, is familiar to many.
Additionally, black and white versions of the Champion logo are utilised in different branding materials and specific products. However, the official Champion logo predominantly features a dark blue word mark on a white background. The central line within the distinctive “C” mirrors the blue of the wordmark, with a red fill on the left and white on the right.
Finally
The Champion logo and its iteration are evidence of its adaptability and lasting appeal. The logo has changed while remaining faithful to its origins, from its modest beginnings in the early 20th century to its current prominence as a worldwide streetwear symbol. It will be interesting to observe how the Champion logo develops going ahead and how sports, fashion, and culture converge in the years to come.