Brand · Vancouver since 2007

Reigning Champ

The perfect hoodie, made in Canada — heavyweight fleece and quiet athleisure.

Reigning Champ
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A Canadian streetwear and athleisure brand founded in Vancouver in 2007 by Craig Atkinson, who also founded wings+horns, Reigning Champ built its name on the essentials done exceptionally well.

The brand focuses on caps, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, shorts and tank tops, working in cotton, heavyweight fleece and merino wool, and is sold at some 130 retailers worldwide. It has collaborated widely — with adidas on shoes and apparel, and with Asics Tiger, Converse, the NBA and Major League Soccer among others. In 2021 Reigning Champ was acquired by Canadian retailer Aritzia at a valuation of $63 million.

Reigning Champ shopping FAQ

Is Reigning Champ worth it?+

If you want premium everyday basics that last, Reigning Champ makes a strong case. The brand concentrates on a tight range of caps, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, shorts, and tank tops built from cotton, heavyweight fleece, and merino wool, so the focus is firmly on quality over breadth. The pieces are pricier than mainstream sweats, but their durability and clean, logo-light look make them a sensible buy for people who keep clothes for years.

Reigning Champ vs Lululemon, which should I buy?+

They serve slightly different needs. Reigning Champ is a Vancouver streetwear and athleisure brand centred on heavyweight fleece and minimalist, almost unbranded basics, where the appeal is fabric and construction. Lululemon leans more technical and performance-driven. If you want a heavyweight cotton hoodie or sweatpant with a timeless, understated look, Reigning Champ is the more natural fit.

What is Reigning Champ's signature fabric?+

The brand is best known for working in heavyweight fleece, alongside cotton and merino wool across its range. That dense, substantial fleece is a big part of why the hoodies and sweatpants feel premium and wear so well. If you are buying your first piece, the fleece pieces are the most representative of the brand.

Which Reigning Champ piece should I buy first?+

A heavyweight fleece hoodie or a pair of sweatpants is the classic starting point, since these showcase the fabric and minimalist design the brand is known for. They pair easily and read as elevated loungewear or casual streetwear. From there, the tees, caps, and shorts round out an easy, cohesive wardrobe.

Who founded Reigning Champ?+

Reigning Champ was founded in 2007 by Craig Atkinson, who also founded the menswear label wings+horns. The brand is based in Vancouver, Canada. That Canadian craft heritage is part of its core identity.

Where is Reigning Champ from?+

It is a Canadian streetwear and athleisure brand based in Vancouver, founded in 2007. The Canadian roots are central to how the brand presents itself, with an emphasis on careful construction. Today its products are sold at around 130 retailers worldwide.

Who owns Reigning Champ now?+

In 2021, Reigning Champ was acquired by the Canadian apparel retailer Aritzia, in a deal that valued the brand at roughly $63 million. It keeps Reigning Champ within Canadian ownership. The acquisition reflected the label's growth from a focused basics brand into a recognised name.

Why does Reigning Champ have so little visible branding?+

Minimalism is the whole point. The brand built its reputation on clean, understated basics where the fabric and fit do the work rather than a logo, which is part of why it draws comparisons to premium athleisure rather than loud streetwear. If you prefer pieces that look quietly expensive, that restraint is a feature, not a gap.

What collaborations is Reigning Champ known for?+

Reigning Champ has worked with adidas on shoes, shorts, track pants, sweatpants, knit bomber jackets, and hoodies. It has also collaborated with Asics Tiger and Converse, as well as the National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, and Everest. These partnerships have helped extend the brand beyond its core basics.

How should I care for my Reigning Champ fleece?+

Because the appeal lies in heavyweight fleece and natural fibres like cotton and merino, gentle care keeps pieces looking their best. Washing cold and avoiding high-heat drying helps the fabric keep its structure and softness over time. Treated well, these are the kind of basics meant to last for years rather than seasons.