Castore

Castore positions itself as a premium British alternative to the big activewear names, with a focus on technical fabrics and a tailored, refined finish. Fans rate the build quality and feel highly. The honest caveat is that you are partly paying for that premium positioning, so it appeals most if you want elevated, design-led gym and lifestyle kit rather than the cheapest option.

Its own-brand sportswear generally earns strong reviews, but Castore has faced real criticism over some of its football kits. Most notably, in 2023 Aston Villa players complained that the shirts soaked up sweat and took on a visible 'wet look', becoming heavy as matches went on. Villa ultimately ended the contract over it, so it is fair to say Castore's reputation on technical kit has been mixed.

Castore sits in the premium tier and is often framed as a more grown-up, tailored alternative to flashier gym labels. Its build quality and finishing are frequently praised, though some reviewers feel it reads more as a lifestyle brand styled as gymwear than something designed purely by and for hardcore lifters. If you like a sharp, understated look, that positioning is a plus.

Castore was founded in 2015 by brothers Thomas and Philip Beahon, who were 25 and 22 at the time. Tom had been a professional youth footballer with Tranmere Rovers and Phil played semi-professional cricket, so the company grew out of genuine sporting backgrounds. The brand launched online in 2016.

Castore is a British company, operating under the name J. Carter Sporting Club Limited and headquartered in Manchester, England. Its products are sold worldwide, and it has expanded steadily from an online-first start into a global sportswear name.

A turning point came in January 2019, when Castore signed British tennis champion Andy Murray, its first major sportsperson, who later became a shareholder. His line is branded AMC. From there the company moved aggressively into elite football, signing a five-year kit deal with Rangers in 2020 and going on to outfit clubs across Europe.

A lot, across many sports. In football it has supplied clubs including Newcastle United, Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton; in cricket it struck a major deal as the England and Wales Cricket Board's official kit supplier; and in motorsport it has partnered with F1 teams such as McLaren and Red Bull Racing. It also covers rugby, golf and snooker.

Yes, it has grown well beyond its activewear roots. The company has moved into team-kit manufacturing at scale and broadened its portfolio, and in August 2025 the heritage brand Belstaff was sold to Castore as part of a strategic investment by INEOS. So the business today is considerably wider than the gym gear it started with.

The two founders remain the largest individual shareholders, but Castore has attracted notable backers over the years. Its shareholder list has included figures such as Tom Singh, founder of New Look, and tennis player Andy Murray, alongside other investors from the fashion and sporting worlds. That mix has helped fund its rapid expansion into elite sport.

Yes. While the brand built its early reputation largely around men's performance wear, it has expanded into women's activewear and has worked with female athletes as ambassadors, including England rugby international Marlie Packer. So the range covers both men and women, with the same premium, technical-fabric emphasis.