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Loud, fun, exaggerated graphics that stood above the rest — Salem Sportswear, in my opinion, made the greatest licensed sports merchandise to this day, and I don’t think that will ever change.

Born in the 80s in New Hampshire at a small print house (a backyard) quickly exploded into a multi million dollar brand, and for good reason. Their graphics were unlike anyone else, they turned iconic athletes into playful caricatures, experimented with all over print collage style layouts, and used different iconography to honor various teams and players with a print quality that was unmatched. No one could touch them.

Sadly, Salem Sportswear was acquired by Fruit of the Loom in 1993 and integrated into their sports branch “Pro Player Apparel” I’d like to argue that it was chewed up and swallowed by Fruit of the Loom. Evaporated. Never to be seen again.

Salem Sportswear changed the landscape of, not only sportswear, but streetwear and graphic based goods altogether. Who knows where Salem would be today if they hadn’t sold.