Plenty of sweatshirts look alike on a hanger. Wash them a dozen times and the differences show up fast. Champion's Reverse Weave was designed around exactly that problem, and the fix it uses is simple enough to explain in one sentence: the fabric is turned sideways before it is cut.
Here is what Reverse Weave is, why it holds its shape, how the crewneck and hoodie compare and where to buy one.
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What it is
Reverse Weave is Champion's heavyweight fleece line, which the company calls its original, iconic fleece. Champion's own page says the idea was developed in the early 1930s and calls Reverse Weave a Champion icon since 1938. Champion tells the origin story this way: coaches were worried about athletic wear shrinking in the wash, so the company set out to develop a heavyweight, shrink-resistant garment for them. The answer was to rotate the fabric 90 degrees and cut it on the cross grain.
Why it holds its shape
Champion says that by cutting Reverse Weave on the cross grain, the garment resists vertical shrinkage, which is why it keeps its fit no matter how many times you wash it. That is the whole idea behind the name. According to Champion, the approach quickly became popular among athletes and eventually found its way into mainstream fashion.
The other signature detail is on the sides. Champion adds ribbed side panels that it says bring stretch and mobility, so the heavyweight fabric does not feel stiff when you move. Look for them under the arms and down the body. They are one of the easiest ways to spot a Reverse Weave piece.
Built to last
Champion describes durability as the hallmark of Reverse Weave. The garments are made with heavyweight cotton and, according to the company, are designed to withstand regular wear and tear without losing their shape. The side panels give the flexibility and full range of motion that make the pieces work for lounging and for light physical activity alike, and the classic cut and minimalist design keep them from looking dated.
The crewneck
The Reverse Weave Crewneck Sweatshirt is the purest version of the idea. Champion describes it as heavyweight fleece with a brushed interior that makes it soft and warm, cut on the cross grain to reduce lengthwise shrinkage. It has a loose fit, the signature ribbed side paneling, double-needle stitching and sturdy ribbing at the cuffs and hem. The embroidered C logo patch sits on the chest and on the wrist.
The hoodie
The Reverse Weave Hoodie Sweatshirt uses the same cross-grain heavyweight fleece. Champion lists a loose fit, drop shoulders and ribbed trims for a relaxed drape, plus a kangaroo pocket and an adjustable drawcord hood. It also has the embroidered C patch and a V-notch at the neck. Champion goes as far as claiming it invented the hoodie, and the Reverse Weave version is the one the company holds up as its standard.
Crewneck vs hoodie
- Get the crewneck if you want a cleaner layer that sits well under a jacket or over a collared shirt. It is the more versatile of the two for everyday wear.
- Get the hoodie if you want warmth around the neck, a pocket for your hands and a piece that works on its own in cool weather.
The sweatpants
Champion also makes Reverse Weave sweatpants, so you can build a matching set. The company describes them as roomy, with an elastic waistband and adjustable drawcord, a soft brushed interior, heavyweight fleece and double stitching. They have two side pockets and one rear pocket, elastic cuffs and the C logo at the hip. Champion calls them a staple of its line for years.
How to wear it
Champion's own advice is simple: pair a Reverse Weave sweatshirt with jeans or sweatpants, add sneakers and a cap, and as the weather cools, layer it under a jacket or over a turtleneck. A heather gray Reverse Weave crewneck is about as close to a uniform as casual clothing gets. Wear it with straight-leg jeans like the ones in our Levi's 501 guide and a pair of classic sneakers from our New Balance 990 explainer or our adidas Samba guide. Under a work jacket from the brands in our Carhartt vs Carhartt WIP explainer, it becomes a cold-weather staple.
Buying tips
Champion sells many fleece lines, so check that the product name says Reverse Weave if that is the version you want. Champion also sells a separate fleece line called Powerblend, so read the name before you add one to your cart. Champion describes the Reverse Weave crewneck, hoodie and sweatpants as loose fitting, and the company publishes size guides on its site, so check them before you order. Champion says the collection comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. Champion's Reverse Weave collection page lists the current colors and styles.
Where to buy
Reverse Weave at Champion
Champion Reverse Weave crewneck sweatshirt
Champion Reverse Weave pullover hoodie
More wardrobe staples live in our sneakers and style hub.
